2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Sapporo — December

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices. Recommended month to visit.

☔ Climate Overview

December is a wet time to visit Sapporo. Expect cold weather with temperatures around 1°C during the day. This is one of the wettest months—waterproof gear is essential. With only around 9 hours of daylight, plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists.

5.1
GoTripzi Score Fair

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

1°C

Avg Low

-4°C

Rainy days

17days

Daylight

9h

Feels like -3°C / -9°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

70mm

Sunshine

6.4h/day

Humidity

81%

Very Humid
Sun Strength

2.4

Moderate
Wind

16 km/h (gusts 42)

Is December a good time to visit Sapporo?

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

Now

--

Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Quiet
  • Travel Costs Peak Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

07:00

Sunset

16:01

9h daylight

Visiting Sapporo in December: Pros & Cons

Cons

  • Very cold temperatures require heavy winter gear
  • Frequent rain may disrupt outdoor activities
  • Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices
  • Short days limit outdoor time — plan accordingly

Things to Do in December

Events & Festivals

🎭
Sapporo White Illumination
Late November–late December (Odori); Ekimae-dori through mid-February; some venues into March Cultural
🎭
Munich Christmas Market at Odori Park
Late November–late December Cultural

Recommended for This Weather

🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
☕ Cozy cafes & local food scene
🏛️ Indoor attractions & shopping
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Sapporo Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan -1°C -7°C 14d (63mm) 6.9h
82% Very Humid
3 Moderate
Wet
Feb 0°C -6°C 14d (60mm) 8.2h
80% Very Humid
4.6 Moderate
Excellent
Mar 5°C -2°C 13d (80mm) 8.8h
77% Humid
6.4 High
Wet
Apr 12°C 3°C 11d (88mm) 9.7h
74% Humid
7.5 Very High
Good
May 18°C 9°C 12d (92mm) 10.1h
76% Humid
8 Very High
Excellent
Jun 22°C 15°C 14d (119mm) 10.5h
82% Very Humid
8 Very High
Excellent
Jul 27°C 20°C 13d (107mm) 10.1h
85% Very Humid
7.5 Very High
Excellent
Aug 27°C 21°C 17d (206mm) 8.7h
86% Very Humid
6.1 High
Excellent
Sep 24°C 16°C 13d (139mm) 8.6h
83% Very Humid
5.6 High
Wet
Oct 16°C 8°C 14d (118mm) 8h
81% Very Humid
4.1 Moderate
Wet
Nov 9°C 3°C 17d (118mm) 7h
80% Very Humid
2.8 Moderate
Wet
Dec Current 1°C -4°C 17d (70mm) 6.4h
81% Very Humid
2.4 Moderate
Wet

⚖️Find Your Ideal Month

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Your Best MonthSepScore: 8.5
1.Sep
8.52.Oct
7.23.Nov
5.44.Dec
5.45.Mar
5.36.Jun
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4.89.Aug
4.710.Apr
4.211.May
3.412.Feb
2

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Sapporo – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Sapporo

Hokkaido's vibrant capital where world-famous snow festivals meet steaming miso ramen, fresh seafood markets, and gateway access to Japan's finest powder skiing.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for December

Full winter gear is a must — insulated coat, thermal base layers, warm hat, gloves, and waterproof boots. Protect exposed skin from the cold. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent.

Cool Very Quiet

🎒Personalized Packing List

Tell us about your trip and we'll create a custom packing list based on the weather.

Your Packing List

📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Sapporo?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December a good time to visit Sapporo?
December is typically wet for visiting Sapporo, with average highs of 1°C and around 17 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Sapporo in December?
Yes, nights in Sapporo during December are cold, averaging -4°C. Pack warm layers, a coat, and consider thermal underwear for extended outdoor evenings. Restaurants and cafés have indoor seating, and many museums stay open late.
What should I pack for Sapporo in December?
With highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C in December, we recommend: Warm winter coat, Thermal base layers, Scarf and gloves, Compact umbrella. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Sapporo in December?
Sapporo typically sees around 17 rainy days in December. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Sapporo in December?
In December, Sapporo gets approximately 9 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is December peak season in Sapporo?
Yes, December is peak season in Sapporo. Expect higher prices for accommodation and more crowds at popular attractions, but also the best weather conditions. Book hotels and major attractions in advance to secure availability and better rates.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Asia/Tokyo)

Last Updated: February 2026

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