When you picture autumn in northern Japan, Sapporo really stands out with some of the most noticeable seasonal shifts you’ll find anywhere. Temperatures drop fast, the skies get moodier, and winter starts hinting at its arrival even before November wraps up.
On average, fall in Sapporo cools steadily from mild September days around 75°F (24°C) to near-freezing conditions close to 39°F (4°C) by late November.
You’ll notice more than just a chill in the air. Rain eases up as the season’s first snowflakes show up, and daylight shrinks by nearly four hours from early September to the end of November.
The air feels crisper and drier as the muggy summer fades, and winds pick up, shifting from the south to the west.
This change shapes the landscape too. Parks and mountains light up with autumn colors in October.
By late fall, snow starts dusting the higher elevations. These shifts define Sapporo’s climate and set the scene for the city’s outdoor activities, festivals, and scenery that make autumn here so memorable.
Overview of Fall Weather in Sapporo
Sapporo’s fall brings a steady temperature drop, shorter days, and a switch from rain to snow by late November.
The city’s northern spot on Hokkaido and its inland elevation make things cooler and more unpredictable than in much of Japan.
Seasonal Climate Characteristics
You can expect daily highs to fall from about 24°C (75°F) in early September to around 4°C (39°F) by late November.
Lows drop from 16°C (61°F) to -5°C (23°F), and usually, frost and the first real snow show up by mid to late November.
Rainfall drops off quickly as the season moves along. September often brings over 130 mm of precipitation in a 31‑day stretch, but November averages closer to 50 mm.
Meanwhile, snowfall picks up fast, reaching nearly 30 cm per month by late fall.
Clouds roll in more often, and overcast days become the norm. By November, more than half the days are mostly cloudy.
Humidity drops, so it feels less sticky than summer, but winds get stronger and add a chill.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall feels much cooler and a lot less humid. August often hits the mid‑20s °C, but by October, you’ll want a jacket during the day and a coat at night.
Spring warms up slowly, but fall cools down in a hurry—you notice the difference week by week.
Winter in Sapporo is way harsher. By January, average highs stay below freezing, and snow piles up and sticks around.
Fall acts as your transition, taking you from late‑summer warmth in September to winter‑like conditions by late November.
Daylight really shortens fast. Early September gives you over 13 hours of daylight, but by late November, you’re down to about 9 hours.
The early sunsets and chilly winds make evenings feel colder than the numbers suggest.
Influence of Hokkaido’s Geography
Sapporo’s climate owes a lot to its spot on Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island.
The city sits inland at about 20–30 meters above sea level, surrounded by mountains rising over 1,000 meters.
This geography traps cold air and ramps up snowfall once winter hits.
The Sea of Japan to the west also plays a part. Early in fall, moist air brings rain, but as it cools, those same air masses start delivering snow showers.
By late November, rain gives way to snow.
Since Sapporo sits farther north than cities like Tokyo or Osaka, autumns here run colder and the growing season is shorter.
Crops and gardens usually wrap up by mid‑October, weeks before central Japan, showing just how much latitude and elevation matter.
Average Fall Temperatures
Autumn in Sapporo brings a steady temperature drop as the city shifts from mild September days to the first hints of winter by late November.
You’ll feel cooler mornings, shorter days, and a big difference between early and late fall.
Monthly Temperatures in Autumn
September still feels a bit like summer’s last hurrah. Average highs hit about 24°C (75°F), and lows hover near 15°C (59°F).
Evenings are comfortable, but mornings can already feel a bit brisk.
By October, the cooling is obvious. Daytime highs average 15°C (59°F), and nights dip to around 7°C (45°F).
You’ll start reaching for warmer clothes, especially after sunset.
November really marks the shift into winter. Highs average 7°C (45°F), and lows get close to 0°C (32°F).
Snow becomes a real possibility, and you might spot frost in the mornings.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 24°C / 75°F | 15°C / 59°F |
| October | 15°C / 59°F | 7°C / 45°F |
| November | 7°C / 45°F | 0°C / 32°F |
Daily Highs and Lows
Throughout the season, daily highs drop steadily from the mid-70s°F in early September to the upper 30s°F by late November.
Lows follow suit, starting near 60°F and ending up close to freezing.
You don’t often see extremes outside these ranges, though early September can still feel like summer, and late November can bring some pretty cold nights.
The gap between daytime and nighttime temperatures gets wider as autumn moves on.
Early in the season, evenings stay mild, but by November, the swing between day and night can feel pretty dramatic.
Layering up becomes key if you’re spending time outside.
Temperature Trends Through the Season
The big story is a steady cooling of about 37°F (20°C) across the season.
September feels easygoing and mild, October brings that crisp chill, and November often feels like winter’s knocking at the door.
Rain is common in early fall, but as things cool, you start to see mixed precipitation and, eventually, snow.
The odds of snow go from almost zero in September to about 14% of days by late November.
It’s a quick seasonal shift, so you’ll want to pack for very different weather depending on when you visit.
Early autumn might only need a light jacket, but by late autumn, you’ll want full winter gear.
Precipitation Patterns in Autumn
Autumn in Sapporo shifts from late-summer rain to the first snow of the season.
September is marked by steady rainfall, October brings lighter but frequent showers, and measurable snowfall usually shows up in November.
Rainfall Trends
Rain sticks around in early autumn, especially in September.
Average precipitation often tops 100 mm, spread out over plenty of wet days.
September is usually one of the wetter months in the season, and cloudy skies become pretty common.
By October, the rain lightens up but doesn’t disappear. Showers fall on about 10–15 days during the month.
Amounts are lower than summer, but you’ll still want rain gear handy, especially if you’re heading outdoors.
November brings even less rainfall, but that doesn’t mean it’s dry. Moisture just starts falling as snow instead.
This shift makes November less rainy, but precipitation keeps coming, just in a different form.
Onset of Snowfall
Snow usually starts in November, though the exact timing shifts a bit each year.
Early in the month, you might see light snow mixed with rain. By the second half of November, snow showers pick up and can start sticking around.
Sapporo averages 20–30 snowy days in November, but not every day brings heavy accumulation.
Temperatures hover near freezing, so snow can stick overnight.
Roads and sidewalks might get slippery, so if you’re visiting late in the season, it’s smart to prep for winter conditions.
Snowfall really ramps up after November, setting the stage for Sapporo’s long winter.
The first snow that stays on the ground often lands before November ends.
Mixed Precipitation Events
Autumn in Sapporo often brings a mix of rain, sleet, and snow, especially in October and November.
Temperatures bounce around the freezing mark, so you might get different types of precipitation all in one day.
For example, you could wake up to rain and see wet snow by evening.
This can make getting around trickier, as roads and paths switch between wet and icy.
Mixed events happen most when daytime highs stay above freezing but nights drop below.
These shifts make it important to check the daily forecast, especially if you’re planning outdoor adventures or travel in late autumn.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
During Sapporo’s autumn, the air dries out as summer’s heavy moisture fades away.
Winds also pick up and shift direction, influenced by the big weather systems rolling across northern Japan.
Average Humidity Levels
Humidity gradually drops as autumn goes on.
In September, you’ll see average relative humidity around 70–74%—still a bit damp, especially if there’s leftover summer warmth.
By October, it falls to about 65–68%, making things more comfortable for heading outside.
By November, the air dries out further, with humidity averaging 60–63%.
This lower humidity makes the chill feel sharper, especially in the mornings and evenings.
You might notice the crisp air brings clearer skies, which is a nice break from the hazier summer months.
If you’re sensitive to dry air, especially indoors in November, a small humidifier can help.
Wind Speed and Direction
Autumn winds in Sapporo change as the season shifts from summer’s Pacific influence to colder systems from Siberia.
Average wind speeds usually range from 10 to 15 km/h (6–9 mph), but gusts can be stronger if you’re up on a hill or near the coast.
In September, winds mostly blow from the south or southeast, bringing in milder air.
By October, they start shifting more westerly, and in November, northern winds take over, carrying chillier air from the continent.
These changes really affect how cold it feels. A 10°C day with a steady north wind in November feels much colder than the same temp on a calm day.
If you’re planning to be outside, especially in late autumn, keep an eye on both the temperature and wind speed.
Seasonal Changes and Natural Scenery
Autumn in Sapporo brings crisp air, cooler temps, and some pretty dramatic changes in the landscape.
You’ll spot colorful foliage all over the city and in the nearby mountains.
Daylight shifts too, so you’ve got less time each day to soak it all in.
Fall Foliage and Tree Types
Sapporo’s fall colors usually hit their peak from mid-October to early November.
City parks and local forests turn bright shades of red, orange, and yellow.
The mix of urban buildings and seasonal foliage gives the city a unique look.
You’ll see Japanese maple, ginkgo, birch, and elm trees shaping the scenery.
Maples go deep red, ginkgo trees add golden leaves along streets and parks, and birch and elm bring softer yellows and browns to balance things out.
Popular places for leaf-peeping include Odori Park, Maruyama Park, and Moerenuma Park in the city.
If you’re up for a short trip, Jozankei Onsen in the mountains offers sweeping views of mixed forests.
The timing of the color change depends on elevation.
Higher mountain areas turn early, while trees in the city center peak a bit later.
This staggered pattern means you can catch great foliage over several weeks, not just a few days.
Daylight Hours and Sunlight
Daylight in Sapporo shrinks steadily as autumn rolls in. You’ll get about 12.5 hours of daylight in September, but by November, it’s closer to 9.5 hours.
This shorter window makes evening outdoor plans a bit tricky, so it’s smart to get out earlier.
Sunlight changes too, not just in length but in feel. September brings longer, brighter days with gentle sunshine.
By October, clouds show up more often, and the sky turns a little gloomier. Come November, you might only see a few hours of sunshine each day, and the city feels dimmer and cooler.
You’ll notice the scenery changes with the light. Early autumn pops with vivid colors under strong sun.
Later on, those colors soften as the skies get more muted. If you’re hoping to snap photos of the leaves, mid-October usually gives you the best mix of daylight and color.
Weather Extremes and Notable Events
Autumn in Sapporo doesn’t just mean cooler weather. You might run into strong storms from the south, sudden cold snaps, or even early snowfall.
These changes can throw a wrench in your plans, especially if you’re into local events or outdoor adventures.
Typhoon Influence in Autumn
Sapporo sits way up north on Hokkaido, but typhoons from the Pacific sometimes reach this far in September or early October.
They usually lose strength before arriving, but their rain and wind can still mess with travel.
You might get heavy rainfall and gusty wind, especially in September when precipitation can top 120 mm.
Sometimes roads or trains get delayed, and flights might be canceled if a storm passes nearby.
Direct typhoon hits are pretty rare here, though. The bigger issue is all the leftover moisture, which can mean days of clouds and heavier rain.
If you’re planning to explore outside, it’s a good idea to keep your schedule flexible and check the weather often.
Early Snow and Cold Spells
Cold air from Siberia sometimes sweeps into Hokkaido sooner than you’d think. Some years, snowfall shows up in October, but November is when snow usually sticks around.
Temperatures drop fast in fall. Highs fall from 23 °C in September to just 9 °C by November.
Sudden cold snaps can make it feel like winter came early.
Early snow usually melts in a few days, but it can still catch visitors off guard.
If you’re coming later in the season, bring warm clothes and expect chilly mornings. Locals adjust fast, but for travelers, that shift from autumn leaves to snowy streets can be pretty dramatic.
Impact on Local Festivals
Sapporo throws a lot of seasonal events, and honestly, the weather can totally change how you enjoy them. Autumn food festivals pop up in places like Odori Park, but sometimes rain from leftover typhoons interrupts the fun.
By late October, the air gets cooler and feels crisp, which makes the fall leaves look even better. Still, if a cold snap hits out of nowhere, you might miss out on the best colors from maples and ginkgo trees.
The famous Sapporo Snow Festival happens in February, but people start getting ready for it in late fall. When snow and cold arrive early, organizers can start building and storing snow for those massive sculptures. If the season gets cold faster than usual, it actually makes things easier for everyone working behind the scenes for this huge winter event.