- Rain mm/yr
- 1,229
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: weather-and-climate.com, climatestotravel.com
Good to know
Good to Know
- Winter runs November–March with sustained freezing temperatures below 0°C (32°F); prepare for icy conditions and heavy snow removal operations creating snow corridors along streets.
- August brings the most rainfall (~186 mm) and humidity peaks; typhoon season (August–September) can bring strong winds and heavy precipitation.
- Best travel window is May–July: mild temperatures, long daylight, lower rain risk, and festivals in full swing.
- Spring (April–May) is the driest season before the summer monsoon; cherry blossoms peak around May 5.
- Sunshine is limited: December–January average only 2–3 hours daily; May peaks at ~8 hours daily.
- Winter daylight is very short (~9.5 hours in January), contributing to perceived cold; summer daylight reaches ~15+ hours.
- Persistent snow cover from December through February makes winter gear (insulated boots, layered clothing, gloves) essential; forecast changes can bring wet snow, dry snow, and rain in one day.
Rainfall
- Wettest Month
- August
- Annual Total Mm
- 1229
- Driest Month Mm
- 55
- Wettest Month Mm
- 186
- Annual Total Inches
- 48
- Pattern Note
- Precipitation increases August through January; dry spring before summer monsoon. August and September subject to typhoons.
Driest Months
- April
- May
Snowfall
- Snow Season
- November to April
- Snowiest Month
- January
- Annual Total Mm
- 1723
- First Snow Typical
- Late October
- Annual Total Inches
- 67.83
- January Snowfall Mm
- 430
- January Snowfall Inches
- 16.93
- Peak Snow Depth Note
- Snow depth often exceeds 1 meter by January, with accumulated snowpack reaching 65-75 cm by February. Sapporo is one of the snowiest cities globally.
Best Months
Best Months
- May
- June
- July
- September
Worst Months
Worst Months
- January
- December
- February
Temperature Range
Coldest Period
- Months
- January to February
- Peak Month
- January
- Average Low Celsius
- -10
- Average High Celsius
- -3
- Average Low Fahrenheit
- 14
- Average High Fahrenheit
- 27
Warmest Period
- Months
- July to September
- Peak Month
- August
- Average Low Celsius
- 17
- Average High Celsius
- 25
- Average Low Fahrenheit
- 63
- Average High Fahrenheit
- 77
Off Peak Conditions
- Period
- November to March
- Characteristics
- Extended freezing temperatures, heavy and frequent snowfall, frequent rain and mixed precipitation. Short daylight hours (9-10 hours). Limited outdoor activity window.
Peak Season Conditions
- Period
- May to July
- Characteristics
- Comfortable temperatures 12-20°C (54-68°F), longer daylight hours (14.7-15.3 hours), generally lower rainfall outside of monsoon influence, ideal for outdoor exploration.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this climate & weather research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Sapporo
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.