Sapporo→
Station: SapporoSapporo
High
22.8℃
Low
14.8℃
- Precip.
- 142.2mm
- Sunshine
- 159h
- Sunset
- 17:47
Autumn Fest in Odori Park brings together food from all over Hokkaido
Hokkaido Weather Guide
Hokkaido Weather in September: What to Wear & Expect
In September, Hokkaido's summer heat eases and autumn begins. Sapporo's high is a comfortable 22.8°C, and the summer-holiday crowds die down. From mid-September, Japan's earliest autumn leaves start in the Daisetsuzan mountains, and autumn foods like salmon and potatoes come into season. More mornings and evenings dip below 15°C, so don't forget a layer.
- Sapporo high
- 22.8℃
- Sapporo low
- 14.8℃
- Sapporo rainfall
- 142.2mm
- Sapporo sunset
- 17:47
Overview
Hokkaido in September: Key Points
- ✓Sapporo's high is 22.8°C. Summer crowds ease, making travel easier
- ✓Japan's earliest autumn leaves begin mid-month on Mt. Asahidake in the Daisetsuzan mountains
- ✓Autumn foods like salmon and potatoes come into season
- ✓Sapporo's rainiest month of the year; typhoons can sometimes have an effect
By Area
September Weather by Area
Temperature, precipitation, snow and sunshine are climate normals (1991-2020). Sunset is for September 15.
Otaru→
Station: OtaruOtaru, Shakotan
High
22.3℃
Low
14.3℃
- Precip.
- 131.7mm
- Sunshine
- 160h
- Sunset
- 17:48
Highs around 22°C. Just right for walking around town
Niseko→
Station: KutchanNiseko, Kutchan, Rusutsu
High
21.7℃
Low
11.3℃
- Precip.
- 133.3mm
- Sunshine
- 149h
- Sunset
- 17:49
Mornings around 11°C. Hiking season on Mt. Yotei
Asahikawa & Biei→
Station: AsahikawaAsahikawa, Biei, Mt. Asahidake, Sounkyo
High
21.9℃
Low
11.7℃
- Precip.
- 136.3mm
- Sunshine
- 145h
- Sunset
- 17:43
Autumn leaves start on Mt. Asahidake around mid-September
Furano→
Station: FuranoFurano, Tomamu
High
21.9℃
Low
11.1℃
- Precip.
- 147.3mm
- Sunshine
- 140h
- Sunset
- 17:43
Harvest season. The fields take on autumn colors
Hakodate→
Station: HakodateHakodate, Onuma
High
23.2℃
Low
14.6℃
- Precip.
- 150.5mm
- Sunshine
- 161h
- Sunset
- 17:49
Highs around 23°C. Autumn squid is in season
Noboribetsu & Lake Toya→
Station: MuroranNoboribetsu, Lake Toya, Muroran, Shiraoi
High
21.5℃
Low
15.7℃
- Precip.
- 156.6mm
- Sunshine
- 167h
- Sunset
- 17:48
Highs around 21°C. Hot spring weather is back
Obihiro & Tokachi→
Station: ObihiroObihiro, Tokachigawa Onsen
High
22.0℃
Low
12.7℃
- Precip.
- 140.2mm
- Sunshine
- 138h
- Sunset
- 17:40
Tokachi's harvest season. Mornings drop to about 13°C
Kushiro & Akan→
Station: KushiroKushiro, Kushiro Wetland, Lake Akan
High
20.1℃
Low
12.9℃
- Precip.
- 153mm
- Sunshine
- 144h
- Sunset
- 17:35
Less fog and more sunny days
Abashiri & Shiretoko→
Station: AbashiriAbashiri, Shiretoko, Utoro
High
20.7℃
Low
13.4℃
- Precip.
- 115mm
- Sunshine
- 163h
- Sunset
- 17:36
Season to see salmon swimming upstream in Shiretoko — and the brown bears hunting them
Wakkanai & Rishiri→
Station: WakkanaiWakkanai, Rishiri Island, Rebun Island
High
20.1℃
Low
14.4℃
- Precip.
- 136.7mm
- Sunshine
- 172h
- Sunset
- 17:47
Highs around 20°C. Lots of sunny days
What to Wear
What to Wear in Hokkaido in September
Tops
Short- to long-sleeved shirts
Light layer
Cardigan or light jacket
Outerwear
Warm clothes for autumn-leaf mountains (single-digit °C at the summit)
Bottoms
Long pants
Shoes
Comfortable sneakers; trekking shoes for mountain walks
Accessories
Folding umbrella
Good to Know
Good to Know
Mornings and evenings get cooler
Even when daytime passes 20°C, mornings and evenings drop to about 11–15°C. Carry a light jacket.
Dress warmly for mountain foliage
On mountaintops like Mt. Asahidake, it can be over 10°C colder than at ground level. If you're going to see the autumn leaves, bring a down jacket or other warm outerwear.
Typhoons can have an effect
Typhoons rarely make landfall in Hokkaido, but in September an approaching typhoon can bring heavy rain and strong winds. Check the forecast before you go.
Easier travel after summer holidays
August's crowds ease and hotels are easier to book. The weather also tends to be settled — a recommended time to visit Hokkaido.
Events
September Events & Highlights
A food festival in Odori Park bringing together dishes from all over Hokkaido.
Read the guide：Sapporo Autumn Fest →Tours & tickets for this eventPR
- PRKlookSapporo TV Tower Ticket / Observation Deck TicketTake in the whole of Odori Park, the festival venue, from the observation deck of the TV Tower at the park's east endView on Klook
- PRKlookKimono Rental Experience (Sapporo, by Mizukisakura)Rent a kimono at a shop near Tanukikoji, within walking distance of Odori ParkView on Klook
Autumn Leaves on Mt. Asahidake (Daisetsuzan)
Asahikawa (Mt. Asahidake)Usually mid to late SeptemberThe first place in Japan where the leaves change color. The ropeway makes it easy to enjoy the autumn mountains.
Salmon Run in Shiretoko
ShiretokoUsually September to OctoberWatch schools of salmon swimming upstream. From a cruise, you may even see brown bears hunting them.
Fireworks are launched from a boat moving across the lake. You can watch them every night from the hot spring town.
Read the guide：Lake Toyako Long Run Fireworks Display →Tours & tickets for this eventPR
Dates change every year. Please check the official websites before you go.
Recommended Tours & Activities in SeptemberPR
FAQ
FAQ
Q. What's the temperature in Sapporo in September?＋
On average, the high is 22.8°C and the low is 14.8°C. Days are comfortable, but you'll need a layer in the morning and evening.
Q. Can you see autumn leaves in Hokkaido in September?＋
Yes, on Mt. Asahidake in the Daisetsuzan mountains, usually from mid to late September. In cities like Sapporo, leaves change around late October.
Q. Does it rain a lot in Hokkaido in September?＋
Sapporo gets 142.2 mm of rain in September, the most of any month. A folding umbrella is a good idea.
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.