Sapporo January weather
Sapporo, Japan · January
One of the coldest months with frequent snowfall and subzero days
January in Sapporo is true winter. Many days stay below freezing all day long, and frequent snow turns the city into a full winter landscape.
Morning and night lows often drop well below −5°C, and daytime highs hover around −1-0°C, which feels even colder with wind and humidity.
January averages at a glance
Average low
around −8 to −6°C
Average high
around −1 to 0°C
Precipitation (mostly snow)
around 110-120 mm
Snowy days
20+ days with snow or flurries
What to wear in January in Sapporo
Actual feel will change with wind and rain, but use the suggestions below to build a comfortable layered outfit.
- • A long down coat or heavy winter parka is essentially mandatory. Layer thermal innerwear + knit or hoodie + fleece or warm mid-layer underneath.
- • Protect ears, hands, and neck with a beanie, earmuffs, scarf, and thick gloves; exposed skin gets cold very quickly.
- • Wear winter boots or shoes with proper anti-slip soles—regular sneakers can be extremely slippery on packed snow and ice.
Travel tips for visiting Sapporo in January
- • Indoor spaces such as underground malls and department stores are strongly heated, so plan outfits that are easy to un-layer once you go inside.
- • Side streets and back alleys can be very slippery, so slow down and prioritize safety over speed when walking.
- • Cold drains battery life quickly from phones and cameras, so bring an external battery and keep devices warm in your bag or inner pocket.
January weather in Sapporo — FAQ
Q. How should I dress for Sapporo in January?
A. Think “one step heavier than a Korean cold wave.” Long down coat, two layers of thermal tops, thick knit, fleece or lined pants, and proper winter accessories are all highly recommended.
Q. Is it still worth visiting if I do not ski or snowboard?
A. Yes. Even without winter sports, simply walking through snowy streets, visiting cafés, and enjoying winter food and onsen can be very rewarding.
Q. Do I need ice cleats on my shoes?
A. They are very helpful if you are not used to walking on snow and ice. If your boots do not have strong grip soles, consider bringing or buying simple ice cleats.
Authored by Jiheon Bang
Updated: 2025-12-01
Reviewed using Visual Crossing Weather data and reorganized from a traveler’s perspective.
Weather data is designed to be refreshed roughly every 10 minutes.