2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Sapporo — May

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain. Recommended month to visit.

🌟 Climate Overview

May is an excellent time to visit Sapporo. Mild temperatures around 18°C make it comfortable for exploring. Rain is common, so pack an umbrella. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists.

5.8
GoTripzi Score Good

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

Avg High

18°C

Avg Low

9°C

Rainy days

12days

Daylight

14.6h

Rainfall

92mm

Sunshine

10.1h/day

Humidity

76%

Humid
Sun Strength

8

Very High
Wind

15 km/h (gusts 41)

Is May a good time to visit Sapporo?

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain.

Now

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

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Busy
  • Travel Costs Value Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

04:13

Sunset

18:51

14.6h daylight

Visiting Sapporo in May: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • Long daylight hours maximize sightseeing time
  • One of the best months to visit

Cons

  • Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices
  • Very high UV — sunscreen and shade essential

Things to Do in May

Events & Festivals

🎭
Sapporo Lilac Festival
Late May (10 days) Cultural

Recommended for This Weather

🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
🎭 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 Current 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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5
3
3
Your Best MonthSepScore: 8.5

Where to Stay

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

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 May

Dress in layers — a mix of long sleeves, light sweaters, and a versatile jacket works best for changeable conditions. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent.

Cool Very Busy

🎒Personalized Packing List

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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 May a good time to visit Sapporo?
May is typically excellent for visiting Sapporo, with average highs of 18°C and around 12 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 May?
Nights in Sapporo during May are cool at around 9°C. Bring a jacket or sweater for evenings, especially if you plan to dine outdoors or take evening walks. The temperature drop from day to night can be noticeable.
What should I pack for Sapporo in May?
With highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C in May, we recommend: Warm layer for evenings, Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell, Comfortable walking shoes. 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 May?
Sapporo typically sees around 12 rainy days in May. 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 May?
In May, Sapporo gets approximately 14.6 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 May peak season in Sapporo?
Yes, May 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