Sapporo in Winter 2026–27: Things to Do, Events and Weather

Sapporo's winter runs from the first lights in late November to the Snow Festival in February and the end of the illuminations in March. The White Illumination starts on November 20, 2026, the first ski area inside the city plans to open the same day, and the Sapporo Snow Festival runs February 4–11, 2027. In between, the average January day stays just below freezing, at -0.4°C, and snow covers the ground from early December.

Sapporo's winter calendar

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Dates come from the organisers' and resorts' official pages, checked between 12 and 19 October 2026. Ski openings depend on snow.

This photo shows the illumination in a past season (November 2016), not 2026–27; for each venue's period and lighting hours this winter, see our Sapporo White Illumination guide.

The venue schedules checked on October 24 distinguish Akapla (until March 14, 2027) from the red-brick government building (until February 28). Nakajima Park is January 9–28 only, so it is not a Christmas or Snow Festival stop. Odori lights finish December 25. The official Christmas Market is at Odori Park 1–2 chome, with last orders at 20:45 before the 21:00 close. See the venue-by-venue illumination schedule to choose the sites operating on your travel dates.

Things to do in Sapporo in winter

• See the lights. The White Illumination fills Odori Park, Ekimae-dori, Minami 1-jo-dori, Akapla and the Sapporo Station south exit, with the red-brick government building and Nakajima Park added for 2026–27; each site has its own period and hours.
• Visit the Christmas Market. The Munich Christmas Market runs in Odori Park from November 20 to December 25, 2026, 11:00–21:00.
• Go skiing without leaving the city. Sapporo Kokusai (from November 20) and Sapporo Teine (from November 21) are both in Sapporo; see our ski season guide.
• Time a trip for the Snow Festival. Odori, Susukino's ice sculptures and Tsudome, February 4–11, 2027; see our Snow Festival guide.
• Soak in Jozankei. The onsen town in Sapporo's mountains is about 60 minutes from Sapporo on the Kappa Liner direct bus; see our Jozankei Onsen guide.
• Play in the snow without skis. Takino Suzuran Hillside Park in the south of the city offers winter snow play when conditions allow; see our winter without skiing guide.
• Warm up with food. Miso ramen and soup curry are Sapporo staples; see our ramen, soup curry and what to eat in Sapporo guides, and the rainy-day guide for indoor ideas.

Weather, snow and daylight

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Temperatures and snowfall are the Japan Meteorological Agency's 1991–2020 normals; sunset times are the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan's calculations for Sapporo. In an average year, snow first settles in Sapporo on November 12, and the lasting snow cover runs from December 6 to April 2 (JMA Sapporo Regional Headquarters). See our winter weather guide and winter packing list for clothing.

Planning tips

These are our suggestions, not official advice.

• Choose your dates by event. Late November to December 25 has the lights and the Christmas Market; February 4–11 has the Snow Festival; January is the coldest and snowiest month.
• Base yourself centrally. Most winter events are on the axis from Sapporo Station to Odori and Susukino; see where to stay in Sapporo.
• Use the daylight. With sunsets around 16:00 in December, plan day trips such as Otaru for the morning and keep the evenings for lights and dinner.
• Allow for snow on travel days, especially to and from New Chitose Airport; see our winter transport guide.

For the wider region, see Hokkaido in winter and the winter festivals 2027 guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do in Sapporo in winter? The White Illumination (from November 20), the Munich Christmas Market (to December 25), skiing at Sapporo Kokusai and Sapporo Teine, the Snow Festival (February 4–11, 2027), Jozankei onsen and snow play at Takino.

How cold is Sapporo in winter? January averages -0.4°C by day and -6.4°C at night (JMA normals, 1991–2020).

When does it snow in Sapporo? Snow first settles on the ground around November 12 in an average year, and lasting snow cover runs from early December to early April.

When is the Sapporo Snow Festival 2027? February 4–11, 2027.

Sources: Sapporo Tourism Association pages for the White Illumination and Munich Christmas Market; Sapporo Kokusai and Sapporo Teine; Sapporo Snow Festival; Jozankei Tourism Association access; Japan Meteorological Agency climate normals 1991–2020 and Sapporo Regional Headquarters snow-date normals; National Astronomical Observatory of Japan sunrise and sunset for Sapporo. Checked 12–19 October 2026. Planning suggestions are our editorial judgement.

For a mountain night-view outing, check the Mt. Moiwa ropeway fares, last ascent and tram access to plan both stages and your journey home.

For a separate park outing, check Moerenuma Park winter facilities, pyramid hours and bus stops before travelling.

For a Maruyama outing, check Hokkaido Shrine gate hours, goshuin counters and the station walk first. Regular winter closing is 16:00, so give the shrine a daylight slot.