Sapporo, September–February: Monthly Temperatures, Precipitation & What to Wear

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency, 2025 observation data for Sapporo

Point 1) September still feels like summer; from October, the gap between day and night temperatures widens sharply
In early September, Sapporo still reaches around 25°C during the day, but from October the mornings and evenings get noticeably colder, with a difference of 8°C or more between day and night. By November, lows are close to 0°C. When visiting Hokkaido in fall, the most important thing is to dress in layers so you can easily add or remove clothes.

Point 2) September is one of the rainier months
Fall in Hokkaido brings plenty of clear days, but in September typhoons and weather fronts can cause short bursts of heavy rain. In September 2025, Sapporo recorded 161 mm of precipitation, nearly three times that of October.

Point 3) Bring a winter coat and non-slip shoes in November
In November, a cardigan is enough in Tokyo, but Hokkaido averages only around 5°C and snow may start falling even in the lowlands. Bring a warm coat or fleece jacket, plus shoes with non-slip soles.

Fall flowers, autumn leaves, seafood & events
◆Flowers in bloom: roses, lupines, marigolds, scarlet sage, glasswort (coral grass), cosmos, and more (most until early October)
◆Autumn leaves: the Daisetsuzan area usually starts turning red in mid-September, the earliest in Japan; in central Sapporo, the leaves are usually at their best from mid-October to early November
◆Seafood in season: Pacific saury (September), salmon (September–October), Okhotsk atka mackerel (September–November), shishamo smelt (October–November), oysters (from October), Ezo bafun sea urchin (until around mid-October), hanasaki crab (October–November), and more
◆Fall event: "Furano Wine & Grape Festival"
Usually held in early September at Furano Winery (2027 dates have not been announced yet; please check official announcements)
Venue: 1161 Nishigakuden 2-ku, Furano City (Furano Winery)
Access: JR Furano Station

[September] Sapporo average temperature 20.7°C (high 25.2°C / low 16.6°C)

In early September, days still feel like summer, so short sleeves plus a light jacket are enough. By late September, though, mornings and evenings can drop to just over 10°C, so pack a cardigan or light down jacket. September is fairly rainy, so be sure to keep a folding umbrella in your bag.

◆Does it snow in Hokkaido in September?
Lowland cities such as Sapporo and Otaru do not get snow in September. However, 2,000-meter-class peaks such as Mt. Asahidake in the Daisetsuzan range usually see Japan's earliest first snowfall between late September and early October, so bring warm clothing if you take the ropeway up.

[October] Sapporo average temperature 11.9°C (high 16.0°C / low 8.1°C)

October days are comfortable, but there is a big difference between daytime and morning/evening temperatures. Start with long-sleeve tops and add a cardigan or light down jacket that you can easily put on and take off. From mid-October, it's a great time to see autumn leaves around Sapporo; if you'll be outdoors for a long time, bring a scarf.

[November] Sapporo average temperature 5.4°C (high 9.2°C / low 1.7°C)

By November, it's already early winter in Hokkaido. Central Sapporo usually gets its first snow between late October and early November, and inland areas such as Asahikawa and Furano can drop below freezing. Bring a winter coat, scarf, and gloves, and choose shoes with treaded, non-slip soles. Roads get especially slippery on days of mixed rain and snow.

Point 1) Average temperatures stay below 0°C from December to February, and inland areas are even colder
Sapporo's average temperature stays below 0°C from December through February (2025 observations: December -0.1°C, January -1.2°C, February -0.9°C). Inland areas such as Asahikawa, Biei, and Furano are colder than the coast, with early-morning lows sometimes dropping below -20°C. These big temperature swings also make the seasonal scenery especially striking.

Point 2) Ski resorts usually open from late November to early December
Hokkaido's ski resorts usually open one after another from late November to early December. The Sea of Japan side, including Sapporo, Otaru, and Niseko, gets heavy snowfall and is famous for its powder snow. The Sea of Okhotsk side is extremely cold and occasionally hit by blizzards, while the Pacific side, including Obihiro and Kushiro, gets less snow, longer hours of winter sunshine, and more clear days.

Point 3) Snow is deepest from late January to early February, just in time for the Sapporo Snow Festival
Sapporo usually sees its first snow between late October and early November, and snow depth peaks from late January to early February. In February 2025, the maximum snow depth in central Sapporo reached 90 cm. The Sapporo Snow Festival is held during this period. In winter, it is snowing somewhere in Hokkaido almost every day, but cities like Sapporo and Asahikawa also have clear days, and occasionally you can even see the rare sight of snow falling under blue skies.

Point 4) It gets dark early, and blizzards can bring transportation to a halt
In late December, the sun sets in Sapporo at around 4:00 p.m., so plan outdoor activities for the daytime. During blizzards, JR trains, buses, and flights may be suspended or delayed. Icy roads are wet and slippery, so driving is not recommended for travelers unfamiliar with snowy roads.

Winter seafood, festivals & events
◆Seafood in season: cod, pond smelt (wakasagi), botan shrimp, oysters, scallops, and more
◆Sapporo Snow Festival (77th)
Dates: February 4 (Thu.) – February 11 (Thu., national holiday), 2027
Venues: Odori Site (Odori Park West 1-chome to West 11-chome), Susukino Site (Ekimae-dori, Minami 4-jo to Minami 7-jo), Tsudome Site
◆Chitose-Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Dates: January 30 – February 23, 2027, 10:00–20:00 (illuminations from 16:30)
Blue ice sculptures made by spraying and freezing lake water look even more magical when lit up at night.
◆Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival
Usually held from late January to early March (please check official announcements for 2027 dates)
◆Drift ice in the Sea of Okhotsk
Usually from late January to early March, you can see drift ice on icebreaker cruises around Monbetsu and Abashiri (conditions vary from year to year depending on the weather).

[December] Sapporo average temperature -0.1°C (high 2.8°C / low -3.1°C)
Snow starts to pile up, and around Christmas the city is often blanketed in white. Roads begin to ice over, so non-slip snow boots are a must from this month on.

[January] Sapporo average temperature -1.2°C (high 1.5°C / low -3.8°C)
Even daytime temperatures often hover around 0°C. January and February are the coldest months of the year, so be sure to bring thermal underwear and disposable heat packs.

[February] Sapporo average temperature -0.9°C (high 2.4°C / low -4.4°C)
This is the month with the deepest snow, and also the time of the Sapporo Snow Festival. Your feet get especially cold when standing outside to look at the snow sculptures, so try sticking heat packs inside your shoes.

Hokkaido's snow is light, dry powder, so locals usually rely on the hood of their jacket or a knit hat instead of an umbrella, and brush the snow off before going inside. Indoor spaces and trains are heated quite strongly, so dress in layers; an outer layer that's easy to take on and off is key. If you're traveling to Hokkaido in winter, be sure to bring gloves and a knit hat or a thick hooded jacket.

If you forget your cold-weather gear, don't worry: heat packs, face masks, and slip-on ice grips (crampons) for your shoes are all available at local convenience stores and drugstores. Make sure you're fully prepared to stay warm on your winter trip to Hokkaido!

Q. What should I wear in Hokkaido in late September?
A. Sapporo is around 20°C during the day and can drop to just over 10°C in the morning and evening. Wear short- or long-sleeve tops with a cardigan or light down jacket so you can easily adjust.

Q. Does it snow in Hokkaido in November?
A. Yes. Sapporo usually gets its first snow between late October and early November, and inland and mountain areas get it even earlier. In November, bring a winter coat and non-slip shoes.

Q. What should I wear to the Sapporo Snow Festival?
A. The festival takes place during the coldest, snowiest time of the year. Wear a down jacket, thermal underwear, and non-slip snow boots, plus a knit hat and gloves. If you'll be standing outdoors for a long time, sticking heat packs inside your shoes helps a lot.

Q. Do I need an umbrella for Hokkaido in winter?
A. Hokkaido's snow is mostly dry powder, and locals rarely use umbrellas; a hooded jacket or knit hat is enough. However, it may rain or sleet in November and March, so a folding umbrella can be handy.

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