2027 Climate Averages

Weather: Sapporo — January

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

☔ Climate Overview

January is a wet time to visit Sapporo. Expect cold weather with temperatures around -1°C during the day. Rain is common, so pack an umbrella. With only around 9 hours of daylight, plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds.

5.4
GoTripzi Score Fair

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

Avg High

-1°C

Avg Low

-7°C

Rainy days

14days

Daylight

9.3h

Feels like -5°C / -12°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

63mm

Sunshine

6.9h/day

Humidity

82%

Very Humid
Sun Strength

3

Moderate
Wind

14 km/h (gusts 37)

Is January a good time to visit Sapporo?

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

Now

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

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Quiet
  • Travel Costs Shoulder Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

07:04

Sunset

16:24

9.3h daylight

Visiting Sapporo in January: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Cons

  • Very cold temperatures require heavy winter gear

Things to Do in January

Recommended for This Weather

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

Sapporo Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan Current -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 1°C -4°C 17d (70mm) 6.4h
81% Very Humid
2.4 Moderate
Wet

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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.

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What to Pack for January

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.

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

Planning a trip to Sapporo?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is January a good time to visit Sapporo?
January is typically wet for visiting Sapporo, with average highs of -1°C and around 14 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 January?
Yes, nights in Sapporo during January are cold, averaging -7°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 January?
With highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C in January, 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 January?
Sapporo typically sees around 14 rainy days in January. 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 January?
In January, Sapporo gets approximately 9.3 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 January peak season in Sapporo?
No, January is not peak season in Sapporo. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

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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