Hottest (avg)
#12 / 12
Sapporo in January
January weather, climate averages, and packing tips.
Avg High
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight 9h
What to expect
January marks a typically cold period of winter, where temperatures are dropping quickly. Thermometers typically reach -3°C / 26°F, with evenings cooling to -10°C / 14°F.
Skies are often overcast, and you should be prepared for regular rainfall (approx. 22 wet days). With only around 9.4 hours of daylight, the sun sets early, so plan outdoor activities for the morning or midday.
January in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in Sapporo.
Wettest (avg)
#9 / 12
Daylight Hours
#11 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#3 / 12
Highest UV
#11 / 12
Most Humid
#5 / 12
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
-
Sunshine
- Daylight
- 9.4 hours
- UV index (max)
- 3
- Typical sun hours
- 07:00 – 16:25
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 22
- Cloud cover
- 72%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 79%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is January a good time to visit Sapporo?
Typical January days in Sapporo reach highs of -3°C (27°F) with nights around -10°C (14°F). It usually feels cold by day and very cold after dark. Overall, January sits in the middle of the Sapporo climate range.
What are temperatures like in January?
Daytime temperatures in January typically peak near -3°C (27°F), while nights drop to around -10°C (14°F). Expect cold afternoons and very cold evenings.
How much does it rain in January?
Rainfall in January averages 81 mm (3.2 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 January?
You can expect about 9 hours of daylight in January. Sunrise is typically around 07:00 and sunset near 16:25. Days are on the shorter side, so plan activities around limited daylight.
How strong is the sun in January?
UV levels are moderate (around 3); sunscreen and sunglasses are still a good idea.
Is it windy in January?
In January, average wind speeds are around 16 km/h (10 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 61 km/h (38 mph). On the ground, it is it is a notably windy place, and strong gusts are fairly common.