Sapporo has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa) with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Located on the Ishikari Plain in western Hokkaido at 43 degrees north, the city receives nearly 6 meters (600cm) of snowfall annually, making it one of the snowiest major cities in the world. The climate is a product of Siberian cold air crossing the Sea of Japan, picking up moisture, and releasing it as snow over Hokkaido’s mountains and plains.
Sapporo Weather by Month: Temperature and Snowfall Data
Sapporo’s defining weather feature is its snow season from November through March, peaking in January and February. Summers are warm but shorter than Honshu cities, and the city rarely experiences the oppressive humidity of Tokyo or Osaka. Annual precipitation (including snow melt) is about 1,100mm.
Monthly Weather Breakdown for Sapporo
| Month | Avg High (°C/°F) | Avg Low (°C/°F) | Snowfall (cm) | Rain/Precip (mm) | Humidity (%) | Sun (hours/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -1 / 30 | -7 / 19 | 173 | 114 | 72 | 3 |
| February | 0 / 32 | -7 / 19 | 137 | 95 | 71 | 4 |
| March | 4 / 39 | -3 / 27 | 89 | 82 | 68 | 5 |
| April | 12 / 54 | 3 / 37 | 7 | 62 | 63 | 6 |
| May | 18 / 64 | 8 / 46 | 0 | 60 | 66 | 7 |
| June | 22 / 72 | 13 / 55 | 0 | 58 | 75 | 6 |
| July | 25 / 77 | 18 / 64 | 0 | 81 | 79 | 5 |
| August | 27 / 81 | 19 / 66 | 0 | 131 | 78 | 5 |
| September | 22 / 72 | 14 / 57 | 0 | 140 | 76 | 5 |
| October | 16 / 61 | 7 / 45 | 1 | 114 | 72 | 5 |
| November | 8 / 46 | 1 / 34 | 37 | 107 | 71 | 4 |
| December | 2 / 36 | -4 / 25 | 127 | 108 | 72 | 3 |
Sapporo Snowfall and Winter Patterns
Sapporo receives approximately 597cm (19.6 feet) of snow annually. January is the snowiest month with 173cm. December through February each see over 100cm of snowfall. Snow cover on the ground can reach 100cm to 130cm in the city center by February. The snow is typically dry and powdery (the same powder that draws skiers to nearby Niseko and Rusutsu). Temperatures from December through February rarely rise above freezing, so snow accumulates rather than melting between storms. The city operates a fleet of snowplows and heated road sprinklers, keeping main arteries passable, but side streets and sidewalks remain snow-packed. Waterproof boots with good traction are essential from December through March.
Sapporo Summers: Brief and Manageable
Sapporo’s summer (July to August) is warm but far less oppressive than Tokyo or Kyoto. Highs average 25°C to 27°C (77°F to 81°F) with lows of 18°C to 19°C (64°F to 66°F). Humidity is in the high 70s. August is the wettest month at 131mm. The Obon holiday week in mid-August is peak domestic tourism. Sapporo does not have a rainy season (tsuyu) in the way Honshu does; summers are humid but with fewer consecutive gray days. Air conditioning is standard in hotels but less common in older restaurants and shops. Evenings are cool enough for a light jacket by late August.
