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Weather in Sapporo, Japan

As part of our series of resources for visitors to Sapporo, we provide details about the weather in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.

Profile on the Weather in Sapporo, Japan

— What is the Weather Like in Sapporo, Hokkaido?
— Summary of the Weather in Sapporo, Hokkaido
— What is the Best Time to Visit Sapporo, Hokkaido?
— When does it Snow in Sapporo, Hokkaido?
— What is the Hottest Month in Sapporo?
— When Do the Cherry Blossoms Bloom in Sapporo, Hokkaido?
— Comparing the Sapporo Weather to Tokyo Weather

More below.

What is the Weather Like in Sapporo, Hokkaido?

Sapporo has a cool, temperate climate, with cold winters, and mild, comfortable summers (that are only briefly very hot). Compared to most major cities in Japan, Sapporo experiences less humidity, cooler summer temperatures, and significant snowfall during winter.

Sapporo is unique in all of Asia, in that is offers both a reasonable big-city experience, and deep winter snow; Sapporo is the premiere city in all of Asia for the snowy season.

Summary of the Weather in Sapporo, Hokkaido

Here are some descriptions of the weather in Sapporo by month:

January: Coldest month, heavy snowfall
high 30°F / -1°C, low 18°F / -8°C
February: Very cold, snowy, dry
high 32°F / 0°C, low 16°F / -9°C
March: Cold, snow melting begins
high 41°F / 5°C, low 25°F / -4°C
April: Cool, snow disappears, increasing sunshine
high 52°F / 11°C, low 37°F / 3°C
May: Mild, comfortable, low humidity
high 64°F / 18°C, low 46°F / 8°C
June: Mild, relatively dry, pleasant
high 72°F / 22°C, low 55°F / 13°C
July: Warm, least humid summer month
high 77°F / 25°C, low 64°F / 18°C
August: Warmest month, still comfortable
high 81°F / 27°C, low 68°F / 20°C
September: Cooler, crisp air, early autumn
high 73°F / 23°C, low 59°F / 15°C
October: Cool, colorful autumn, less rain
high 61°F / 16°C, low 45°F / 7°C
November: Cold, early snow possible
high 46°F / 8°C, low 32°F / 0°C
December: Cold, snowy, winter begins
high 34°F / 1°C, low 21°F / -6°C

What is the Best Time to Visit Sapporo, Hokkaido?

The best time to visit Sapporo depends on your travel goals and interests.

For comfortable sightseeing, May, June, and September are ideal, offering mild temperatures, low humidity, and pleasant outdoor conditions.

If you want to experience Sapporo’s lively summer festivals, July and August are popular months. The Sapporo Marathon (a half-marathon) is also held in late August. Although it is summer, temperatures remain relatively comfortable compared to other major Japanese cities.

For winter activities such as skiing and the Sapporo Snow Festival, January and February are the best months, with deep snow and a true winter atmosphere. While the Niseko region has the most famous ski resorts, Sapporo Teine is a local ski resort that is about 40 minutes from downtown Sapporo (and can even be reached by bus).

See our feature article about “The First Day at Sapporo, Teine.”

Does it Snow in Sapporo, Hokkaido?

Yes it snows in Sapporo. Sapporo City is one of the snowiest major cities in the world.

Snowfall begins on and off in late November, and begins to collect on the streets around mid-December. The snow fall is inconsistent, but is heaviest in January and February, and sometimes continues to fall through mid-March. It is still possible to ski in Hokkaido in April and May, but generally speaking the snow begins to melt quickly in late March.

Sapporo is an excellent destination for winter sports. Visitors should be prepared with proper winter clothing and suitable footwear. Much of downtown is icy and covered with snow in the peak winter months, but the section of downtown between Sapporo Station and Susukino Station (featuring much of the best shopping in Sapporo) can be entirely accessed by dry, underground tunnels and walkways.

What is the Hottest Month in Sapporo?

The hottest month in Sapporo is August, with July as a close second. September can start out very warm, but the days get shorter fast in Sapporo in that time of year. June is commonly still a cool month.

Even during peak summer, temperatures are noticeably cooler than in cities like Tokyo or Osaka. Humidity levels are also lower, making Sapporo one of Japan’s most comfortable destinations during the summer season.

When Do the Cherry Blossoms Bloom in Sapporo, Hokkaido?

Cherry blossoms in Sapporo usually bloom from late April to early May, a full month later than in most major cities in Japan. If you want to see sakura in Sapporo, plan your visit for approximately April 25 to May 5.

Popular cherry blossom viewing spots include Maruyama Park, Moerenuma Park, and Hokkaido Shrine. Plum blossoms bloom earlier, typically in mid to late April, and sometimes overlap with the beginning of the cherry blossom season.

Comparing the Sapporo Weather to Tokyo Weather

Sapporo and Tokyo have very different climates.

Sapporo experiences much colder winters with heavy snowfall, while snow is rare in Tokyo. In contrast, Sapporo’s summers are cooler and less humid, making them more comfortable for many visitors. Spring starts much later, and Fall begins much earlier, than Tokyo.

Tokyo has hotter, more humid summers and relatively mild winters, with low precipitation (Tokyo winters are relatively dry), whereas Sapporo is known for its four distinct seasons.

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