What to Wear in Sapporo, Hokkaido? Ultimate Clothing & Weather Guide for Travelers

What’s the weather like in Sapporo, Hokkaido when I visit?
What should I wear to stay comfortable throughout my trip?

I’m a university student and from San Francisco, California!
I love Japanese pop culture and I’m traveling around Japan alone!

I’m from Dallas, Texas, visiting Japan with my wife to enjoy Japanese cuisine!

Sapporo in January feels like winter in the Sierra Nevada! Much colder than anywhere in California’s coastal cities—think Lake Tahoe in peak winter. You’ll need a heavy coat, and your face might sting from the cold.

Sapporo in January is colder than anything you’d ever experience in Texas! Compared to Texas, it’s a completely different world—dry, freezing, and cold enough to make your face hurt.

Still freezing! It’s like being at a ski resort in California, with consistently below-freezing temperatures. The dry air makes it feel sharp, and wind chill can make it even colder.

Still brutally cold! Even colder than the coldest winter days in Dallas. When the wind blows, it feels much colder than anything you’d get in Texas, even during a cold snap in Austin or Houston.

The snow is still around, but it’s starting to feel a bit better. It’s similar to late winter in Yosemite—cold in the mornings and evenings, but slightly warmer during the day.

Snow is still around, and it feels like late January in Dallas. Mornings and nights are freezing, but during the day, the sun makes it feel slightly warmer kind of like a winter day in Houston.

Sapporo’s spring feels more like winter in San Francisco! It’s starting to warm up, but in the shade or with strong winds, you’ll still need a jacket.

Sapporo in April is like February in Dallas! It starts to feel like spring when the sun is out, but mornings and evenings are still cold enough for a coat. In Houston, this would still be considered winter.

Sapporo in May is like winter in Los Angeles—comfortable in the afternoon, but the mornings and nights can still feel chilly. A light jacket is a good idea.

May in Sapporo feels like late March or early April in Dallas—mild and pleasant. Compared to Texas, it’s much less humid and feels crisp and refreshing.

Early summer in Sapporo is as refreshing as a San Diego Spring! There’s sunshine, but it never gets too hot, and the humidity stays low.

Sapporo’s June is like April in Dallas—warm but never too hot. No Texas-style June heat, and the air stays dry, making it feel extra comfortable.

It’s summer, but surprisingly comfortable! It feels like a warm day in Los Angeles in June or July—plenty of sunshine, but not humid or oppressive like inland California.

It’s summer, but nothing like Texas! It feels like May in Dallas or Houston—warm and sunny, but without the extreme heat and humidity. The air is much drier, making it pleasant to be outside.

Sapporo’s summer is a lot like San Diego’s—some days reach the 80s°F (30°C), but the low humidity makes it feel much more pleasant than the muggy summers in other parts of Japan.

Sapporo’s August feels like June in Dallas—warm, but nowhere near Texas summer heat. Unlike Houston, there’s no heavy humidity, and stepping into the shade actually makes you feel cooler.

The temperatures start dropping, and it feels like early spring in Los Angeles. The afternoons are still warm, but mornings and evenings get noticeably cooler.

September in Sapporo feels like spring or early summer in Dallas! It’s still warm during the day, but the mornings and evenings are noticeably cooler, and autumn comes much earlier than in Texas.

Fall in Sapporo is crisp, similar to autumn in San Francisco. The air starts feeling chilly, and you’ll definitely need a jacket!

Fall in Sapporo feels like early November in Dallas. The air cools down quickly, and unlike Texas, it’s crisp and dry, making the season feel fresh and refreshing.

Winter is approaching! It’s like November in Lake Tahoe—cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. The wind can make it feel even colder.

November in Sapporo is like peak winter in Dallas! It’s colder than any typical day in Austin or Houston, and snow is already a real possibility. A thick coat is necessary.

Winter in Sapporo is like being in a California ski resort! Imagine being at Mammoth or Tahoe in December—snowy, freezing, and definitely requiring a heavy coat, gloves, and a beanie!

Sapporo’s December is way colder than the coldest winter days in Dallas. Every day is below freezing, making it an experience Texans—especially those from Houston—would find shocking!