What kind of season is Furano in March?

March is the month of spring in the cities of Honshu (mainland Japan), and the cherry blossoms bloom at the end of the month.
However, March in Hokkaido is still in winter, as it is in Furano.
Of course, this is also true in Furano, where spring-like weather gradually begins to emerge at the end of March, but for tourists visiting Furano, snow still remains on the roads and the cold weather gives the impression that it is still winter.

The average temperature in Furano in March is said to be around -2.7 degrees Celsius, but the temperature difference within a month can be as high as 30 degrees Celsius, so it can be warm one day and cold below freezing the next.
Another great thing about Furano in March is that even though it is March, you can enjoy winter activities that you cannot experience in the city, which is a bit of a perk!

If you still want to play in the snow, didn’t get to do many winter sports this year, or wish you could have enjoyed winter more, this is the best season for sightseeing.

Weather in Furano in March

As mentioned earlier, despite the temperature differences, March is still a cold season in Furano, with an average temperature of -2.7 degrees Celsius.
However, there is not as much snow as in January and February, especially after the middle of March.
Depending on the year, there are seasons when the weather is relatively warm and the snow has melted on the roads.
However, there is still a lot of snow on the sidewalks, and especially in the mornings and evenings, the temperature is almost as cold as in midwinter.

What to wear and bring in Furano in March

When it comes to winter attire for Furano sightseeing, what you should not miss is a down jacket or thick winter coat, and warm clothing such as a scarf, gloves, and a knit hat.
Although the temperature may not be high enough to require a pocket warmer, it is advisable to dress warmly around the neck to keep the wind from getting into your clothes.

Also, there is still snow on the sidewalks, so be sure to wear waterproof winter boots or shoes with non-slip soles.

You can walk in sneakers, but there is a risk of slipping and the snow will likely wet your shoes.
Also, a common occurrence in Hokkaido in winter is that snow gets inside your shoes and your socks get wet! This is not a problem if you walk on well-trodden snow, but there will be situations where this is not possible.

Therefore, we recommend that you bring extra socks for the number of days you will be traveling.

Major Events in Furano in March

When it comes to sightseeing in Furano in March, the events you can enjoy will depend on when you visit Furano in March.
If you visit Furano in early March, most of the winter events are still being held, so you should be able to fully enjoy the classic winter sightseeing spots in Furano.

If you come with kids, Let’s visit the classic Furano Kan-kan (Happy&cold) village!

Quoted：ふらの歓寒村

If you are planning to go sightseeing in Furano in early March, you can fully enjoy Furano’s typical winter fun.
For example, Furano Kan-kan village, where snow tubing and other activities can be enjoyed, is scheduled to run until around March 10 every year.

In addition to Kan-kan village, visitors can also enjoy shopping for lovely knick-knacks at Ningle Terrace, a space with a great atmosphere located at Shin Furano Prince Hotel.

For those who still want to enjoy skiing and snowboarding in March

Many people think of skiing and snowboarding until February, but winter sports enthusiasts want to ski in March as well.
Of course, you can enjoy skiing in Furano in March.
At Furano Ski Resort, the best ski resort in Furano, skiing can be enjoyed not only in March, but also in April and May.
Usually, the resort is open until around May 6 (this may change depending on snow conditions).

Not only in Furano, but at ski resorts in Hokkaido, you can enjoy powder snow, which people from overseas love to call JAPOW.
The snow quality is excellent not only in Japan, but also in other parts of the world. If you visit Furano in March, please enjoy the JAPOW!

Recommended Activities in Furano in March

Furano in March is full of other winter activities that you can enjoy only at this time of the year.

Many people may think that outdoor activities are usually done in the summer, but there are activities recommended in March that can be enjoyed only in Furano, where snow is still falling.

Here are some activities in Furano that you can enjoy because it is not as cold as in February, but there is still some “snow” left on the ground!

Airboarding, the new standard for winter activities in Furano

Airboarding is a new activity born in Switzerland that can be enjoyed in the Daisetsuzan mountain range, one of Hokkaido’s most famous peaks.
If you think it is just a cool name for sledding, you are mistaken.
This airboarding activity allows you to turn left and right by yourself and slide down the snow with your face touching the snow, which gives you a great sense of speed.
For those who cannot do winter sports but want to play in the snow, this is a great winter activity in Furano.

Possibly the most memorable Furano sightseeing experience in March! Dog sledding experience

If you are going to Furano in March, you must try the popular Dog sledding Experience.
Dog sledding is a very popular activity in Furano, and there are very few places in Japan where you can enjoy it.

The exhilaration of running through the snow with the dogs is fun, but the cuteness of the dogs will surely make you melt.
From introducing the dogs to fitting them with harnesses, there is plenty of time to interact with the dogs.

March is your last chance! Hot Air Balloon Free Flight in Furano

If you are planning to visit Furano in March, the “hot air balloon free flight” is a must-do experience.

Hot air balloons themselves can be enjoyed in Furano during the summer (when they are tied to a string and float), but a real hot air balloon experience called “free flight,” in which you climb up to 1,000 meters in the air without being tied to anything, requires a large area for the hot air balloon to land, so it can only be experienced in the winter when there is a lot of snow.

During free flight, the balloon is not connected to the ground by ropes, so it climbs from an altitude of 100 meters to 1,000 meters, depending on the wind conditions of the day.

Since it is a vehicle that is greatly affected by the wind, it is said that the best time to fly is from early morning just after sunrise to early morning in the winter, and there are only a limited number of free flights available each day.
Even in March, when the weather is warm and the snow melts quickly, the experience is only available until mid-March for safety reasons.
If you are planning to visit Furano when there is still snow on the ground, we recommend that you make a reservation for the free hot air balloon flight experience.

Summary : Things to do in Furano March (weather, clothes and activities)

March in Furano is the time of transition between winter and spring!
It is a time when the days switch between warm and cold, depending on the day.
However, the mornings and evenings can be quite cold, so be prepared for the cold!
If you miss the end of winter, please come to Furano in March and enjoy the winter fun!

For Hokkaido activity experiences visit Basho Trip