Sapporo→
Station: SapporoSapporo
High
4.5℃
Low
−2.4℃
- Precip.
- 77.6mm
- Max snow depth
- 82cm
- Sunset
- 17:40
The thaw begins; sidewalks are a mix of slush and ice
Hokkaido Weather Guide
Hokkaido Weather in March: What to Wear & Expect
March may be spring on the calendar, but Hokkaido still looks like winter. Sapporo's high rises to 4.5°C, but mornings are below freezing and plenty of snow remains in the city. Snow that melts during the day refreezes at night, making it the hardest time of year to walk around. On the other hand, the ski slopes still have plenty of snow, and more sunny days make it spring-skiing season.
- Sapporo high
- 4.5℃
- Sapporo low
- −2.4℃
- Sapporo snow depth
- 82cm
- Sapporo sunset
- 17:40
Overview
Hokkaido in March: Key Points
- ✓Sapporo's high is 4.5°C — above zero by day, but below freezing in the morning
- ✓Melting snow turns sidewalks to slush that refreezes at night
- ✓About 1.7 m of snow remains around Niseko — great for spring skiing
- ✓More sunny days, especially in eastern Hokkaido (Obihiro, Kushiro)
By Area
March Weather by Area
Temperature, precipitation, snow and sunshine are climate normals (1991-2020). Sunset is for March 15.
Otaru→
Station: OtaruOtaru, Shakotan
High
4.1℃
Low
−2.4℃
- Precip.
- 87.3mm
- Max snow depth
- 106cm
- Sunset
- 17:41
About 1 m of snow remains. Watch your step on the slopes
Niseko→
Station: KutchanNiseko, Kutchan, Rusutsu
High
3.0℃
Low
−5.7℃
- Precip.
- 98.3mm
- Max snow depth
- 170cm
- Sunset
- 17:42
About 1.7 m of snow. More sunny days — ideal for spring skiing
Asahikawa & Biei→
Station: AsahikawaAsahikawa, Biei, Mt. Asahidake, Sounkyo
High
3.0℃
Low
−6.1℃
- Precip.
- 55mm
- Max snow depth
- 82cm
- Sunset
- 17:35
Mornings around -6°C, still wintry. Snowfield scenery remains
Furano→
Station: FuranoFurano, Tomamu
High
2.7℃
Low
−7.8℃
- Precip.
- 49.8mm
- Max snow depth
- 71cm
- Sunset
- 17:35
Mornings around -8°C. The ski slopes still have plenty of snow
Hakodate→
Station: HakodateHakodate, Onuma
High
5.8℃
Low
−2.2℃
- Precip.
- 64.1mm
- Max snow depth
- 28cm
- Sunset
- 17:42
Warm for Hokkaido, and the snow melts early. Highs around 6°C
Noboribetsu & Lake Toya→
Station: MuroranNoboribetsu, Lake Toya, Muroran, Shiraoi
High
4.6℃
Low
−1.3℃
- Precip.
- 49.9mm
- Max snow depth
- 18cm
- Sunset
- 17:41
Almost no snow; you can already feel spring
Obihiro & Tokachi→
Station: ObihiroObihiro, Tokachigawa Onsen
High
4.8℃
Low
−5.4℃
- Precip.
- 43.8mm
- Max snow depth
- 57cm
- Sunset
- 17:32
Among the sunniest places in Hokkaido. Mornings are still very cold
Kushiro & Akan→
Station: KushiroKushiro, Kushiro Wetland, Lake Akan
High
3.3℃
Low
−4.2℃
- Precip.
- 55.9mm
- Max snow depth
- 23cm
- Sunset
- 17:28
Mostly sunny with little snow. Red-crowned cranes visit feeding grounds until around March
Abashiri & Shiretoko→
Station: AbashiriAbashiri, Shiretoko, Utoro
High
2.3℃
Low
−4.9℃
- Precip.
- 39.3mm
- Max snow depth
- 52cm
- Sunset
- 17:28
Drift ice can often still be seen until early March
Wakkanai & Rishiri→
Station: WakkanaiWakkanai, Rishiri Island, Rebun Island
High
1.6℃
Low
−3.1℃
- Precip.
- 55.1mm
- Max snow depth
- 58cm
- Sunset
- 17:38
Highs around 2°C — still close to midwinter
What to Wear
What to Wear in Hokkaido in March
Base layer
Thermal underwear; a thin layer is fine as some days are mild
Tops
Sweater or fleece
Outerwear
Down coat. In southern Hokkaido, a heavy coat is also fine
Bottoms
Thick pants, at a length that won't drag in slush
Shoes
Waterproof snow boots — meltwater gets your feet wet easily
Accessories
Gloves and a knit hat. Sunglasses for sunny snowfields
Spring-skiing sun is strong, so bring sunscreen and goggles or sunglasses.
Good to Know
Good to Know
Thawing streets are the hardest to walk on all year
Snow melts into slush during the day and refreezes from night to morning. Waterproof shoes and slip-on spikes will help.
Watch out for splashing cars
Meltwater pools along the roadside. If you walk on the road side of the sidewalk, passing cars may splash you.
The best season for spring skiing
There's still plenty of snow, with more sunny, warmer days. You can ski without worrying so much about the cold, so it's great for beginners too.
Big temperature swings
Even when daytime temperatures are above zero, mornings and evenings are below freezing. Adjust with easy-to-remove layers.
In case heavy snow grounds your flightPR
Events
March Events & Highlights
Sea of Okhotsk Drift Ice
Abashiri & ShiretokoUsually until around early MarchThe drift ice gradually moves away in March. If you want to see it, aim for early March. Conditions depend on each year's weather.
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 →Spring Skiing
Niseko, Furano and moreThroughout MarchWith deep snow remaining and more sunny days, March is the season for skiing under blue skies.
Red-Crowned Crane Watching
Kushiro, Tsurui Village & AkanUsually until around MarchRed-crowned cranes can usually be seen at the feeding grounds until around March.
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 →A signature winter event at Asahiyama Zoo, where king penguins and others waddle in a line along the snow-covered paths. It helps the penguins get exercise in winter and is inspired by the habit of wild king penguins heading to the sea in groups. It takes place only when there is snow on the ground.
Read the guide：Asahiyama Zoo Penguin Walk →Dates change every year. Please check the official websites before you go.
Recommended Tours & Activities in MarchPR
FAQ
FAQ
Q. What's the temperature in Sapporo in March?＋
On average, the high is 4.5°C and the low is -2.4°C. Daytime temperatures rise above 0°C, but mornings and evenings are below freezing.
Q. Is there still snow in Hokkaido in March?＋
Yes. Even in Sapporo, the average maximum snow depth is 82 cm, so lots of snow remains. In Niseko (Kutchan), it's about 170 cm.
Q. Can you still see drift ice in March?＋
It can often be seen in Abashiri & Shiretoko until around early March. However, it varies a lot from year to year, so check drift ice reports before you go.
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.
