Hottest (avg)
#10 / 12
Sapporo in December
December weather, climate averages, and packing tips.
Avg High
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight 9h
What to expect
December marks a typically cold period of winter, where temperatures are dropping quickly. Thermometers typically reach -0°C / 31°F, with evenings cooling to -6°C / 21°F.
Skies are often overcast, and you should be prepared for regular rainfall (approx. 22 wet days). With only around 9.1 hours of daylight, the sun sets early, so plan outdoor activities for the morning or midday.
December in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in Sapporo.
Wettest (avg)
#6 / 12
Daylight Hours
#12 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#1 / 12
Highest UV
#12 / 12
Most Humid
#10 / 12
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
-
Sunshine
- Daylight
- 9.1 hours
- UV index (max)
- 2
- Typical sun hours
- 06:57 – 16:01
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 22
- Cloud cover
- 70%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 78%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit Sapporo?
Typical December days in Sapporo reach highs of 0°C (32°F) with nights around -6°C (21°F). It usually feels cold by day and very cold after dark. Overall, December sits in the middle of the Sapporo climate range.
What are temperatures like in December?
In December, you can usually expect highs of 0°C (32°F) and lows near -6°C (21°F). That means cold days and very cold nights, so pack layers you can add or remove.
How much does it rain in December?
Rainfall in December averages 95 mm (3.7 in) across roughly 22 days. Overall it is a very wet time of year, so a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes are very handy.
How many hours of daylight are there in December?
You can expect about 9 hours of daylight in December. Sunrise is typically around 06:57 and sunset near 16:01. Days are on the shorter side, so plan activities around limited daylight.
Does the weather change during December?
December usually begins milder and cools down as the month goes on, so late-December can feel more like the next month.
How strong is the sun in December?
UV levels are usually low (around 2), so standard sun protection is enough.
Is it windy in December?
In December, average wind speeds are around 16 km/h (10 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 63 km/h (39 mph). On the ground, it is it is a notably windy place, and strong gusts are fairly common.