Early winter · Weather & things to do
Sapporo in December
Sapporo cools off: highs slip to 31°F (0°C), from 44°F in November, with lows of 22°F (-6°C) and about 5.1 in (130 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 29/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 31°F (0°C)
- Avg low
- 22°F (-6°C)
- Rain or snow
- 5.1 in (130 mm)
- Humidity
- 93%
- Cloud cover
- 92%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 50 min
- Comfort score
- 29/100 · Tough
What December feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 31°F (0°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Average lows of 22°F (-6°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 5.1 in (130 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 92%.
Only about 8 h 50 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May & June and September.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 22°F.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 50 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 38/100 in November to 29/100.
- Our Hokkaido: Sapporo, Otaru & Furano route recommends Jul – Aug, Jan – Feb, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 22°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 5.1 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Sapporo in December
With 5.1 in of rain or snow, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Odori Park
Long green strip through downtown, home to the Snow Festival in February.
Ganso Ramen Yokocho
Narrow alley of small ramen counters in Susukino, home of Sapporo miso ramen.
Sapporo Beer Museum
Red-brick brewery building with exhibits on Japan's oldest beer brand and a tasting bar.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 31°F.
Sapporo Beer Garden
Brick beer halls next to the museum serving Genghis Khan grilled lamb and fresh beer.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 31°F.
Nijo Market
Downtown seafood market selling crab, sea urchin and kaisendon rice bowls.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Nearby in December
- Otaru in December~20 mi · highs 31°F, 5.1 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Furano and Biei in December~63 mi · highs 28°F, 3.8 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~279 m to Sapporo's ~36 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Sapporo in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Sapporo?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 29/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May & June and September. Expect highs of 31°F (0°C) and 5.1 in (130 mm) of rain or snow. Our Hokkaido: Sapporo, Otaru & Furano route recommends Jul – Aug, Jan – Feb, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Sapporo in December?
Average highs are 31°F (0°C) and average lows 22°F (-6°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Sapporo in December?
Yes: about 5.1 in (130 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 50.1 in (1272 mm).
What should I pack for Sapporo in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 22°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 5.1 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Sapporo
Planning Sapporo in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.