Sapporo→
Station: SapporoSapporo
High
−0.4℃
Low
−6.4℃
- Precip.
- 108.4mm
- Max snow depth
- 76cm
- Sunset
- 16:23
Days below freezing and snow keeps piling up. The underground walkways make getting around easier
Hokkaido Weather Guide
Hokkaido Weather in January: What to Wear & Expect
January is the coldest time of year in Hokkaido. Even in Sapporo, the average high is -0.4°C, and many days stay below freezing all day. Snow falls almost every day, and ski resorts like Niseko are at the peak of powder season. It's the best time to enjoy classic Hokkaido winter scenery.
- Sapporo high
- −0.4℃
- Sapporo low
- −6.4℃
- Sapporo snow depth
- 76cm
- Sapporo sunset
- 16:23
Overview
Hokkaido in January: Key Points
- ✓Sapporo's high is -0.4°C, with many days below freezing all day
- ✓Inland areas (Furano, Obihiro, Asahikawa) drop to -12 to -14°C in the morning
- ✓Around Niseko, as much as 2.5 m of snow falls in a month — peak powder season
- ✓Some shops and facilities close over New Year (January 1–3)
By Area
January Weather by Area
Temperature, precipitation, snow and sunshine are climate normals (1991-2020). Sunset is for January 15.
Otaru→
Station: OtaruOtaru, Shakotan
High
−0.5℃
Low
−5.8℃
- Precip.
- 138.1mm
- Max snow depth
- 92cm
- Sunset
- 16:24
Lots of snow and steep streets — watch your step. The snowy canal is beautiful
Niseko→
Station: KutchanNiseko, Kutchan, Rusutsu
High
−2.0℃
Low
−9.6℃
- Precip.
- 184.5mm
- Max snow depth
- 155cm
- Sunset
- 16:26
2.5 m of snowfall a month. Peak of its world-famous powder snow
Asahikawa & Biei→
Station: AsahikawaAsahikawa, Biei, Mt. Asahidake, Sounkyo
High
−3.3℃
Low
−11.7℃
- Precip.
- 66.9mm
- Max snow depth
- 72cm
- Sunset
- 16:17
Mornings around -12°C. Penguin walk season at Asahiyama Zoo
Furano→
Station: FuranoFurano, Tomamu
High
−3.7℃
Low
−14.4℃
- Precip.
- 44.3mm
- Max snow depth
- 64cm
- Sunset
- 16:18
Mornings around -14°C, among the coldest in Hokkaido. You may even see diamond dust
Hakodate→
Station: HakodateHakodate, Onuma
High
0.9℃
Low
−6.0℃
- Precip.
- 77.4mm
- Max snow depth
- 34cm
- Sunset
- 16:29
Relatively warm for Hokkaido. The night view and churches in the snow are beautiful
Noboribetsu & Lake Toya→
Station: MuroranNoboribetsu, Lake Toya, Muroran, Shiraoi
High
0.6℃
Low
−4.0℃
- Precip.
- 53.6mm
- Max snow depth
- 19cm
- Sunset
- 16:27
Little snow and mild weather. Perfect for hot springs with a snowy view
Obihiro & Tokachi→
Station: ObihiroObihiro, Tokachigawa Onsen
High
−1.5℃
Low
−13.0℃
- Precip.
- 40.5mm
- Max snow depth
- 57cm
- Sunset
- 16:16
Mostly sunny, but mornings drop to around -13°C
Kushiro & Akan→
Station: KushiroKushiro, Kushiro Wetland, Lake Akan
High
−0.2℃
Low
−9.8℃
- Precip.
- 40.4mm
- Max snow depth
- 23cm
- Sunset
- 16:11
Mostly sunny with little snow. A good season to see red-crowned cranes
Abashiri & Shiretoko→
Station: AbashiriAbashiri, Shiretoko, Utoro
High
−2.2℃
Low
−8.9℃
- Precip.
- 53.8mm
- Max snow depth
- 46cm
- Sunset
- 16:08
Drift ice starts approaching in late January. Bitterly cold
Wakkanai & Rishiri→
Station: WakkanaiWakkanai, Rishiri Island, Rebun Island
High
−2.4℃
Low
−6.4℃
- Precip.
- 84.6mm
- Max snow depth
- 59cm
- Sunset
- 16:14
Strong winds and very few sunny breaks. Feels much colder than the thermometer says
What to Wear
What to Wear in Hokkaido in January
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
City sidewalks are covered in packed snow and ice and get very slippery. Slip-on shoe spikes (sold at konbini/convenience stores and drugstores) help a lot. Take small steps and land with your whole foot.
Some shops close over New Year
Around January 1–3, many small independent restaurants and some facilities close. Large shopping centers and tourist spots are usually open, but it's worth checking in advance.
Days are very short
In mid-January, the sun sets around 4:20 pm in Sapporo and just after 4 pm in Kushiro to the east. Plan to finish sightseeing and travel while it's still light.
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.
Indoors is well heated
Hotels, restaurants and underground malls can be over 20°C. Layers that are easy to take off are the most comfortable.
In case heavy snow grounds your flightPR
Events
January Events & Highlights
Hatsumode (New Year shrine visit) at Hokkaido Shrine
SapporoFrom January 1The shrine with the most visitors in Hokkaido. Making your first shrine visit of the year in the snow is a uniquely Hokkaido experience.
Chitose-Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Chitose (near New Chitose Airport)Usually late January to late FebruaryBlue ice sculptures made from Lake Shikotsu's water. The evening illuminations are magical.
Read the guide：Chitose-Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival →Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival
Sounkyo (about 1.5 hours by car from Asahikawa)Usually late January to early MarchA winter event in the hot spring town, with ice tunnels and domes.
Read the guide：Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival →King penguins parade across the snow — a winter-only event.
Read the guide：Asahiyama Zoo Penguin Walk →Red-Crowned Crane Watching
Kushiro, Tsurui Village & AkanThroughout winterIn winter, red-crowned cranes — a Special Natural Monument of Japan — gather at feeding grounds and can be seen dancing on the snowfields.
Sea of Okhotsk Drift Ice
Abashiri & ShiretokoUsually from around late JanuaryDrift ice begins to appear offshore. The main viewing season starts in February.
One of Japan's oldest illumination events, which began in Odori Park in 1981 with about 1,000 light bulbs. Light sculptures brighten central Sapporo in winter; the main Odori Site stays lit until December 25, while sites such as Ekimae-dori and Minami 1-jo-dori stay lit until February–March of the following year. 2026 marks its 46th edition.
Read the guide：Sapporo White Illumination →Dates change every year. Please check the official websites before you go.
Recommended Tours & Activities in JanuaryPR
FAQ
FAQ
Q. What's the temperature in Sapporo in January?＋
On average, the high is -0.4°C and the low is -6.4°C. It's the coldest month of the year, and most days stay below freezing even during the day.
Q. January or February — which is better for a Hokkaido trip?＋
Temperatures are almost the same. February has more events like the Snow Festival and drift ice, while January is less crowded. For skiing, both are peak season.
Q. Where in Hokkaido has less snow in January?＋
Noboribetsu & Lake Toya (Muroran), Kushiro and Hakodate have less snow on the ground. Kushiro and Obihiro also get lots of sunny days.
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.