Sapporo, Japan

Sapporo has a cold climate with average temperatures ranging from -3°C / 26°F in January to 25°C / 76°F in August.

Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, averaging 100 mm / 3.9 inches monthly, peaking in August (168 mm / 6.6 inches) and reaching its lowest in February (66 mm / 2.6 inches).

The UV index ranges from 2 in December to 8 in June, so strong sun protection is essential during summer months.

Daylight hours range from about 9.1 hours in December to 15.3 hours in June.

Sapporo offers distinct seasons, each with its own character and appeal for different types of travelers.

Today's Forecast

Climate at a glance

The big-picture stats that matter for planning your visit to Sapporo.

Typical range

High / low

Average highs up to 24.7°C and lows down to -9.8°C.

Rain pattern

Wettest month

August averages 168 mm.

UV

Typical peak band

Typical peak UV is Moderate.

Daylight

Seasonal range

Roughly 9 hrs to 15 hrs.

Wind

Typical strength

Average around 14 km/h, peaking in December.

When should I go?

Our top-rated months for visiting Sapporo, based on long-term weather comfort and conditions

Next steps

Dive deeper into rankings, month details, or packing guidance.

How Sapporo compares

See how it ranks against the rest of Japan for key metrics.

HOTTEST (AVG)
in Japan
#4 / 4
COOLEST (AVG)
in Japan
#1 / 4
WETTEST (TOTAL)
in Japan
#4 / 4
WINDIEST (AVG)
in Japan
#1 / 4
HIGHEST UV
in Japan
#4 / 4
MOST HUMID
in Japan
#1 / 4

Short term outlook

Visiting soon? Here's the next 7 days of weather for Sapporo, or see an hourly breakdown for the next 14 days.

Frequently asked questions

How does the weather in Sapporo feel over the year?

Across the year, daytime highs average about 11°C (52°F), with nights near 4°C (39°F). Overall it feels cool by day and cold after dark. Daylight is fairly typical, with enough time for sightseeing. It tends to be on the cloudier side, with fewer blue-sky days.

When is the best time to visit Sapporo for dry weather?

The driest month is usually February, with around 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain. In contrast, August is the wettest month, so that’s when you’re most likely to need a raincoat or umbrella.

When is sun exposure strongest in Sapporo?

UV tends to peak in June, when UV levels are often high (around 8). Regular sunscreen and a hat are recommended.

Does it snow in Sapporo?

Yes. Snowfall is possible, and it peaks in January, when averages reach around 1.9 cm. Winters are when you're most likely to see snow on the ground.

Is Sapporo a windy place?

Across the year, average winds sit around 14 km/h (9 mph), with gusts on windier days up to about 66 km/h (41 mph). Overall it is it is a notably windy place, and strong gusts are fairly common.

How much daylight does Sapporo get?

On average, days offer about 12 hours of daylight. Daylight is fairly typical, with enough time for sightseeing.

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