Tomakomai Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Japan

Summer in Tomakomai

Tomakomai experiences warm and humid summers with average temperatures ranging from 17°C to 25°C (63°F to 77°F). July and August are the warmest months, with temperatures often reaching into the low 30s (°C). Precipitation is common during the summer months, with frequent showers and occasional thunderstorms. Humidity levels are also high, making it feel even more uncomfortable. Despite the humidity, Tomakomai’s summers offer plenty of sunshine, ideal for outdoor activities.

Winter in Tomakomai

Winters in Tomakomai are cold and snowy, with average temperatures ranging from -3°C to 3°C (27°F to 37°F). January is the coldest month, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Heavy snowfall is common throughout the winter months, with the city experiencing an average of 100 centimeters (40 inches) of snow per year. Winds can be strong and icy during the winter, making the cold weather even more biting. Despite the harsh conditions, Tomakomai’s winters provide a picturesque snowy landscape and numerous opportunities for winter sports.

Winter and Spring Climate

Tomakomai, positioned in the northern region of Japan, experiences frigid and snowy winters, with the average temperature dipping below freezing during the months of December through February. January, the coldest month, records an average temperature of -4.3°C (24.3°F). As winter’s grip loosens, spring gradually emerges, bringing a welcome respite from the relentless cold. March witnesses a slight climb in the average temperature to -1.2°C (29.8°F), while April warms further to an average of 5.2°C (41.4°F). Snowfall becomes less frequent, and the landscape begins to shed its wintery cloak.

Summer and Autumn Climate

Summer in Tomakomai is a season characterized by warmth and humidity. July and August, the warmest months, boast average temperatures of 21.7°C (71.1°F) and 21.6°C (70.9°F), respectively. The humidity levels can be quite high, making the summer months feel even warmer. As autumn approaches, the temperatures gradually decline. September maintains a pleasant average temperature of 17.2°C (63°F), while October averages at 11.1°C (52°F). The autumn foliage bursts forth in vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow, adding a touch of beauty to the cooler season.

Prevalence of Cloud Types

Tomakomai, located in southwestern Hokkaido, Japan, experiences a diverse array of cloud formations throughout the year. Cumulus clouds, with their cotton-like appearance, are prevalent in summer, casting distinctive shadows on the city’s surroundings. Cirrus clouds, characterized by their delicate, wispy structure, are often visible in winter, adding a touch of ethereal beauty to the cityscape. Additionally, stratus clouds, which form a uniform, gray layer, are common during periods of precipitation.

Role in Precipitation and Visibility

The clouds in Tomakomai play a significant role in the city’s weather patterns. Stratus clouds frequently bring light rain or snow, while thicker cumulus clouds can produce heavy showers or thunderstorms. Cumulus clouds also contribute to the formation of fog, which can drastically reduce visibility and impact transportation. In contrast, cirrus clouds are primarily associated with fair weather and do not typically lead to precipitation. However, their presence can indicate an approaching weather front.

Annual Precipitation

Tomakomai, Japan, experiences a significant amount of precipitation throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of approximately 1,000 millimeters (39.4 inches). The city receives precipitation in all seasons, but the amount varies significantly depending on the time of year. During the winter months, precipitation tends to be in the form of snow, while in the summer months, it is typically rain.

Seasonal Distribution

The seasonal distribution of precipitation in Tomakomai is influenced by the East Asian Monsoon. During the summer months (June-August), the monsoon brings warm, humid air from the south, resulting in increased rainfall. This period accounts for approximately half of the annual precipitation. In contrast, the winter months (December-February) are characterized by cold, dry weather, with snowfall being the dominant form of precipitation.

Meteorological Factors

The precipitation patterns in Tomakomai are also influenced by meteorological factors such as orographic lifting. The city is located on the eastern coast of Hokkaido, surrounded by mountains to the west. As moist air from the Sea of Japan approaches these mountains, it is forced to rise, causing the air to cool and condense, resulting in increased precipitation on the windward side of the mountains. This effect contributes to the relatively high precipitation in Tomakomai compared to other regions of Hokkaido.

Precipitation Patterns

Tomakomai, Japan, experiences a temperate oceanic climate with distinct seasonal variations in rainfall. The wettest months occur during the summer, from June to August, when the influence of moist monsoon winds from the Pacific Ocean brings abundant precipitation. During these months, average rainfall totals exceed 100 millimeters (4 inches) per month. In contrast, the driest months are November and December, with average rainfall dropping to around 40 millimeters (1.6 inches) per month.

Annual Precipitation

Tomakomai’s annual precipitation is relatively high, with an average of approximately 1,200 millimeters (47 inches) per year. This is significantly higher than the average annual precipitation in many other parts of the world. The abundant rainfall in Tomakomai is a contributing factor to the city’s lush vegetation and verdant surroundings. Additionally, the city’s location near the ocean moderates temperatures, preventing extreme rainfall events such as droughts or floods.

Historical Snowfall Trends

Tomakomai, Japan, experiences significant snowfall during winter months, with annual accumulations typically exceeding 3 meters (10 feet). The heaviest snowfalls occur in January and February, when cold air from Siberia descends upon the region. Over the past few decades, snowfall patterns in Tomakomai have remained relatively consistent, with no major long-term trends observed. However, extreme snowfall events have become more frequent in recent years, likely due to climate change impacting weather patterns.

Impacts and Mitigation Measures

Heavy snowfall in Tomakomai can pose challenges for residents and infrastructure. Snow accumulation can disrupt transportation, cause power outages, and damage buildings. The city implements various snow removal and mitigation measures to minimize these impacts. These include the use of snowplows and salt trucks to clear roads and sidewalks, as well as snow removal from roofs and other structures. Residents are encouraged to clear snow from their own properties and adhere to snow removal regulations to ensure public safety. Despite these efforts, heavy snowfall can still cause significant disruptions, especially during major storms.

Sunrise and Sunset Times

The sunrise and sunset times in Tomakomai, Japan vary throughout the year due to the Earth’s tilt and its orbit around the sun. During the summer months, the sun rises earlier and sets later, resulting in longer days. Conversely, in the winter months, the sun rises later and sets earlier, leading to shorter days.

For instance, during the summer solstice around June 21st, the sun rises around 4:00 AM and sets around 7:30 PM, providing approximately 15.5 hours of daylight. In contrast, during the winter solstice around December 21st, the sun rises around 7:00 AM and sets around 4:30 PM, resulting in approximately 9.5 hours of daylight. These timings serve as rough estimates, as the exact sunrise and sunset times can vary slightly depending on the specific location within Tomakomai.

Weather Conditions

Tomakomai’s weather is influenced by its location along the Sea of Japan coast, which exposes it to frequent precipitation and relatively mild temperatures throughout the year. During the summer months, the city experiences warm and humid conditions, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F). However, the humidity can make it feel even warmer at times. The summer months also bring occasional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.

In contrast, during the winter months, Tomakomai experiences cold and snowy conditions, with average temperatures ranging from -1°C to 5°C (30°F to 41°F). Snowfall is common during this time of year, and the city can receive significant amounts of snow accumulation. The combination of cold temperatures and snowfall can create icy conditions, so it’s important to exercise caution when venturing outdoors during the winter months.

Moonrise and Moonset Times in Tomakomai, Japan

The daily moonrise and moonset times in Tomakomai, Japan, vary throughout the month and the year. For example, on January 1, 2023, the moonrise was at 5:28 AM and the moonset was at 4:31 PM. On the other hand, on June 30, 2023, the moonrise was at 8:22 PM and the moonset was at 6:07 AM the following day. The exact times of moonrise and moonset change every day, and can be found using a variety of online resources, such as timeanddate.com.

Moon Phases in Tomakomai, Japan

The moon goes through a series of phases throughout the month. The moon phases are determined by the position of the moon relative to the sun and Earth. The main moon phases are: new moon, waxing crescent moon, first quarter moon, waxing gibbous moon, full moon, waning gibbous moon, third quarter moon, and waning crescent moon. The moon phase changes about every 2-3 days. On January 1, 2023, the moon was in its new moon phase in Tomakomai, Japan. On June 30, 2023, the moon was in its full moon phase.

Annual Humidity Patterns

Tomakomai, Japan, experiences significant variation in humidity levels throughout the year. The city’s humid subtropical climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and cold, relatively dry winters. In the warmest months of July and August, average relative humidity levels range from 80% to 95%. These high humidity levels contribute to the uncomfortable feeling of heat during the summer. Notably, the city also experiences a relatively long rainy season from mid-June to mid-July, which further increases humidity.

Seasonal Variations

During the spring months of April and May, humidity levels gradually increase as temperatures rise and precipitation becomes more frequent. In June and July, humidity peaks as the city experiences warm and humid summer air. In contrast, the winter months of December, January, and February bring lower humidity levels, ranging from 60% to 75%. This is due to the cold temperatures and reduced precipitation during this time. It’s important to note that Tomakomai’s proximity to the sea, which doesn’t freeze during winter, contributes to maintaining slightly higher humidity levels compared to the colder inland regions of Hokkaido, the island where Tomakomai is located.

Wind Patterns and Characteristics

Tomakomai, located on the southern coast of Hokkaido, Japan, experiences distinct wind patterns influenced by its coastal and topographic features. The prevailing wind direction is from the north and northwest, particularly during the winter months. These winds are often strong and gusty, bringing cold air from the Sea of Japan. During the summer, the wind direction shifts to the southwest, becoming more moderate and bringing warm, humid air from the Pacific Ocean.

The city’s proximity to the ocean also plays a significant role in shaping its wind dynamics. The presence of the Hidaka Mountains to the south creates a channeling effect, funneling winds through Tomakomai’s narrow coastal plain. This effect can amplify wind speeds and make the city prone to strong gusts, especially during storms. The city’s wind patterns are further influenced by local factors such as the shape of the coastline, the presence of hills, and the urban landscape, which can create localized variations in wind speed and direction.

Spring (April-May):

Spring in Tomakomai presents an enchanting tapestry of vibrant colors and rejuvenating nature. As the city awakens from its winter slumber, the cherry blossoms burst into full bloom, painting the parks and streets in shades of soft pink. The weather during this season is generally mild, with comfortable temperatures and gentle breezes. This pleasant climate makes it ideal for leisurely walks, picnics in the greenery, and exploring the city’s many attractions.

Summer (June-August):

Summer in Tomakomai is characterized by warm and humid weather, with temperatures reaching their peak in July and August. While the heat can be intense at times, the city’s proximity to the sea offers a refreshing respite. Tomakomai Port becomes a hub of activity, with people enjoying boat tours, fishing, and other water sports. The summer months also coincide with several festivals and events, such as the Tomakomai Port Festival and the Tomakomai Beer Festival, which add a lively and festive atmosphere to the city.

Potential for Solar Energy Utilization

Tomakomai is a city in Japan with significant potential for solar energy utilization. The city receives an average of 4.5 peak sun hours per day, making it a good location for the installation of solar panels. Additionally, Tomakomai has a large amount of unused rooftop space on commercial and industrial buildings, which could be used for solar installations.

Government Initiatives and Support

The Japanese government has set a target of generating 20% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. To support this goal, the government has implemented various subsidy programs and feed-in tariffs for solar energy projects. These incentives have encouraged the development of solar energy in Tomakomai and across Japan.

Topography of Tomakomai, Japan

Tomakomai is a city located in the Iburi Subprefecture of Hokkaidō, Japan. The city is situated on the coast of the Sea of Japan, with the Tomakomai River flowing through its center. Tomakomai is surrounded by mountains, including Mount Tomakomai and Mount Yōtei. The city has a number of hills and valleys, with the highest point being Mount Tomakomai at 1,154 meters above sea level. The lowest point is at sea level along the coast.

The topography of Tomakomai has been shaped by volcanic activity and glacial erosion. The city is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is a zone of frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Tomakomai was hit by a major earthquake in 1964, which caused widespread damage and killed over 100 people. The city is also home to several active volcanoes, including Mount Usu and Mount Koma. These volcanoes have erupted several times in the past, and they continue to pose a threat to the city.

Chitose Airport (CTS)

Chitose Airport is the nearest airport to Tomakomai, Japan. It is located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Tomakomai and serves as the main international gateway to Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. The airport is well-connected to domestic and international destinations, with regular flights to major cities in Asia, Europe, and North America. Chitose Airport is also a major hub for Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA).

Transportation to Tomakomai

There are several ways to get from Chitose Airport to Tomakomai. The most convenient option is to take the JR Hokkaido Rapid Airport train, which takes about 30 minutes and costs approximately 1,040 yen (US$9). The train departs from the airport station and stops at Tomakomai Station. Another option is to take the Hokkaido Chuo Bus, which takes about 45 minutes and costs approximately 1,200 yen (US$11). The bus departs from the airport bus terminal and stops at Tomakomai Bus Terminal. Taxis are also available at the airport, but they are more expensive than the train or bus.

History of Tomakomai

Tomakomai’s history dates back to the Ainu era, when it was known as Tomarpo. In 1870, the Japanese government established a coal mine in the area, and the town grew rapidly as a mining center. During World War II, Tomakomai became a major industrial hub, producing steel, paper, and fertilizers. After the war, the city continued to grow, and it is now a major port and industrial city.

Culture and Attractions of Tomakomai

Tomakomai is home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Tomakomai City Art Museum, which houses a collection of contemporary art. The city also has a number of parks and gardens, including the Tomakomai City Park, which is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in the spring. In addition, Tomakomai is home to a number of historical sites, including the Port of Tomakomai, which is one of the largest ports in Japan.