Kitami Mountains
Mountains Volcanic mountain range in northeastern Hokkaido
A range in northeastern Hokkaido with rolling peaks and forested valleys; the Kitami Mountains offer hikers rural landscapes and access to surrounding agricultural and forestry communities.
How to Get to Kitami Mountains #
The Kitami Mountains are reached from the city of Kitami in northeastern Hokkaido. The usual way is to drive from Kitami along local and prefectural roads toward the chosen trailhead; driving times to mountain trailheads typically range from about 20 minutes to an hour depending on the exact location. Kitami is served by road links (including Route 39 through the city) and local buses, but access into the higher mountain areas is generally by private car or guided vehicle and then on foot along marked trails.
Tips for Visiting Kitami Mountains #
- For autumn colors, plan visits in late September through October when alpine and subalpine slopes offer the best foliage; check local trail conditions at Kitami or Engaru visitor centres before heading out.
- Use local tourist information in Kitami for up-to-date maps and lesser-known trailheads-many visitors stick to the main ridgelines and miss quieter valley routes and viewpoints that require short road approaches.
Best Time to Visit Kitami Mountains #
For hiking and easiest access, visit the Kitami Mountains in summer (June-September); winter brings heavy snow and cold temperatures.
Weather & Climate near Kitami Mountains #
Kitami Mountains's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -14°C to 22°C. Abundant rainfall (1104 mm/year), wettest in August.
January
January is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the coldest month with highs of -6°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is the warmest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (146 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (143 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -9°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and mostly overcast skies.