Sapporo→
Station: SapporoSapporo
High
2.0℃
Low
−4.0℃
- Precip.
- 114.5mm
- Max snow depth
- 47cm
- Sunset
- 16:01
Busy with illuminations and the Christmas market. Snow settles for the season
Hokkaido Weather Guide
Hokkaido Weather in December: What to Wear & Expect
December is the start of real winter in Hokkaido. Sapporo's high is 2.0°C, mornings drop to -4°C, and snow keeps piling up. The city sparkles with illuminations and Christmas markets, and ski season gets into full swing from mid-December. These are the shortest days of the year — it's dark by 4 pm.
- Sapporo high
- 2.0℃
- Sapporo low
- −4.0℃
- Sapporo snow depth
- 47cm
- Sapporo sunset
- 16:01
Overview
Hokkaido in December: Key Points
- ✓Sapporo's high is 2.0°C. Snow piles up and stays on the ground until spring
- ✓Around Niseko, as much as 2.5 m of snow falls in a month — ski season opens
- ✓Illuminations and Christmas events in Sapporo and Hakodate
- ✓Sunset around 4 pm — the shortest days of the year
By Area
December Weather by Area
Temperature, precipitation, snow and sunshine are climate normals (1991-2020). Sunset is for December 15.
Otaru→
Station: OtaruOtaru, Shakotan
High
1.6℃
Low
−3.8℃
- Precip.
- 151.9mm
- Max snow depth
- 54cm
- Sunset
- 16:01
Lots of snow; the snowy canal is at its most beautiful
Niseko→
Station: KutchanNiseko, Kutchan, Rusutsu
High
0.0℃
Low
−6.8℃
- Precip.
- 217.7mm
- Max snow depth
- 99cm
- Sunset
- 16:03
2.5 m of snowfall a month. Powder season starts mid-December
Asahikawa & Biei→
Station: AsahikawaAsahikawa, Biei, Mt. Asahidake, Sounkyo
High
−0.8℃
Low
−8.0℃
- Precip.
- 102.4mm
- Max snow depth
- 58cm
- Sunset
- 15:54
Mornings around -8°C. Asahiyama Zoo's penguin walk starts in late December
Furano→
Station: FuranoFurano, Tomamu
High
−1.2℃
Low
−10.2℃
- Precip.
- 71.2mm
- Max snow depth
- 46cm
- Sunset
- 15:55
Mornings drop to about -10°C. Ski season begins
Hakodate→
Station: HakodateHakodate, Onuma
High
3.2℃
Low
−3.6℃
- Precip.
- 94.6mm
- Max snow depth
- 22cm
- Sunset
- 16:07
The Christmas Fantasy lights up the Red Brick Warehouses
Noboribetsu & Lake Toya→
Station: MuroranNoboribetsu, Lake Toya, Muroran, Shiraoi
High
2.9℃
Low
−1.8℃
- Precip.
- 65.8mm
- Max snow depth
- 9cm
- Sunset
- 16:05
Little snow — a comfortable winter by Hokkaido standards
Obihiro & Tokachi→
Station: ObihiroObihiro, Tokachigawa Onsen
High
1.0℃
Low
−8.9℃
- Precip.
- 52.3mm
- Max snow depth
- 36cm
- Sunset
- 15:54
Mostly sunny, but mornings drop to about -9°C
Kushiro & Akan→
Station: KushiroKushiro, Kushiro Wetland, Lake Akan
High
2.5℃
Low
−7.0℃
- Precip.
- 56.6mm
- Max snow depth
- 17cm
- Sunset
- 15:49
Mostly sunny with little snow. Red-crowned crane season begins
Abashiri & Shiretoko→
Station: AbashiriAbashiri, Shiretoko, Utoro
High
0.7℃
Low
−6.0℃
- Precip.
- 63.6mm
- Max snow depth
- 29cm
- Sunset
- 15:45
Highs around 1°C. Snow settles into a winter landscape
Wakkanai & Rishiri→
Station: WakkanaiWakkanai, Rishiri Island, Rebun Island
High
0.0℃
Low
−4.2℃
- Precip.
- 112.9mm
- Max snow depth
- 39cm
- Sunset
- 15:51
Hardly any sunny breaks, with frequent snow and strong winds
What to Wear
What to Wear in Hokkaido in December
Base layer
Heat-generating or thick thermal underwear — top and bottom recommended
Tops
Sweater or fleece, layered so you can take it off indoors
Outerwear
Long, hooded down coat
Bottoms
Fleece-lined pants; add tights underneath for extra warmth
Shoes
Waterproof snow boots with deep-treaded soles
Accessories
Gloves, knit hat, scarf and disposable heat packs (kairo)
If you plan to ski or snowboard, you'll need separate waterproof ski wear. Rentals are available locally.
Good to Know
Good to Know
Sidewalks are icy and very slippery
Sidewalks with packed snow are very slippery. Slip-on shoe spikes (sold at konbini/convenience stores and drugstores) help a lot.
Days are very short
In mid-December, the sun sets around 4 pm in Sapporo and before 4 pm in Kushiro. Start sightseeing in the morning.
Crowds and closures over New Year
From late December into the New Year, domestic travelers increase and hotels and transport get busy. Some shops close from around December 31 to January 3.
Heavy snow and blizzards can stop transport
Blizzards can cause JR train suspensions and flight cancellations at New Chitose Airport. Build slack into travel days — for example, stay near the airport the night before your flight home.
Driving on snow is risky if you're not used to it
Icy roads and poor visibility in blizzards make driving risky for anyone without snow-driving experience. JR trains, buses and tours are the safer choice.
In case heavy snow grounds your flightPR
Events
December Events & Highlights
Odori Park and Ekimae-dori street are decorated with light sculptures — a Sapporo winter tradition.
Read the guide：Sapporo White Illumination →Stalls in the style of a German Christmas market line Odori Park.
Read the guide：Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo →Tours & tickets for this eventPR
A giant Christmas tree floats on the water in front of the Red Brick Warehouses and is lit up every night.
Read the guide：Hakodate Christmas Fantasy →Start of Ski Season
Niseko, Furano and moreUsually in full swing from around mid-DecemberWith enough snow on the ground, most ski resorts are fully open.
King penguins parade across the snow — a winter-only event.
Read the guide：Asahiyama Zoo Penguin Walk →Dates change every year. Please check the official websites before you go.
Recommended Tours & Activities in DecemberPR
FAQ
FAQ
Q. What's the temperature in Sapporo in December?＋
On average, the high is 2.0°C and the low is -4.0°C. It stays around 0°C even during the day, so you need full winter clothing.
Q. Is there snow on the ground in Hokkaido in December?＋
Yes. Sapporo's average maximum snow depth is 47 cm, and Niseko (Kutchan) is 99 cm.
Q. Can you ski in December?＋
Yes. Most ski resorts usually open fully around mid-December, and you can enjoy powder snow in Niseko and elsewhere.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Hokkaido TripPR
Other Months
Hokkaido Weather in Other Months
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (climate normals 1991-2020). Compiled by tripuuu.log. Temperatures are from a representative station in each area; actual weather varies from year to year.