Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Sapporo in January
This is the coldest month in Sapporo: highs average 28°F (-2°C) and lows 17°F (-8°C), with about 4.1 in (103 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 33/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 28°F (-2°C)
- Avg low
- 17°F (-8°C)
- Rain or snow
- 4.1 in (103 mm)
- Humidity
- 94%
- Cloud cover
- 92%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 09 min
- Comfort score
- 33/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Highs only reach about 28°F (-2°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 17°F (-8°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 4.1 in (103 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 92%.
Daylight is short, roughly 9 h 09 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May & June and September.
- Comfort improves from 29/100 in December to 33/100.
- January sits inside the Jul – Aug, Jan – Feb window our Hokkaido: Sapporo, Otaru & Furano route recommends.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 17°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 4.1 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Sapporo in January
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
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 28°F.
Nijo Market
Downtown seafood market selling crab, sea urchin and kaisendon rice bowls.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Sapporo Clock Tower
1878 wooden building from the city's founding era, with a small museum.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 28°F.
Sapporo Beer Museum
Red-brick brewery building with exhibits on Japan's oldest beer brand and a tasting bar.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Mount Moiwa Ropeway
Ropeway and mini cable car up to a summit view over the city and bay.
Nearby in January
- Otaru in January~20 mi · highs 28°F, 4.1 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Furano and Biei in January~63 mi · highs 24°F, 2.8 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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Sapporo?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 33/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May & June and September. Expect highs of 28°F (-2°C) and 4.1 in (103 mm) of rain or snow. January is inside the Jul – Aug, Jan – Feb window our Hokkaido: Sapporo, Otaru & Furano route recommends.
How cold is Sapporo in January?
Average highs are 28°F (-2°C) and average lows 17°F (-8°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Sapporo in January?
Some: about 4.1 in (103 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 6th-driest 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 January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 17°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 4.1 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Sapporo
Routes in season in January
- Hokkaido: Sapporo, Otaru & Furano Jul – Aug, Jan – Feb
Planning Sapporo in January?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.