Sapporo, Japan Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Sapporo
Sapporo has a humid continental climate, marked by warm summers and cold, often snowy winters. Average daytime highs range from about 28°F (-2°C) in January to around 78°F (25°C) in August, and the city records roughly 167 days of measurable precipitation a year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: August - highs near 78°F (25°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 28°F (-2°C)
- Record high: 92°F (33°C) · Record low: -6°F (-21°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: August (15 rainy days) · Sunniest: July (10.4 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid continental - warm summers and cold, often snowy winters
- Snow: about 56 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on August. Highs average 78°F (25°C) and overnight lows stay near 65°F (18°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 28°F (-2°C) and lows around 16°F (-9°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 92°F (33°C) and dropped as low as -6°F (-21°C).
Rain, sun and snow
August is usually the wettest month. It brings about 7.3 inches (186 mm) of rain over 15 days, while February is the driest. July brings the most sunshine, averaging 10.4 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 56 days in a typical year, mostly from November through April.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28° | 16° | 16 | 2.7 in | 6.1 h/day | 77% |
| February | 29° | 17° | 16 | 2.6 in | 7.3 h/day | 76% |
| March | 39° | 24° | 12 | 2.9 in | 8.6 h/day | 77% |
| April | 53° | 35° | 12 | 3.1 in | 9.6 h/day | 71% |
| May | 63° | 46° | 12 | 3.6 in | 9.9 h/day | 75% |
| June | 68° | 54° | 13 | 4.6 in | 10.0 h/day | 81% |
| July | 77° | 63° | 12 | 4.8 in | 10.4 h/day | 83% |
| August | 78° | 65° | 15 | 7.3 in | 9.3 h/day | 83% |
| September | 71° | 57° | 12 | 4.8 in | 8.8 h/day | 79% |
| October | 60° | 44° | 14 | 4.5 in | 8.1 h/day | 75% |
| November | 46° | 33° | 17 | 4.5 in | 6.3 h/day | 74% |
| December | 32° | 21° | 17 | 3.2 in | 5.8 h/day | 75% |
Sapporo month by month
Sapporo weather in January
January brings highs around 28°F (-2°C), lows near 16°F (-9°C), about 16 wet days and roughly 15 snowy days - typically the coldest month of the year in Sapporo.
Sapporo weather in February
February brings highs around 29°F (-2°C), lows near 17°F (-8°C), about 16 wet days and roughly 13 snowy days - typically the driest month of the year in Sapporo.
Sapporo weather in March
March brings highs around 39°F (4°C), lows near 24°F (-4°C), about 12 wet days and roughly 7 snowy days.
Sapporo weather in April
April brings highs around 53°F (12°C), lows near 35°F (2°C), about 12 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Sapporo weather in May
May brings highs around 63°F (17°C), lows near 46°F (8°C), about 12 wet days.
Sapporo weather in June
June brings highs around 68°F (20°C), lows near 54°F (12°C), about 13 wet days.
Sapporo weather in July
July brings highs around 77°F (25°C), lows near 63°F (17°C), about 12 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Sapporo.
Sapporo weather in August
August brings highs around 78°F (25°C), lows near 65°F (18°C), about 15 wet days - typically the hottest month and the wettest month of the year in Sapporo.
Sapporo weather in September
September brings highs around 71°F (22°C), lows near 57°F (14°C), about 12 wet days.
Sapporo weather in October
October brings highs around 60°F (15°C), lows near 44°F (7°C), about 14 wet days.
Sapporo weather in November
November brings highs around 46°F (8°C), lows near 33°F (1°C), about 17 wet days and roughly 6 snowy days.
Sapporo weather in December
December brings highs around 32°F (0°C), lows near 21°F (-6°C), about 17 wet days and roughly 12 snowy days.
Seasons in Sapporo
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Sapporo is chilly, with daytime highs averaging 52°F (11°C) and nights around 35°F (2°C); expect showers on roughly 36 days across the season, plus around 9 snowy days.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Sapporo brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 74°F (23°C) and nights around 61°F (16°C); expect showers on roughly 40 days across the season.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Sapporo is mild, with daytime highs averaging 59°F (15°C) and nights around 45°F (7°C); expect showers on roughly 42 days across the season, plus around 6 snowy days.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Sapporo brings deep cold, with daytime highs averaging 30°F (-1°C) and nights around 18°F (-8°C); expect showers on roughly 49 days across the season, plus around 41 snowy days. Wind makes those temperatures feel harsher than they sound - pair the forecast winds with the wind speed converter to judge conditions on exposed skin.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Sapporo?
Is Sapporo hot in summer?
Is Sapporo cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Sapporo get in a year?
Best time to visit Sapporo
The best time to visit Sapporo is generally April to September, when this window offers the warmest, brightest days of the year. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 68°F (20°C).
Pack for Sapporo with a heavy insulated coat, hat and gloves for winter; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - August nights average 65°F (18°C).
Sapporo temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.