Sapporo experiences distinct seasons, so what you wear depends largely on when you visit. Winters (December to February) are cold and snowy, requiring heavy coats, thermal layers, insulated pants, gloves, scarves, and waterproof boots. Spring (March to May) is chilly to mild, so light jackets, sweaters, and comfortable shoes work well.
Summer (June to August) is warm and pleasant, ideal for lightweight clothing like t-shirts, dresses, shorts, and sandals—don’t forget sunscreen and hats. Autumn (September to November) sees cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage; bring medium-weight jackets, sweaters, and comfortable shoes. Dressing in layers is key, especially in spring and autumn.
What To Wear in Sapporo By Month?
Sapporo, located on Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido, experiences distinct seasons with long, snowy winters and mild summers. Visitors need to prepare for varying conditions, from heavy snowfall during winter to comfortable, sunny days in summer. Layering is essential in colder months, while lightweight fabrics are ideal for the warmer seasons.
Additionally, snow-friendly footwear is crucial during the winter to navigate icy streets safely. This month-wise guide will help you dress appropriately, ensuring comfort and practicality throughout the year.
| What To Wear in Sapporo By Month | Weather Conditions | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Freezing (−7°C to −1°C) | Heavy coat, thermal layers, scarf, gloves, boots | Thick coat, sweater, tights, scarf, gloves, boots |
| February | Freezing (−6°C to 0°C) | Warm coat, thermal underwear, boots, beanie | Warm coat, sweater, tights, earmuffs, boots |
| March | Cold (−2°C to 4°C) | Light jacket, sweater, thermal shirt, boots | Light coat, sweater, skirts with tights, boots |
| April | Cool (2°C to 11°C) | Light jacket, long-sleeved shirts, comfortable shoes | Light jacket, dresses, skirts with tights, comfortable shoes |
| May | Mild (7°C to 17°C) | Light sweater, t-shirts, comfortable shoes | Light cardigan, skirts, flats, spring dresses |
| June | Mild (12°C to 22°C) | T-shirts, jeans, light jacket | Light tops, dresses, sandals |
| July | Warm (17°C to 26°C) | Short-sleeved shirts, shorts, sneakers | Light dresses, skirts, sandals |
| August | Warm (18°C to 27°C) | T-shirts, shorts, comfortable shoes | Sleeveless tops, skirts, sandals |
| September | Cool (14°C to 23°C) | Light jacket, t-shirts, jeans | Light sweater, skirts, comfortable shoes |
| October | Cool (8°C to 17°C) | Light coat, sweaters, boots | Light jacket, long dresses, boots |
| November | Cold (1°C to 9°C) | Warm coat, scarf, gloves, boots | Thick coat, scarf, tights, gloves, boots |
| December | Freezing (−5°C to 3°C) | Heavy coat, thermal layers, beanie, gloves, boots | Thick coat, sweater, tights, scarf, gloves, boots |
What to Wear in Sapporo in January?
January is the coldest month in Sapporo, with temperatures ranging from -7°C (19°F) to -1°C (30°F). Heavy snowfall creates ideal conditions for winter activities.
Men
- Heavy winter coat or down jacket
- Thermal undershirts with sweaters or fleece layers
- Insulated pants or thermal leggings under trousers
- Scarves, gloves, and beanies
- Waterproof boots with good grip
Women
- Thick winter coats or down jackets
- Thermal tops with sweaters or wool pullovers
- Warm pants or skirts with thermal leggings
- Gloves, scarves, earmuffs, and hats
- Insulated boots with anti-slip soles
What to Wear in Sapporo in February?
Temperatures remain low in February, ranging from -6°C (21°F) to 0°C (32°F). The Sapporo Snow Festival draws many visitors to enjoy the winter wonderland.
Men
- Insulated winter jacket or heavy coat
- Thermal undershirts with wool sweaters
- Jeans or thermal-lined trousers
- Thick gloves, scarves, and beanies
- Warm, waterproof boots
Women
- Warm coats or puffer jackets
- Thermal tops with cardigans or sweaters
- Skirts with thermal tights or warm pants
- Hats, gloves, and scarves
- Waterproof boots with fur lining
What to Wear in Sapporo in March?
March is still cold, with temperatures from -2°C (28°F) to 4°C (39°F). Snow starts to melt, but chilly conditions persist.
Men
- Medium-weight jackets with thermal layers
- Long-sleeve shirts and sweaters
- Jeans or lined trousers
- Light scarves and gloves
- Warm boots with good grip
Women
- Medium-weight coats or jackets
- Long-sleeve tops with sweaters
- Pants or skirts with leggings
- Light gloves and scarves
- Comfortable shoes or ankle boots
What to Wear in Sapporo in April?
April brings spring with temperatures ranging from 2°C (36°F) to 11°C (52°F). Mornings and evenings remain cool.
Men
- Light jackets or windbreakers
- Long-sleeve shirts or polo shirts
- Jeans or chinos
- Comfortable shoes or sneakers
- Light scarf
Women
- Light coats or cardigans
- Dresses or blouses with long sleeves
- Pants or skirts with light leggings
- Comfortable flats or walking shoes
What to Wear in Sapporo in May?
Temperatures in May range from 7°C (45°F) to 17°C (63°F), with blooming cherry blossoms.
Men
- Light jackets or hoodies
- T-shirts or casual shirts
- Chinos or light trousers
- Sneakers or loafers
- Sunglasses
Women
- Cardigans or light jackets
- Dresses, blouses, or t-shirts
- Skirts, dresses, or pants
- Flats, sandals, or sneakers
What to Wear in Sapporo in June?
June marks the start of summer with temperatures from 12°C (54°F) to 22°C (72°F). The weather is mild and pleasant.
Men
- Short-sleeve shirts or polo shirts
- Shorts or light trousers
- Comfortable shoes or sandals
- Hats and sunglasses
Women
- Blouses, dresses, or t-shirts
- Skirts, shorts, or light pants
- Sandals or flats
- Sun hats and sunglasses
What to Wear in Sapporo in July?
July is warm, with temperatures between 17°C (63°F) and 26°C (79°F), perfect for summer festivals.
Men
- T-shirts or tank tops
- Shorts or lightweight trousers
- Sandals or sneakers
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
Women
- Light dresses or blouses
- Shorts, skirts, or pants
- Sandals or open-toed shoes
- Sun hats and sunglasses
What to Wear in Sapporo in August?
August temperatures range from 18°C (64°F) to 27°C (81°F), with occasional rain showers.
Men
- T-shirts or polo shirts
- Shorts or chinos
- Comfortable shoes or sandals
- Umbrella and sun protection
Women
- Blouses or dresses
- Light pants, skirts, or shorts
- Sandals or flats
- Hats, sunglasses, and umbrella
What to Wear in Sapporo in September?
September welcomes autumn with temperatures from 14°C (57°F) to 23°C (73°F). Evenings become cooler.
Men
- Light jackets or hoodies
- Long-sleeve shirts
- Jeans or chinos
- Comfortable shoes
- Light scarf
Women
- Light coats or cardigans
- Dresses, sweaters, or blouses
- Pants or skirts with leggings
- Ankle boots or flats
What to Wear in Sapporo in October?
Temperatures range from 8°C (46°F) to 17°C (63°F) in October, and the autumn foliage is at its peak.
Men
- Medium-weight jackets
- Sweaters over shirts
- Jeans or trousers
- Comfortable shoes or boots
Women
- Stylish coats or jackets
- Sweaters or long-sleeve tops
- Pants or skirts with tights
- Boots or flats
What to Wear in Sapporo in November?
November temperatures drop to 1°C (34°F) to 9°C (48°F), with the first snowfall appearing late in the month.
Men
- Warm jackets or coats
- Thermal undershirts with sweaters
- Warm trousers or jeans
- Boots for cold weather
Women
- Winter coats or padded jackets
- Thermal tops with cardigans
- Skirts with leggings or warm pants
- Insulated boots
What to Wear in Sapporo in December?
December is cold, with temperatures ranging from -5°C (23°F) to 3°C (37°F), accompanied by frequent snowfall.
Men
- Heavy winter coats
- Thermal undershirts with sweaters
- Warm pants or thermal-lined trousers
- Waterproof boots
Women
- Down jackets or thick coats
- Thermal tops with knitwear
- Pants or skirts with warm leggings
- Insulated boots
What To Wear in Sapporo by Season?
Sapporo’s climate changes significantly throughout the year, offering cold, snowy winters and mild, comfortable summers. Understanding what to wear for each season will help you stay comfortable and make the most of your visit. Whether you’re exploring the snowy landscape or enjoying a summer festival, dressing appropriately ensures both comfort and style.
Winter (December to February)
Winters in Sapporo are cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging from -7°C (19°F) to 3°C (37°F). Expect heavy snowfall, making warm clothing essential.
What to Wear?
Heavy winter coats, thermal layers, insulated pants, scarves, gloves, and beanies. Waterproof boots with good grip are a must for snowy conditions.
While Sapporo requires winter-ready outfits for most of the year, dressing for Kyoto involves more layering and seasonal shifts.
Spring (March to May)
Spring starts off chilly, with temperatures gradually warming from 2°C (36°F) to 17°C (63°F) by May. Snow may still be present in early spring, but it melts as temperatures rise.
What to Wear?
Light jackets or cardigans, long-sleeve tops, and comfortable pants or skirts. Layering is ideal, as mornings and evenings can still be cool. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Summer (June to August)
Sapporo’s summer is mild, with temperatures ranging between 12°C (54°F) and 27°C (81°F). The weather is pleasant, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
What to Wear?
Lightweight, breathable clothing such as t-shirts, dresses, shorts, or skirts. Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are important to protect against the sun. Comfortable sandals or sneakers work well.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn in Sapporo sees temperatures dropping from 23°C (73°F) in September to around 1°C (34°F) by November. The beautiful autumn foliage makes this a great time to explore the city.
What to Wear?
Medium-weight jackets, sweaters, and long pants. Light scarves may be needed as temperatures cool down, especially in the evenings. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes or boots are ideal.
What To Wear in Sapporo for Different Activities?
Sapporo offers a variety of activities throughout the year, from exploring winter landscapes to enjoying summer festivals. Dressing appropriately for each activity ensures comfort and enhances your experience. Here’s a guide on what to wear for popular activities in Sapporo:
1. Skiing and Snowboarding
Sapporo is famous for its winter sports, particularly at resorts like Teine and Moiwa.
- What to Wear: Waterproof ski jackets and pants, thermal layers, gloves, hats, and goggles. Insulated boots are necessary, and it’s important to layer properly to stay warm on the slopes.
2. Exploring Odori Park and the Snow Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival in February is a highlight for many tourists.
- What to Wear: A thick winter coat, thermal innerwear, warm pants, gloves, and a beanie. Waterproof boots with good traction are also important for walking on snow-covered paths.
If snowy adventures aren’t your thing, you might prefer Kyoto’s milder autumn or cherry blossom season. Make sure to check out our detailed wardrobe guide for Kyoto to stay comfortable throughout your trip.”
3. Visiting Temples and Shrines
Kyoto’s temples and shrines offer a peaceful respite from the bustling city, best explored with appropriate attire.
- What to Wear: Comfortable, modest clothing like jeans, light trousers, or skirts with a blouse. For winter visits, layer with a light to medium jacket. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you’ll do a lot of exploring.
4. Summer Festivals and Markets
Summer in Sapporo is perfect for enjoying local festivals like the Sapporo Summer Festival and the beer garden in Odori Park.
- What to Wear: Lightweight t-shirts, shorts, or dresses. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended for protection from the sun. Comfortable sandals or breathable sneakers work well for walking around.
5. Hiking in the Mountains
Hiking is popular in Sapporo, especially in areas like Mount Moiwa and Mount Maruyama.
- What to Wear: For summer, wear lightweight, moisture-wicking shirts, hiking pants, and sturdy hiking boots. Bring a light jacket for unpredictable weather. In spring and autumn, layering is important, and a raincoat may be useful.
6. Dining Out and Nightlife
Sapporo’s nightlife is bustling, with many restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.
- What to Wear: Smart casual attire works well for dining out—think nice jeans or trousers paired with a blouse or button-up shirt. In winter, ensure your coat is stylish yet warm enough for the cold streets. Comfortable yet elegant shoes are recommended.
7. Onsen Visits
Sapporo has several hot springs, and an onsen visit is a great way to relax.
- What to Wear: Casual clothing that is easy to change out of, such as loose-fitting t-shirts and pants. Most onsens provide yukatas (traditional robes) for wearing inside the facility, so you won’t need swimwear.
8. Shopping at Tanukikoji Shopping Street
This covered arcade is perfect for souvenir shopping.
- What to Wear: Comfortable, casual clothing suitable for walking. In winter, a warm coat is needed, while in summer, light and breathable attire is ideal. Comfortable walking shoes are a must to enjoy hours of browsing.
FAQs On What To Wear in Sapporo?
The Sapporo Snow Festival in February requires dressing warmly. A thick winter coat, thermal underlayers, gloves, a beanie, and waterproof boots are essential to protect against the cold while enjoying the ice sculptures and outdoor activities.
Yes, especially during winter and the rainy season. Sapporo sees heavy snowfall in winter, making waterproof coats, pants, and boots essential for comfort.
Waterproof, insulated boots with good traction are the best choice for Sapporo’s winter. Snow and ice can make streets slippery, so boots with anti-slip soles are recommended for safety and warmth.
For skiing or snowboarding, wear waterproof ski jackets, pants, thermal layers, gloves, and goggles. For hiking, especially in summer, choose lightweight, moisture-wicking clothes, sturdy hiking boots, and a light jacket for unpredictable weather.
