Best Time to Visit Sapporo
Sapporo (札幌市), located in Japan’s northernmost prefecture, experiences a colder climate with freezing winters and cool, comfortable summers. The city falls within the cold continental climate zone, with weather conditions comparable to Chicago and Boston in the United States or Toronto in Canada. However, one key difference sets Sapporo apart: its enormous snowfall, making it the second snowiest city in the world after Aomori (青森市), also in Japan, and a winter paradise for snow enthusiasts.
Sapporo’s average temperatures are typically 10–15°C lower than those of Tokyo or Kyoto, a significant difference to keep in mind when planning your trip.
The warm season in Sapporo, with comfortable temperatures of 12–15°C and above, lasts from May to September. The best time to visit Sapporo is mid to late May, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. A particularly delightful spot to enjoy this season is Moerenuma Park (モエレ沼公園), home to nearly 2,000 cherry trees that create a stunning atmosphere of natural beauty and renewal.
Spring in Sapporo
The spring months in Sapporo offer varying temperatures and rainfall. March still feels like winter, with temperatures typically not exceeding 3-4°C and frequent rain or snow. In April, the weather begins to warm up, averaging around 7-8°C and occasionally reaching up to 12°C. April is also the driest month of the year, making it ideal for those who prefer to explore without an umbrella. If you don't mind the cool temperatures and want to avoid the tourist crowds, April is the best time to visit Sapporo.
By May, the tourist season is in full swing, bringing more traffic, events and visitors to the city, creating a lively atmosphere.
Summer in Sapporo
Summer in Sapporo is the most comfortable season compared to other Japanese metropolises. From June to August, temperatures range between 15–25°C, creating the perfect climate for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, cycling, and enjoying the many music festivals held during this time.
Key Events:
- Yosakoi Soran Festival (early June)
- Hokkaido Shrine Festival (mid-June)
- Hokkaido Makomanai Fireworks Festival (early July)
- Sapporo City Jazz (July)
- Pacific Music Festival (mid to late July)
- The Rising Sun Rock Festival (mid-August)
- Hokkaido Marathon (August)
- Sapporo Summer Festival (mid-July to mid-August)
Autumn in Sapporo
In autumn, tourism in Sapporo peaks between September and October, offering stunning views of brightly colored trees and falling leaves, along with comfortable weather perfect for hiking. During this period, temperatures range from 10–17°C. By November, the temperature drops to around 3°C, leading to a significant decrease in tourist activity.
Key Events:
- Sapporo Autumn Fest (September)
- Sapporo Art Stage (November)
Autumn is an ideal time to experience Sapporo’s natural beauty and cultural events before the colder months set in.
Winter in Sapporo
Winter in Sapporo is cold, with temperatures dropping as low as -12°C. Despite the chill, this season is highly popular among winter sports enthusiasts, making it one of the best times to visit Sapporo.
The city is renowned for its winter resorts, offering abundant high-quality snow and excellent infrastructure for skiing and snowboarding. The prime months for skiing in Sapporo are January and February.
February is also a magical time to visit for the Sapporo Snow Festival (さっぽろ雪まつり), when Odori Park (大通公園) is transformed into a stunning wonderland filled with enormous ice and snow sculptures.
Key Events:
- Yukitouro - Snow Candle Way (late January to early February)
- Sapporo Snow Festival (Yuki Matsuri) (February 4–11)