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Sapporo

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Top 10 things to do in Sapporo

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Featured activity reviews in Sapporo

Best time to visit Sapporo

Data source：Meteostat
Last updated：2025-09

Weather in Sapporo throughout the year

  • Spring (March–May): Average 2.8–14.3°C, with fluctuating temperatures and occasional rainfall, though relatively low in amount. March still sees remaining snow, while April begins to gradually warm up, and May is quite comfortable. Common activities: Cherry blossom viewing (depending on the cherry blossom blooming time), hiking, visiting museums. Recommended clothing: Layered clothing, including warm inner layers, outerwear, and comfortable shoes.
  • Summer (June–August): Average 18.4–24.7°C, warm and humid, with increasing rainfall, especially in August. Long daylight hours are ideal for outdoor activities. Common activities: Outdoor picnics, mountain climbing, sightseeing, attending summer festivals. Recommended clothing: Light and breathable clothing, sun protection clothing, rain gear.
  • Autumn (September–November): Average 6.6–20.4°C, cool and relatively rainy, with colorful autumn leaves as a major feature. Temperatures fluctuate significantly, with a noticeable difference between morning and evening. Common activities: Maple leaf viewing, harvesting agricultural products, soaking in hot springs. Recommended clothing: Layered clothing for easy adjustment, and a warm jacket.
  • Winter (December–February): Average -3.1–-1.3°C, cold and dry, with significant snowfall, making it Sapporo's peak ski season. Short daylight hours. Common activities: Skiing, snow activities, ice sculpture exhibitions. Recommended clothing: Warm clothing, including a heavy coat, hat, scarf, gloves, and slip-resistant waterproof shoes.

Weather in Sapporo

Annual average temperature: approx. 10.5°C / Annual rainfall: approx. 1083 mm / Summer humidity: 70%–80% / Rainiest month: August

Sapporo weather by month

Month
Temperature (°C)
Rainfall (mm)
January
-3.1°C
132
February
-2.3°C
111
March
2.8°C
53
April
9.6°C
37
May
14.3°C
43
June
18.4°C
81
July
23.4°C
89.7
August
24.7°C
135.3
September
20.4°C
103
October
13.2°C
109.7
November
6.6°C
114.7
December
-1.3°C
73.7

7-day weather forecast for Sapporo

10/29
Thursday
Overcast
8.7°C/-2.6°C
10/30
Friday
Mist
15.5°C/3.2°C
10/31
Saturday
Patchy rain nearby
12.8°C/1.7°C
11/1
Sunday
Patchy heavy snow
4.9°C/-4°C
11/2
Monday
Light drizzle
5.2°C/-3.8°C
11/3
Tuesday
Patchy rain nearby
5.7°C/0.8°C
11/4
Wednesday
Patchy rain nearby
4.7°C/-1°C

Sapporo travel FAQs and useful info

What type of beer is Sapporo?

Sapporo beer, particularly Sapporo Premium, is an International Pale Lager, also known as a Japanese Rice Lager. It offers a crisp, light, and refreshing flavor with a clean finish, achieved by using pilsner malt, noble hops, and the addition of rice to lighten the beer's body. It is light-colored with a crystal-clear quality and a white foamy head.

What is Sapporo, Japan known for?

Sapporo is famously known for its namesake beer, the annual Snow Festival, and as a major winter sports destination with nearby ski resorts. Culinary delights include delicious miso ramen, soup curry, and fresh seafood. The city, which hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics, also features historical sites like the Sapporo Clock Tower and Odori Park, along with numerous art installations and beautiful natural landscapes.

What does Sapporo mean in Japanese?

The name Sapporo originates from the Ainu language, the indigenous language of the region, and translates to 'important river flowing through a plain' or 'dry, great river,' referencing the Toyohira River. The original Ainu name for the river was Sat poro pet, or サッ・ポロ・ペッ.

Why is Sapporo beer famous?

Sapporo beer's fame stems from its high-quality ingredients, crisp taste, and the iconic silver can design inspired by a draft beer glass. As Japan's oldest brewery, it symbolizes Japanese quality and craftsmanship, recognized globally for consistent quality and distinctive flavor profiles like Sapporo Premium lager. It utilizes pure Hokkaido water and a proprietary yeast strain, along with high-quality malt and hops.

What are the must-try foods in Sapporo?

In Sapporo, you must try the local specialties. This includes its unique ramen noodles, specifically designed to hold the rich broth, and a rich, flavorful soup curry made with fresh ingredients. Fresh Hokkaido crab and other abundant seafood are also a culinary highlight and a must-try experience for any visitor.