What's the best clothing for summer camping in Hokkaido?! The optimal solution based on temperature

 

Table of Contents

• Characteristics of Summer in Hokkaido
• Recommended Clothing for Summer Camping in Hokkaido
• Tips for Clothing and Items to Make Your Hokkaido Summer Camping Trip Comfortable
• Summary

Characteristics of Summer in Hokkaido

Many people probably think that summer in Hokkaido is cooler than in Honshu.

Because of its higher latitude and different climate, it's easy to imagine that temperatures would be low, but in reality, it's not necessarily cool enough to be called low temperature.

Due to the effects of global warming and the heat island phenomenon, some areas are experiencing hot weather.

Hokkaido has a vast area, so a significant temperature difference between regions is also a characteristic.

There are regional divisions such as Dohoku, Doou, Doto, and Donan, and the summer climate varies in each region.

For example, in Sapporo City in Doou, the average temperature in July is around 22℃, but in Wakkanai City in Dohoku, it is around 19℃, which is slightly lower.

Furthermore, it is important to remember that Hokkaido summers have large diurnal temperature variations.

While temperatures rise during the day, they drop at night, and it can sometimes feel chilly.

Especially in mountainous areas and campgrounds, the day-night temperature difference becomes even more pronounced.

It is important to choose your clothing with an understanding of these characteristics.

Prepare to be flexible and adapt to the region and time of day.

Summer Temperatures in Hokkaido

Summer temperatures in Hokkaido have been rising considerably during the day.

Regarding Hokkaido's temperatures since 2020, taking Ishikari in Sapporo as an example, they are as follows:

Year	Average Temperature		Highest Temperature		Lowest Temperature
	July	August	July	August	July	August
2020	21.2℃	23.3℃	25.7℃	28.1℃	18.2℃	19.6℃
2021	23.9℃	22.9℃	29.0℃	27.2℃	20.2℃	19.6℃
2022	23.1℃	22.7℃	27.3℃	26.8℃	20.0℃	19.5℃
2023	23.8℃	26.7℃	27.8℃	30.9℃	20.7℃	23.7℃

 

The data shows that there are temperature differences between July and August depending on the year.

On average, the maximum temperature rises to nearly 30℃, and the minimum temperature drops to around 20℃.

Since these are average values, on some days the maximum temperature may exceed 30℃, and on other days the minimum temperature may fall below 20℃.

In mountainous areas and campgrounds, the day-night temperature difference is even more pronounced, so caution is needed.

To cope with such temperature changes, it is important to prepare clothing that can handle both heat and cold.

For daytime heat, it is good to choose breathable short-sleeved shirts or quick-drying wear.

On the other hand, to prepare for the cold at night, have long-sleeved shirts, fleece, jackets, or other outerwear ready.

Also, rainwear and highly windproof outerwear are reassuring to have to cope flexibly with changes in weather.

When choosing clothes for summer camping in Hokkaido, keep in mind the changes in temperature and weather to ensure a comfortable stay.

Hokkaido has no rainy season, but Ezo Tsuyu

Summer in Hokkaido has a special type of weather called Ezo Tsuyu (Ezo rainy season).

In early summer in Honshu, the rainy season arrives, and it typically rains gently every day.

However, Hokkaido does not have a rainy season. The reason is that the seasonal rain front does not extend to Hokkaido.

In Hokkaido, rain often falls mainly on the Pacific side, and there is a period of about two weeks when the weather is unsettled.

This phenomenon can be said to be a unique meteorological condition of Hokkaido.

During the Ezo Tsuyu period, humidity tends to rise, causing a muggy and uncomfortable feeling.

When you go camping during this time, be sure to take measures against humidity as well as rain.

By choosing quick-drying and breathable wear, you can prevent stuffiness and maintain comfort. 

Recommended Clothing for Summer Camping in Hokkaido

To enjoy summer camping in Hokkaido comfortably, it's important to prepare for both heat and cold.

Here, we introduce recommended clothing to have for summer camping in Hokkaido.

Moisture-wicking, quick-drying shirts

Summer in Hokkaido has days when temperatures exceed 30℃, so it's generally considered hot.

Moisture-wicking, quick-drying shirts are recommended for daytime wear.

During camping, you are likely to be active and sweat a lot, but shirts made of moisture-wicking and quick-drying material absorb and dissipate sweat quickly, keeping you comfortable.

On days when the sun is not too strong, a short-sleeved shirt should be sufficient.

However, choosing a long-sleeved shirt is also a good idea for sun protection.

Long pants

Summer in Hokkaido has a lower maximum temperature compared to inland Honshu, so you can spend your time comfortably even in long pants.

Also, in the natural environment of campgrounds, there are plants that can cause rashes if they touch your skin, and insects like mosquitoes and horseflies, so long pants that minimize skin exposure are practical.

In particular, jeans are durable and made of a material that doesn't let wind through, making them a good choice for keeping warm during cool nights.

Furthermore, they offer a sense of security because they are less likely to catch fire if embers fly.

Cargo pants with many pockets are also convenient for storing small items and allow for easy movement.

Hat

A hat is an essential item for summer camping.

Even in Hokkaido, the summer sun can be strong during the day, so wear a hat to prevent heatstroke.

Choose your preferred style, such as a hat or a cap.

Hats made of breathable mesh material or with sweat-absorbing inner bands are also recommended.

Shoes or Boots

While sandals may be fine depending on the ground conditions at the campsite, in natural campgrounds with rich vegetation, there is a risk of insect bites, rashes from grass, and injuries, so it is wise to wear shoes or boots.

Choose footwear that can properly protect your feet, except in safe areas such as inside a tent.

Trekking boots will support your outdoor activities.

Tights

To prepare for the drop in temperature after evening, wearing tights under your pants is effective.

If you choose a type that isn't too tight, you can wear them comfortably even when sleeping.

Tights made of moisture-absorbing, heat-generating material will further enhance warmth.

Light Jacket

To cope with the cold at night, it's reassuring to have a light jacket such as fleece or a nylon jumper.

Unlike a blanket, a jacket is convenient because you can wear it while moving around.

Nylon material is less flammable, making it suitable for bonfires at night.

However, be aware that synthetic fiber jackets may melt if sparks fly onto them.

Rainwear

During the Ezo Tsuyu period, it can rain for several consecutive days, so rainwear is an essential item.

A sturdy, thick rainwear can also double as warm clothing.

On days with unstable weather, having rainwear with you means you won't be flustered by sudden rain.

Tips for Clothing and Items to Make Your Hokkaido Summer Camping Trip Comfortable

Summer camping in Hokkaido can be very comfortable if you prepare thoroughly.

Here are some points related to clothing for summer camping in Hokkaido that you should keep in mind.

Layering to handle temperature fluctuations

Because of the large temperature fluctuations in Hokkaido summers, it's crucial to choose your clothing with layering in mind.

Layering is a method of wearing multiple layers of clothing to regulate body temperature.

Ideally, it consists of three layers: underwear that touches the skin (base layer), an insulating mid-layer, and a windproof and waterproof outer layer.

For the base layer, choose highly moisture-wicking and quick-drying materials.

This will allow sweat to dry quickly, preventing stickiness on the skin.

For the mid-layer, highly insulating materials such as fleece or wool are recommended.

By layering when the temperature drops, you can retain body heat and stay warm.

For the outer layer, it's good to choose a windproof and waterproof jacket.

The key to layering is to choose clothing that is easy to put on and take off as the temperature changes.

Items with many zippers or buttons make it easier to adjust your temperature.

Also, if you don't have space to bring many clothes, choosing high-performance items that can adapt to various temperatures with just one piece is an option.

For example, a hybrid long-sleeved shirt that combines quick-drying and insulating properties can handle a wide range of temperature changes with just one item.

During summer camping in Hokkaido, the weather can be unstable, with hot sunny days, or sudden drops in temperature due to rain.

By utilizing layering, prepare clothing that can flexibly adapt to any changes in weather.

Thorough sweat management

Summer in Hokkaido can be muggy, and you might sweat a lot even with a little movement.

If you wear sweat-soaked clothes when the temperature drops at night, your body temperature will be lost, increasing the risk of getting sick.

The greater the difference from the daytime heat, the higher the danger.

Also, a large amount of sweat can cause unpleasant odors, and consideration for others is also necessary.

To manage sweat, choosing clothes made of highly moisture-wicking and quick-drying materials is effective.

By quickly absorbing and drying sweat, it prevents stickiness and coldness.

Also, prepare several changes of clothes so that you can change out of sweat-soaked clothes promptly.

Check the weather forecast

For summer camping in Hokkaido, check the weather forecast to plan your clothing.

Checking the weather forecast for the days before and after your planned camping trip allows you to understand the expected temperature range and the possibility of bad weather such as rain.

Especially during periods of unstable climate, both extremes of heat and cold are expected.

In such situations, you will need to prepare clothing that can handle a wide range of temperature changes.

Even if it's warm enough for a short-sleeved shirt during the day, you might need a long-sleeved shirt or jacket at night.

It's good to prepare adjustable clothing with layering in mind.

If there's a possibility of rain, rainwear and highly water-repellent outerwear are essential.

To prepare for sudden weather changes, it's recommended to always keep rain gear within reach.

Summary

For summer camping in Hokkaido, it is important to prepare clothing that can handle both heat and cold.

On hot summer days, temperatures can exceed 30℃, so prepare clothes that are fine even if you sweat a lot during the day.

At night, temperatures can drop below 20℃, so you won't be able to sleep comfortably in short sleeves and shorts.

Prepare outerwear and other items to ensure a comfortable night's sleep.