Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit Sapporo
🇯🇵 Sapporo, Japan · Asia
Based on 30-year climate data (1991-2020) from Open-Meteo
Recommended Travel Months
Jan
-3°
-9°
Good
Feb
-2°
-9°
Good
Mar
2°
-5°
Good
Apr
9°
1°
Great
May
16°
7°
Great
Jun
20°
12°
Great
Jul
23°
17°
Great
Aug
24°
18°
Great
Sep
21°
14°
Great
Oct
15°
8°
Great
Nov
7°
1°
Good
Dec
0°
-6°
Fair
Month-by-Month Weather in Sapporo
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sunshine | Humidity | UV | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -3°C | -9°C | 11 | 7h | 65% | 1 | Good | View |
| February | -2°C | -9°C | 10 | 8h | 65% | 1 | Good | View |
| March | 2°C | -5°C | 12 | 9h | 65% | 6 | Good | View |
| AprilRecommended | 9°C | 1°C | 12 | 10h | 65% | 6 | Great | View |
| MayRecommended | 16°C | 7°C | 13 | 10h | 65% | 9 | Great | View |
| JuneRecommended | 20°C | 12°C | 13 | 10h | 65% | 9 | Great | View |
| JulyRecommended | 23°C | 17°C | 15 | 9h | 65% | 9 | Great | View |
| AugustRecommended | 24°C | 18°C | 15 | 9h | 65% | 9 | Great | View |
| SeptemberRecommended | 21°C | 14°C | 14 | 8h | 65% | 6 | Great | View |
| OctoberRecommended | 15°C | 8°C | 14 | 8h | 65% | 6 | Great | View |
| November | 7°C | 1°C | 14 | 7h | 65% | 1 | Good | View |
| December | 0°C | -6°C | 14 | 6h | 65% | 1 | Fair | View |
Data source: Open-Meteo ERA5 reanalysis archive, 30-year historical normals (1991-2020). Temperatures in Celsius. Sunshine hours are daily averages.
Seasonal Guide to Sapporo
Spring (March to May)
Avg: 9°C high, 1°C low
Spring in Sapporo brings gradually cool temperatures. Daytime highs reach around 9°C (48°F) while nights cool to 1°C (34°F). This is one of the wetter periods, so waterproof gear is recommended.
Summer (June to August)
Avg: 22°C high, 16°C low
Summer is the warmest season in Sapporo, with temperatures reaching 22°C (72°F). Comfortable warmth makes this a popular time for tourists, though accommodation prices tend to peak. Long daylight hours and abundant sunshine provide plenty of time to explore.
Fall (September to November)
Avg: 14°C high, 8°C low
Fall in Sapporo is one of the best times to visit. Temperatures settle around 14°C (57°F) during the day and 8°C (46°F) at night. Rainfall picks up during this period, so waterproof clothing is advisable.
Winter (December to February)
Avg: -2°C high, -8°C low
Winter in Sapporo brings the coldest conditions of the year. Freezing temperatures and short daylight hours limit outdoor activities, but winter markets, indoor attractions, and cozy restaurants offer their own charm.
When to Avoid Sapporo
The least favorable time to visit Sapporo is December and January. During this period, you can expect freezing temperatures, frequent rain.
December
Challenges: freezing temperatures, frequent rain
January
Challenges: freezing temperatures
November
Challenges: cold weather, frequent rain
Note: visiting during off-peak months often means lower prices, fewer crowds, and a more authentic experience. Consider your priorities when planning your trip.
What to Pack for Sapporo
Packing recommendations for visiting Sapporo during the best travel months (May, June, July), when temperatures range from 12°C to 20°C:
- +Light layers for warm days and cooler evenings
- +Comfortable walking shoes
- +Waterproof jacket and an umbrella (rain is frequent)
- +Waterproof shoes or boots
- +Sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat
- +Reusable water bottle
- +Universal power adapter
Sapporo Year-Round Climate Overview
Sapporo has a continental climate (Koppen classification: Dfb). The warmest month is August with highs of 24°C, while the coldest month is January at just -3°C. Annual rainfall averages 1163mm across approximately 157 rain days.
| Metric | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | -3 | -2 | 2 | 9 | 16 | 20 | 23 | 24 | 21 | 15 | 7 | 0 |
| Low °C | -9 | -9 | -5 | 1 | 7 | 12 | 17 | 18 | 14 | 8 | 1 | -6 |
| Rain Days | 11 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 53 | 49 | 63 | 73 | 94 | 90 | 134 | 189 | 156 | 101 | 87 | 74 |
| Sun h/day | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 |
| Humidity % | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| UV Index | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 1 |
Compare Nearby Destinations
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Sapporo?+
The best time to visit Sapporo is May, June, July. During these months, temperatures average 20°C (68°F) with 10 hours of daily sunshine and only 14 rain days per month. These conditions offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
What is the worst time to visit Sapporo?+
The least ideal time to visit Sapporo is December and January. During this period, you can expect freezing temperatures, frequent rain. While Sapporo can still be visited during this time (often with fewer crowds and lower prices), the weather may limit outdoor activities.
Is Sapporo good to visit in summer?+
Summer in Sapporo (June to August) brings temperatures of 22°C (72°F) highs and 16°C (61°F) lows, with about 9 hours of sunshine and 14 rain days per month. This is generally a good time to visit.
What is the rainy season in Sapporo?+
Sapporo does not have a distinct rainy season. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, averaging 13 rain days per month.
What should I pack for Sapporo?+
When visiting Sapporo during the best travel months (May, June, July), pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket. A waterproof jacket and umbrella are essential. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended, especially given the high UV index.
Is May a good time to visit Sapporo?+
Yes, May is one of the best months to visit Sapporo. Expect average highs of 16°C (61°F), 10 hours of daily sunshine, and only 13 rain days. The weather is ideal for exploring the city, visiting outdoor attractions, and enjoying local activities.
Detailed Monthly Weather for Sapporo
For a complete day-by-day weather breakdown including packing lists, activities, and local events, explore each month individually:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
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