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.

Main image
Mt.Utsudake.jpg
Kitami Mountains
44.3667, 142.7167

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.

Summer (best time)
June-September · 10-25°C
Mild temperatures and snow‑free trails make this the best season for hiking and exploring the Kitami Mountains.
Autumn and spring
May, October · 0-15°C
Cooler conditions with increasingly unstable weather; autumn offers fall colors but shoulder-season snow is possible at higher elevations.
Winter
November-April · −10 to 0°C
Heavy snowfall and cold conditions - excellent for winter sports in some areas but routes may be snowbound and require winter gear.

Weather & Climate near Kitami Mountains #

Climate

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.

Best Time to Visit
AugustJuneJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
33°
Warmest Month
-23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

29 Poor

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-14° -6°
98%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.1h daylight

February

February is the coldest month with highs of -6°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

31 Poor

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-14° -6°
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

50 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
10.3h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

33 Poor

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-10° -1°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Low
11.8h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

65 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
13.3h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
14.6h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

62 Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
15.3h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

62 Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
13° 20°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

104 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
15.0h daylight

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.

68 Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
14° 22°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

146 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
13.8h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (143 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

143 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
12.4h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

121 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
10.8h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

38 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Freezing
C
Temperature
-4°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

106 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.5h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -9°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

31 Poor

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-9° -3°
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.7h daylight

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