Early spring · Weather & things to do
Sapporo in March
Sapporo warms up: highs climb to 36°F (2°C), from 29°F in February, with lows of 24°F (-5°C) and about 2.8 in (72 mm) of rain or snow.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 39/100, 8th of 12.
- Avg high
- 36°F (2°C)
- Avg low
- 24°F (-5°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.8 in (72 mm)
- Humidity
- 91%
- Cloud cover
- 82%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 39 min
- Comfort score
- 39/100 · Tough
What March feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 36°F (2°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 24°F (-5°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 2.8 in (72 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 82%.
Plan around March
March sits mid-table; the best months are May & June and September.
- Last month with freezing nights on average; by April, lows rise to 34°F.
- Comfort improves from 36/100 in February to 39/100.
- Our Hokkaido: Sapporo, Otaru & Furano route recommends Jul – Aug, Jan – Feb, so March falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for March
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 24°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.8 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 March
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
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 36°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 36°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 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 March
- Otaru in March~20 mi · highs 35°F, 2.8 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Furano and Biei in March~63 mi · highs 33°F, 2.2 in rain or snow · 1°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 March: quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Sapporo?
It's middling, scoring 39/100. The best months are May & June and September, at up to 81. Expect highs of 36°F (2°C) and 2.8 in (72 mm) of rain or snow. Our Hokkaido: Sapporo, Otaru & Furano route recommends Jul – Aug, Jan – Feb, so March is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Sapporo in March?
Average highs are 36°F (2°C) and average lows 24°F (-5°C), making it the 4th-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Sapporo in March?
Some: about 2.8 in (72 mm) of rain or snow falls across March on average, the 2nd-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 March?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 24°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 2.8 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Sapporo
Planning Sapporo in March?
Share this March plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.