Hey there! Welcome to Sapporo! I’ve been living in Sapporo for 40 years, and I’m here to give you some local insights on what to wear and pack for your trip, no matter the season. My goal is to help you have the most comfortable and amazing Sapporo adventure possible!
I’ll be sharing some “real talk” – the kind of stuff you might not find in guidebooks – to give you the genuine scoop. Think of this as your insider’s guide to acing Sapporo!
What to Wear & Pack for Your Sapporo Trip: A Local’s Year-Round Guide
Sapporo has four distinct seasons, and each one brings a dramatic change in scenery and weather. That’s why packing the right clothes and essentials for the time of your visit is super important.
Spring (March – May): Thaw and Fresh Greenery
March in Sapporo is still a bit like the tail end of winter. The average temperature is low, and it’s not uncommon for it to snow. You’ll often see snow still piled up on the roadsides, and temperatures can dip below freezing in the mornings and evenings.
- What to Wear in March:
- A heavy coat (down jacket or wool coat).
- Warm inner layers like sweaters or fleece.
- Winter pants.
- Winter boots with good grip (waterproofing spray is a good idea).
- A hat, gloves, and a scarf.
- A little local honesty here: From late March to early April, the snowmelt can make the roads pretty messy. We call it “yukidoro” (slushy,シャーベット-like snow), and it’s a pain to walk on and gets your shoes dirty. It’s wise to choose waterproof shoes that you don’t mind getting a bit grubby.
April starts to feel more like spring, but if you’re coming from a warmer climate, you might still find it chilly! Cherry blossoms usually bloom around Golden Week (late April to early May).
- What to Wear in April:
- A spring coat, trench coat, or a light down jacket.
- Long-sleeved shirts or light sweaters.
- Regular pants are fine, but a scarf or stole can be handy on windy days.
- Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers, etc.).
May is a fantastic season with vibrant fresh greenery and blooming lilacs! The average temperature rises to around 15circC (59$^{\circ}F$), and many days are pleasant. However, mornings and evenings can still be a bit cool, so don’t let your guard down.
- What to Wear in May:
- Long-sleeved shirts or blouses with a cardigan or hoodie are often enough.
- Having a jacket or light coat is still a good idea.
- The sun can get stronger, so sunscreen and a hat are good to have.
In spring, I recommend a leisurely stroll in Nakajima Park (official site, Japanese only, so please use your browser’s translation feature) or a trip to Jozankei Onsen (Hot Springs) (official site, English), known as Sapporo’s “inner parlor,” to enjoy the hot springs. Jozankei Onsen has lovely scenery, but its distance from the city center can be a bit of a drawback. However, the chance to relax in its rich natural surroundings is a big plus.
General Spring Packing List:
- Foldable umbrella (spring weather can be unpredictable).
- Moisturizer (the air can still be quite dry).
- Camera (lots of beautiful scenery!).
Summer (June – August): Refreshing and Active Season
Sapporo’s summer, well, it used to be known for being quite different from the humid heat of Honshu (Japan’s main island), generally dry and pleasant. But in recent years, things have been changing a bit, and we’re seeing more days with higher temperatures and humidity. Still, the mornings and evenings often cool down, which is a relief.
- What to Wear in June:
- You can often wear short sleeves during the day, but it’s wise to have a long-sleeved shirt or a light cover-up for mornings, evenings, or cloudy days.
- The “YOSAKOI Soran Festival” period is lively and fun, but some roads might be closed, and finding a hotel can be a bit tricky, which is a slight inconvenience. However, the chance to see those energetic dance performances up close is pretty rare.
- YOSAKOI Soran Festival Official Website (usually early June): https://www.yosakoi-soran.jp/en/ (English)
- What to Wear in July & August:
- Basically, short sleeves and shorts are fine!
- However, it can get surprisingly cool at night, so definitely bring a light long-sleeved hoodie or cardigan. Even locals sometimes catch a cold by underestimating it.
- The sun is strong, so a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential.
- If you’re planning to enjoy a beer garden, having something to throw on in the evening will make you more comfortable. The Odori Park Beer Garden is huge and a lot of fun, but expect crowds, of course. Finding a seat, especially on weekends, can be a challenge.
Summer Packing List:
- Insect repellent (if you’re heading to parks or green areas).
- Sweat wipes.
- A light cover-up (for air-conditioned places or cool evenings).
Autumn (September – November): Fall Foliage and Culinary Delights
Once September rolls around, Sapporo quickly starts to feel like autumn. Average temperatures gradually drop, and some mornings and evenings can feel less cool and more chilly.
- What to Wear in September:
- Long-sleeved shirts with a light jacket or cardigan.
- It can still be warm during the day, but it gets cold at night, so easily adjustable clothing is recommended.
- The “Sapporo Autumn Fest” period is a great time to enjoy lots of delicious food! However, the venue gets very crowded, so it’s a good idea to go with plenty of time to spare.
- For Sapporo Autumn Fest (usually early to late September) information, check the official website: Sapporo Autumn Fest Official Website (Sapporo Tourism Association) (English)
- Please note that fees and event dates are subject to change, so be sure to check the official website for the latest information.
October is when the fall foliage reaches its peak, and the city parks and suburban areas turn beautifully colorful. The average temperature is around 10circC (50$^{\circ}F$). Around this time, the morning and evening chill intensifies, so you’ll need warm clothes.
- What to Wear in October:
- Sweaters or fleece, with a trench coat or jacket.
- It’s pleasant during the day if the weather is good, but some days can be windy and cold. A stole or a light scarf is useful.
- The first snow can arrive in late October, so check the weather forecast frequently.
November is already the beginning of winter. Average temperatures often drop below 5circC (41$^{\circ}F$), and it can snow at any time. By late November, the snow often starts to stick around.
- What to Wear in November:
- Winter coat (down jacket or heavy wool coat).
- Warm inner layers, sweaters, and winter pants.
- Gloves, a scarf, and a hat will start to become necessary.
- Choose shoes with good traction.
Autumn Packing List:
- Foldable umbrella (it’s also the autumn rain season).
- Camera (the autumn leaves are truly beautiful!).
- Lip balm and hand cream (it starts to get dry).
Winter (December – February): Snowy Landscapes and Winter Sports
Finally, Sapporo’s winter wonderland! From December to February, the entire city is covered in a blanket of white snow. Average temperatures are consistently below freezing. It’s common to have “midwinter days” where the temperature doesn’t even reach 0circC (32$^{\circ}F$).
- What to Wear in December – February:
- Warmth is paramount! A heavy-duty down jacket or ski-wear-level warm coat is essential. One with a hood is recommended.
- Layering with thermal underwear (like HeatTech) is fundamental. Don’t forget sweaters or fleece.
- Wearing tights or leggings under your pants will keep you warmer.
- A hat (that covers your ears), a scarf, and gloves (waterproof ones are best) are absolutely necessary.
- Shoes are the most crucial point! Choose winter boots with non-slip soles (the kind with deep treads). Applying waterproof spray is also a good idea. Here’s another piece of local honesty: no matter how careful you are, you can slip on icy roads. Tourists, especially, aren’t used to it, so please be very careful when choosing footwear. You can buy attachable ice cleats (spikes) for your shoes at convenience stores or shoe shops in the city, so consider getting some if you’re worried.
- The “Sapporo Snow Festival” is truly spectacular, but it’s incredibly crowded and cold. However, the beauty of the ice sculptures in that chill and the buzz of people from all over the world is something special. Just make sure you’re fully prepared for the cold to enjoy it!
- Sapporo Snow Festival Official Website (usually early February): https://www.snowfes.com/english/ (English)
- Please note that some venues may charge admission fees or the event dates may vary, so be sure to check the official website for the latest information.
Winter Packing List:
- Disposable heat packs (both stick-on and regular types are useful).
- Thick socks (so you can layer them if needed).
- Lip balm and hand cream (skin can get chapped from the cold and dryness).
- Sunglasses (the glare from the snow can be surprisingly bright).
- Moisturizing face masks (for dryness and extra warmth).
Useful Items Year-Round
- Copy of your health insurance card and details of your travel insurance: Just in case.
- Regular medications: Don’t forget any prescription drugs you take.
- Portable battery charger: Your phone battery can drain surprisingly quickly when you’re taking photos and using maps.
- Reusable shopping bag: Many stores in Japan charge for plastic bags.
- Translation app or phrasebook: Can help make communication smoother.
Finally
Sapporo is a truly fascinating city. Every season has its own unique charm. I hope this article helps you even a little with your Sapporo trip preparations.
Travel safe, and have a fantastic trip!
