Japan Sapporo Weather in December — Climate Guide
December in Sapporo is Festive snowy
December is Festive snowy for Sapporo.
December brings full snow + Sapporo White Illumination at peak — Odori Park illumination spans 12 blocks. Otaru Snow Light Path Festival in mid-December is the photographer's dream. Ski season in full swing. Christmas/New Year holidays (Dec 25-Jan 3) see hotel prices peak. The first half of December is the best balance of snow + manageable crowds.
Travel score
Sapporo December Weather Stats
Avg High
1°C
Avg Low
-5°C
Rainy Days
22
96mm total
Sunshine
2h
Daily avg
Humidity
73%
Cold dry
UV Index
1
Low
Wind
18 km/h
Gusts 38
Sea Temp
7°C
Avg water temp
Snow Days
22
Monthly avg
Crowds
Busy
At attractions
December Sunrise & Sunset
Expect about 22 snow days this month. Bring slip-resistant shoes and warm gear.
Air Quality
PM2.5
17 μg/m³
PM10
26 μg/m³
Status
Good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
-4°C
Nighttime
-11°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
18 km/h
Max gust 38 km/h
Activities Recommended for December
December Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Sapporo White Illumination peak
- Otaru Snow Light Path
- Niseko ski season
- Christmas market vibe
Cons
- Christmas/NYE price spike (Dec 25-Jan 3)
- Shortest daylight of year
- Slippery icy sidewalks
December Events & Festivals
- Sapporo White Illumination (all month)
- Otaru Snow Light Path (mid-Dec)
- New Year preparations
Sapporo in December — Full Picture
December brings full snow + Sapporo White Illumination at peak — Odori Park illumination spans 12 blocks. Otaru Snow Light Path Festival in mid-December is the photographer's dream. Ski season in full swing. Christmas/New Year holidays (Dec 25-Jan 3) see hotel prices peak. The first half of December is the best balance of snow + manageable crowds.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Deep winter — heavy down coat (-20°C rated), thermal base layer, snow boots, ice spikes, hat, gloves, scarf. Hand warmers essential.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
10.7°C
2.3°C
13.3/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
24°C
16.3°C
11.3/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
15.3°C
7°C
13.3/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current0°C
-6.3°C
21.7/mo
Sapporo Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -1° | -7° | 23d·113mm | 2.5h | 70% | 1 | Moderate | Peak | |
| 0° | -7° | 20d·94mm | 3.5h | 70% | 2 | Very busy | Peak | |
| 4° | -4° | 17d·78mm | 4.5h | 65% | 3 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 11° | 2° | 12d·57mm | 6h | 60% | 4 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| May (Best) | 17° | 9° | 11d·60mm | 7h | 60% | 5 | Moderate | Shoulder |
| June (Best) | 21° | 13° | 9d·56mm | 7.5h | 65% | 6 | Busy | Peak |
| July (Best) | 25° | 17° | 13d·91mm | 6h | 70% | 7 | Very busy | Peak |
| 26° | 19° | 12d·124mm | 6h | 73% | 7 | Very busy | Peak | |
| 22° | 14° | 12d·142mm | 5.5h | 70% | 5 | Busy | Shoulder | |
| 16° | 7° | 11d·110mm | 5h | 65% | 3 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 8° | 0° | 17d·116mm | 2.5h | 70% | 1 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 1° | -5° | 22d·96mm | 2h | 73% | 1 | Busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Sapporo December Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Sapporo?
Sapporo in December is Festive snowy. Tourist crowds are busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Sapporo in December?
Sapporo December averages a high of 1°C and a low of -5°C.
Does it rain much in Sapporo in December?
Sapporo December averages 96mm of rainfall over about 22 rainy days.
What should I wear in Sapporo in December?
Deep winter — heavy down coat (-20°C rated), thermal base layer, snow boots, ice spikes, hat, gloves, scarf. Hand warmers essential.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Sapporo in December?
Sapporo December sunrise is 07:00 and sunset is 16:00, with 9h 00m of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Sapporo in December?
Sapporo December air quality (AQI) averages 38, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 17μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Sapporo in December?
In December, Sapporo is great for Sapporo White Illumination, Otaru Snow Light Path, Niseko skiing.
Is December peak season in Sapporo?
Sapporo December crowds are busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit Sapporo
View Other Months
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.