Last updated: August 21, 2025
January in Sapporo, Japan is characterized by a cold and crisp winter atmosphere. The maximum temperature hovers around 4°C (40°F), while the average dips to a brisk -6°C (21°F). Nighttime can be quite frigid, with minimum temperatures falling to -19°C (-2°F). The city experiences approximately 56 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over 13 days, contributing to a humidity level of 84%. This combination of low temperatures and frequent snowfall makes January an ideal month for winter sports enthusiasts, while also showcasing the enchanting beauty of Sapporo's winter landscape.
In Sapporo, Japan, January ushers in a deep winter chill, with temperatures ranging from a frigid -19°C (-2°F) at night to a slightly milder 4°C (40°F) during the day. The month averages -6°C (21°F), making it one of the coldest times of the year, a stark contrast to the milder weeks of February, where temperatures begin to gently rise. As winter fades into early spring, March sees a noticeable warming trend, with average temperatures hovering around 0°C (32°F), signaling the gradual transition towards more moderate conditions. This upward trajectory continues into April, where daytime highs can reach a comfortable 20°C (69°F), showcasing Sapporo's transformation from a winter wonderland to a budding spring landscape. The city’s climate serves as a beautiful reminder of the changing seasons, inviting both visitors and locals to embrace the delightful variations throughout the year.
In January, Sapporo experiences a moderate precipitation amount of 56 mm (2.2 in) spread over approximately 13 days, marking the onset of winter in this northern Japanese city. As winter progresses into February, precipitation slightly increases to 63 mm (2.5 in) across 18 days, indicating a trend of rising moisture during the coldest months. Notably, this trend continues into March, where snowfall typically dominates; precipitation swells to 86 mm (3.4 in) over 14 days. This consistent increase culminates in the spring, with April and May bringing even more rainfall, suggesting a seasonal shift. The summer months then showcase a dramatic peak in precipitation, reaching its zenith in August at 183 mm (7.2 in). This pattern highlights how Sapporo's climate transitions through varied precipitation levels, from the crisp, snowy days of January to the lush, rain-soaked summer.
January in Sapporo, Japan, sees an average humidity of 84%, setting the stage for a winter characterized by crisp air that gradually transitions into more humid months. As the city moves into February, humidity remains slightly lower at 83%, but begins to creep up again in the spring with levels around 81% in both March and April. Interestingly, the start of summer brings a notable rise, reaching 86% in May and peaking at an impressive 95% in August. Following the peak, the humidity gradually declines, with September dropping to 88% before stabilizing around the low 80s toward the winter months of October and November. Overall, Sapporo experiences a distinct humidity cycle, with winter months featuring high moisture, while the summer peaks offer a sticky warmth, transforming the landscape with each season.
In Sapporo, Japan, January marks the beginning of the year with a low UV Index of 2, allowing for safe outdoor activities without much concern for sunburn, where you can enjoy up to 45 minutes of unprotected exposure. As the months progress into February, the UV Index rises to 3, indicating a moderate risk, and by March, it escalates significantly to 6—a reminder that spring is approaching with increased sunlight. This trend continues into April and May, where the index hits 7 and 9, respectively, signaling a shift to high and very high exposure risks in early summer. The summer months of June through August maintain this very high level, peaking at 10 in August, highlighting the importance of sun protection during these sunny days. As autumn arrives, the UV Index gradually decreases, returning to a more manageable 5 in October and settling back down to 2 by December. These trends emphasize the need for awareness and adaptation to changing UV levels throughout the year. For detailed information on UV exposure in Sapporo, visit the Sapporo UV Index.
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In Sapporo, Japan, January offers a modest 133 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for a gradual increase as winter wanes. As the seasons transition, February brightens with 189 hours, hinting at the promise of spring. By March, the sun shines for 243 hours, ushering in longer days that continue to grow in intensity, reaching 287 hours in April. This upward trend culminates in May with 309 hours of sun, a prelude to the sun-soaked summer months. As temperatures rise, sunshine remains abundant, peaking at 321 hours in July before slightly tapering off in August. The warm hues of summer linger into September with 269 hours of sunlight, yet as autumn approaches, the daylight hours begin to dwindle, decreasing to 177 hours in November and 163 hours in December. This yearly rhythm of sunshine captures the essence of Sapporo’s vibrant climate, where every month brings its unique blend of light and atmosphere.
In Sapporo, Japan, the likelihood of enjoying sunny weather in January hovers around 29%, a figure that reflects the city's chilly winter climate. As we progress into the year, the chance of sunshine begins to rise, peaking at 42% in June before settling back down in the subsequent months. Interestingly, while February presents a slight dip to 25%, March begins a gradual climb to 35%, signaling the end of winter's grip. By April, the chance of sunshine reaches 40%, suggesting that as the seasons change, so too does the weather's temperament. Such patterns highlight not only the cold but also the promise of sunnier days ahead as spring unfolds.
In January, Sapporo experiences 9 hours of daylight, a modest beginning to the year as the city emerges from the depths of winter. As the months progress, daylight gradually increases, reaching 10 hours in February and then 11 hours by March, heralding the arrival of spring. By April, the daylight duration expands to 13 hours, which continues to blossom into the longer days of summer, peaking at 15 hours in June. However, as mid-year passes, the daylight begins its subtle decline, with 14 hours in July and 13 hours in August, ultimately descending back to 11 hours by October. As the year concludes, Sapporo returns to 9 hours of daylight in both November and December, closing the cycle with a familiar, comforting embrace of winter. This rhythmic pattern not only illuminates the seasonal changes but also reflects the city's adaptation to varying daylight as the year unfolds.
In January, the winds in Sapporo, Japan, whisper softly at an average speed of 2.9 m/s (7 mph), setting an enchanting winter scene. This gentle breeze is a precursor to slightly stronger gusts in February, which rise to 3.1 m/s (7 mph), hinting at the season's transition. As March rolls in, the wind settles back to 2.9 m/s, maintaining a consistent character before gradually picking up to 3.3 m/s in April. It's interesting to note that, while the summer months of June and July see a dip in wind speed, with averages around 2.3 m/s (5 mph), the winds remain fairly steady, only fluctuating mildly throughout the year. This gentle, rhythmic pattern in Sapporo’s winds creates a distinct atmosphere, from the crisp chill of winter to the warm embrace of summer, guiding residents and visitors alike through the year with an ever-present, soothing breath of air.
Weather in Sapporo varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Sapporo, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
January and February in Sapporo present a stark yet subtly shifting winter landscape. January is characterized by colder temperatures, with average lows around -6°C (21°F) and highs barely reaching 4°C (40°F), while February sees a slight improvement with an average of -5°C (23°F) and max temperatures of 5°C (42°F). Both months experience significant precipitation, though February typically receives more, with 63 mm (2.5 in) over 18 days compared to January's 56 mm (2.2 in) over 13 days. Humidity remains relatively stable, at 84% in January and slightly lower at 83% in February. For a more detailed look at what to expect during this time, check out Sapporo weather in February.
January and March in Sapporo present notable contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures are at their coldest, with average lows around -19°C (-2°F) and maxing out at just 4°C (40°F), while precipitation amounts to 56 mm over 13 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 84%. In comparison, March sees a gradual warming trend, with temperatures rising to an average of 0°C (32°F), ranging from a minimum of -13°C (9°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F). Additionally, March experiences slightly higher precipitation at 86 mm over 14 days, and the humidity decreases to 81%. For a more detailed look at what to expect, visit Sapporo weather in March.
January and April exhibit dramatically different weather patterns. In January, temperatures are significantly cooler, ranging from a minimum of -19°C (-2°F) to a maximum of just 4°C (40°F), with an average temperature of -6°C (21°F). The month experiences 56 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over 13 days, and humidity levels are relatively high at 84%. In contrast, April sees temperatures rise, with minimums around -6°C (21°F) and maximums reaching 20°C (69°F), making for a much milder average of 5°C (41°F). Although April receives more precipitation at 87 mm (3.4 in), it still maintains a lower humidity of 81%. For more insights, check out Sapporo weather in April.
In January, Sapporo experiences frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -19°C (-2°F) and an average of -6°C (21°F), making it one of the coldest months of the year. The city also sees about 56 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over 13 days, alongside high humidity levels at 84%, which can intensify the chill in the air. In contrast, May brings a significant shift in weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 30°C (87°F) and an average of 12°C (53°F). Although May has a slightly higher precipitation of 94 mm (3.7 in) spread over 12 days, the warmth and increased humidity at 86% create a vibrant and lively atmosphere. For more details about the weather conditions in May, visit Sapporo weather in May.
In January, Sapporo experiences a frigid climate, with temperatures ranging from a chilling -19°C (-2°F) at night to a maximum of just 4°C (40°F) during the day. The month sees an average temperature of -6°C (21°F) and is characterized by high humidity levels at 84%, along with 56 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over 13 days. In contrast, June brings a much milder and more temperate atmosphere, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (42°F) to a warm 26°C (80°F), averaging around 15°C (60°F). This month also experiences higher precipitation at 123 mm (4.8 in) across 12 days, while humidity slightly rises to 87%. For more detailed insights, you can visit Sapporo weather in June.
January and July present a stark contrast in weather. In January, temperatures can drop as low as -19°C (-2°F), with an average of -6°C (21°F) and highs reaching just 4°C (40°F). The month experiences significant cold, with a humidity level of 84% and precipitation over 56 mm (2.2 in) spread across 13 days. In contrast, July boasts a much warmer climate, with minimum temperatures around 9°C (49°F), averages hitting 20°C (68°F), and maximum temperatures soaring to 31°C (88°F). Although July sees increased rainfall with about 113 mm (4.5 in) over 12 days, the humidity is even higher at 93%. For more details on July weather, you can visit Sapporo weather in July.
In January, Sapporo faces a bitter cold with average temperatures hovering around -6°C (21°F), while the mercury can drop as low as -19°C (-2°F). The month sees considerable precipitation, amounting to 56 mm (2.2 in) over 13 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 84%. Conversely, August brings a warm and pleasant shift in weather, with temperatures typically ranging from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F) and an average of 21°C (69°F). Rainfall increases significantly to 183 mm (7.2 in) spread over 14 days, paired with high humidity at 95%. For a detailed look at August weather in Sapporo, visit Sapporo weather in August.
January and September present distinctly different weather patterns. In January, temperatures plummet, with average lows around -6°C (21°F) and occasional dips to -19°C (-2°F). The month is characterized by frequent precipitation, totaling 56 mm (2.2 in) across 13 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 84%. In contrast, September experiences a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a cool 4°C (40°F) at night to a warm 29°C (84°F) during the day, averaging 17°C (63°F). This month sees increased precipitation of 126 mm (5.0 in) over 14 days, alongside a slightly higher humidity of 88%. For more details on conditions in September, you can visit Sapporo weather in September.
In January, Sapporo experiences a much colder climate, with average temperatures hovering around -6°C (21°F) and nighttime lows plummeting to -19°C (-2°F). The city receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over 13 days, while humidity remains high at 84%. In contrast, October brings a significant warming trend, with average temperatures rising to a comfortable 11°C (52°F) and daytime highs reaching up to 24°C (76°F). Precipitation also increases during this month, totaling 120 mm (4.7 in) over 17 days, with humidity slightly lower at 83%. For more detailed information on October weather in Sapporo, visit Sapporo weather in October.
January and November exhibit stark contrasts in weather. January is characterized by frigid temperatures, with average lows of -6°C (21°F) and occasional extremes plunging to -19°C (-2°F). In comparison, November brings a milder climate, where temperatures range from a minimum of -8°C (18°F) to a maximum of 17°C (62°F). Additionally, November experiences significantly higher precipitation, totaling 117 mm (4.6 in) over 20 days, compared to January's 56 mm (2.2 in) across 13 days. Humidity levels are slightly lower in November at 79%, compared to the chillier January's 84%. For more details on November weather specifics, check out Sapporo weather in November.
In January, temperatures can drop to a chilling minimum of -19°C (-2°F), with an average of -6°C (21°F) and a slight max of 4°C (40°F). The month sees approximately 56 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation spread over 13 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 84%. In contrast, December offers somewhat milder conditions, with a minimum of -15°C (6°F), an average of -3°C (26°F), and a maximum that can reach up to 11°C (53°F). However, it experiences higher precipitation of 78 mm (3.1 in) over 22 days, alongside a humidity of 80%. For a more detailed look at December's weather, you can visit Sapporo weather in December.
In January, Sapporo experiences a unique winter charm that sets it apart from the milder months. Temperatures typically hover around freezing, presenting a stark contrast to the warmer spring and summer seasons. The city is characterized by consistently low temperatures and high humidity, contributing to a crisp, brisk atmosphere perfect for winter activities. Additionally, with frequent precipitation in the form of snow, January offers a picturesque snowy landscape that transforms Sapporo into a winter wonderland. For those curious about Sapporo's climate throughout the year and planning their visit, more detailed information can be found at Sapporo Climate.