The trail can be walked year-round, although be wary of ice and snowfall during winter and walking in the summer heat can be draining.

I would recommend spring (eg. late March to early June), when the Spring weather is pleasant and the flowers begin to blossom, or the autumn season (September to November) when the mountains come alive with autumn foliage colours and the temperatures cool after the hot summer months.

Note that some facilities, such as campsites and ferries, close during the winter, so it is always best to check ahead and plan your route to make sure you have the best time possible.

Average High & Low Temperatures

Here’s a look at the average high and low temperatures for various points along the trail; the southernmost Soma (Fukushima), Sendai (Miyagi), Miyako (Iwate), Ofunato (Iwate) and the northern terminus in Hachinohe (Aomori). This should give you an idea of average temperatures according to the time of the year and help prepare for your adventure.

See a breakdown of seasonal averages between 2019-2021 below. This graph is from the Michinoku Trail Club’s FAQ document (page 56), which can be found HERE 🙏

From the data, we can see that in Hachinohe, the climate remains cooler throughout the year with summer peaks at approximately 25°C, dipping to an average low of -4°C during January.

The region can experience some snowfall around January, February and March depending on the year, so make sure to be prepared for cold conditions.

Moving to Ofunato in Iwate, the temperatures are a bit warmer, with summer highs reaching about 28°C. Winters are less challenging in terms of snow, but cold weather attire is still a must. In Soma, expect even warmer summers with temperatures occasionally nearing 30°C.

For all three areas, May offers extended daylight hours, giving hikers ample time on the trails. On the flip side, winter days are much shorter, and hikers should plan to start early to maximise the available light. Always check updated weather forecasts close to your hiking dates to ensure you have the latest information for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Sakura Season

One more thing to consider is the Sakura (cherry blossom) season. The Tohoku region’s sakura will generally bloom a bit later than Tokyo, so make sure you check the cherry blossom forecast if you’re planning to go around Spring time, like this one below from 2023. If you get the timing right, you could be in for an unforgettable few weeks of walking!