The month in detail
What to expect in December
Off-season for skiing Sapporo — lifts are closed. Consider hiking, mountain biking or summer activities at altitude.
December ranks 12 out of 12 months in Sapporo. Compared to November: −8°C daytime, −0.6h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in December
UV index
2 · low
no protection needed
Feels like
dry air
-7°
Sea
7°C
cold, for the brave
Daylight
8.8h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 29
Compare
Is December the right month?
The best month in Sapporo is July (7.8/10), 7.0 pts higher than December.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Sapporo
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Sapporo
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a mountain stay.
Country · Japan
🗣️LanguageJapanese
💶CurrencyYen japonais (¥)
🚗DrivingLeft-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘSafe · 2/5
💰Cost of living ⓘModerate · 3/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeAlpine mountain climate
📈Climate trend ⓘ+1.74°C/decade
🔥Hottest monthAugust · 26°C
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · -2°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘAugust · 39%
🏔️ Mountain stay
⛰️Village altitude35 m
🎿Ski area35 → 1270 m
⛷️Ski seasonDec → May
🥾Hiking seasonJun → Sep
🧗High mountains ⓘGuide recommended
Explore
Other destinations in December
If December doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Sapporo ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
JapanAlpine mountain climate climate with a 7.8 → 0.8 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
43.06°N · 141.35°E
Questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Sapporo?
It depends on the activity. For skiing: March (ski score 8.0/10). For hiking/summer: March (8.0/10, 4.0°C).
Can you ski in Sapporo in winter?
Yes, it's peak ski season. Average ski score December–February: 7.2/10. Cold temperatures (-2°C max in January) and frequent snowfall.
Is it warm in Sapporo in summer?
In March, temperatures average 4.0°C. Best period for hiking and outdoor activities.
What is the wettest month in Sapporo?
November is the wettest month with November has the lowest climate score of the year.
Can you swim in Sapporo in December?
In December, the sea averages 7°C in Sapporo: cold, for the brave. Best left to hardened swimmers or those with a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Sapporo in December?
The average UV index reaches 2 in December in Sapporo (low), with about 8.8h of daylight. No protection needed.