First Snow in Hokkaido 2026: When Does It Start Snowing?

In an average year the first snow of the winter falls in Hokkaido's towns in the second half of October. Asahikawa and Wakkanai average October 19, Kutchan near Niseko October 20 and Sapporo October 28. The first snow rarely stays: in Sapporo snow settles on the ground for the first time around November 12, and the snow that lasts all winter begins around December 6.

The 2026 situation so far

JMA's Sapporo Regional Headquarters table dated October 22, 2026, records the season's first snow on October 22 at Wakkanai, Kitamiesashi, Asahikawa and Kutchan. We checked this table on October 24; its observation snapshot is still October 22, not live weather. Sapporo and the other unfilled stations have no first-snow date entered in that snapshot. Blank cells are not proof that it is currently snow-free. Stations report the day after an observation, so updates can lag by a day or more.

The first-snow-on-the-ground and lasting-snow-cover tables also have no dates entered in that snapshot. A first snowfall does not mean snow has settled, roads are clear or a ski area is open. Before travelling, check the local forecast, road conditions and the operator's current opening notice separately.

The mountains are ahead of the towns. JMA's mountain-top snow table showed snow at the summit of Asahidake, Hokkaido's highest peak, from October 2, 2026, while Mount Teine above Sapporo had none as of 9:00 on October 20. From this season JMA estimates mountain-top snow from analysed snow depth instead of watching for it, so it warns these dates cannot be compared directly with earlier years.

Average first snow dates by city

These are JMA Sapporo Regional Headquarters' averages for August 1990 to July 2020. "First snow on the ground" and "lasting snow cover" are counted from a daily deepest snow depth of at least 1 cm; lasting snow cover is the long stretch when snow stays on the ground through the winter. Individual years can be weeks earlier or later.

The pattern is clear: the inland north and the Niseko area turn white first, Sapporo and Otaru follow, and the Pacific coast (Hakodate, Obihiro, Kushiro) is last. Kushiro's lasting snow cover does not begin until December 30 on average.

Last winter's dates (2025–26)

These are JMA's observed dates for the 2025–26 season, shown to illustrate how a real year compares with the average. They are not a forecast for 2026. Sapporo's first snow came five days earlier than average last year, while Hakodate's lasting snow cover started a week later than average.

When does the snow end?

In Sapporo the last snowfall of the season averages April 21, the last day with snow on the ground April 7, and the lasting snow cover ends around April 2 (JMA averages, August 1990 to July 2020). Our Hokkaido in March and Hokkaido in April guides cover the thaw.

What it means for your trip

These are our suggestions, not official advice.

• Late October: a snowfall in town is possible but usually melts. The mountains may already be white, which is a good time to see autumn colours below and snow above; see our Daisetsuzan autumn colours guide.
• November: the month when snow first settles. Pack for cold rain and snow both; see Hokkaido in November.
• December onwards: expect a white landscape in most of Hokkaido. The first ski areas plan to open from November 20, 2026; see our ski season guide.
• Driving in October or November? Ask your rental company about winter tyres when you book, and read our winter transport guide.

For temperatures and snow depth through the season, see Hokkaido winter weather and our winter packing list.

If you are now choosing a base, compare Sapporo accommodation areas and Asahikawa accommodation areas. Check the journey from the station to your property and your evening meal options before booking. A first-snow date alone does not tell you whether a hotel location fits your route.

Frequently asked questions

When is the first snow in Sapporo? October 28 on average, with snow first settling on the ground around November 12 (JMA, August 1990 to July 2020). Last year the first snow fell on October 23, 2025.

Has it snowed in Hokkaido yet in 2026? Yes. JMA's October 22 table records first snow on October 22 at Wakkanai, Kitamiesashi, Asahikawa and Kutchan (table checked October 24). This is an observation snapshot, not current snow depth or a ski-opening announcement.

Will there be snow in Hokkaido in November? Usually yes. In an average year snow first settles in November in Sapporo, Asahikawa, Kutchan, Otaru, Abashiri, Hakodate and Obihiro, though it may melt again before the lasting snow cover begins.

When does snow stay on the ground in Sapporo? On average from December 6 until about April 2.

Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency Sapporo Regional Headquarters, average dates of first snow and snow cover, 2026–27 observations (snapshot October 22, 2026; checked October 24, 2026), 2025–26 observations and FAQ; JMA mountain-top snow records (checked October 20, 2026). Ski opening dates are from the resorts' official pages as listed in our ski season guide. Trip suggestions are our editorial judgement.