December · Japan
Best time to visit Sapporo in December Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Sapporo in December
Average temperature -3°C, 66 mm of rain, about 18 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 76% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
December score
9.5/10
Ranked #3 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- -3°C
- Rainfall
- 66 mm
- Humidity
- 76%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 18
- Crowd Density
- Peak Tourist Rush
- Average Expenses
- $$$ · Peak Season Rates ($$$)
December in Sapporo scores 9.5/10 for snow and ski travel - one of the top 12-month picks (#3). Expect around -3°C, 66 mm of rain, and roughly 18 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Sapporo is Hokkaido's grid-planned city, known for miso ramen, the Snow Festival, and ski hills within easy reach.
December in Sapporo — one of the year's strongest windows (3rd)
December averages -3°C (26°F), cold enough that sightseeing works in bursts rather than in one long day on foot.
At 66 mm of water-equivalent precipitation this is a snowy month at resort level — that is snowpack, not lost days — with about 18 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 9.1 hours of daylight.
A 9.5/10 puts this among the year's best months in Sapporo (3rd of 12); only January scores higher, at 9.5/10.
Pack insulated layers, a windproof shell, gloves and boots with grip, a packable rain layer, goggles and a helmet if you are not renting.
Figure on peak pricing, with this is one of the busiest months here. You are paying the year's highest rates for the year's best conditions — book early or shift a few weeks either side.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Sapporo in December?
- In December, Sapporo averages -3°C, 66 mm of rain, and about 18 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 9.5/10.
- Is December a good time to visit Sapporo?
- December earns a 9.5/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Sapporo in December?
- Expect about 66 mm of rain in December. Average humidity is 76% and there are about 18 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
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