When you think of summer in Japan, you might picture hot, humid days that leave you searching for shade. Sapporo feels different.
Located in northern Japan on the island of Hokkaido, the city enjoys a cooler, more comfortable climate than Tokyo or Osaka. Average summer temperatures in Sapporo run from 18°C (64°F) to 27°C (81°F), so it’s honestly one of the nicest places to spend a Japanese summer.
Long daylight hours stretch out in June and July, with the sun shining for more than 14 hours. Humidity does rise in midsummer, but the mild temperatures keep it manageable.
Rain falls often, especially in August, but it doesn’t get nearly as stuffy or oppressive as southern Japan. You might even look forward to a quick shower—sometimes it’s a relief.
This balance of warmth, light, and fresh air lets you really enjoy Sapporo’s outdoor festivals, the nearby mountains, and local food without sweating through your clothes. If you crave a summer trip to Japan with good weather and lively events, Sapporo’s got you covered.
Overview of Sapporo’s Summer Climate
Sapporo sits on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, where summers stay cooler and less humid than much of the country. You’ll find mild to warm days, long daylight, and a comfortable vibe that makes being outside actually enjoyable.
Location and Climate Classification
Sapporo sits in central Hokkaido, surrounded by mountains and not far from the Sea of Japan. Its elevation is only about 26 meters, but the northern latitude really shapes the climate.
The city falls into the humid continental climate (Dfb) category under the Köppen system. That means warm summers, cold snowy winters, and no real dry season. Rain comes all year, but summer rainfall is moderate compared to the heavy snow that piles up in winter.
Tokyo or Osaka can get brutally hot, but Sapporo stays refreshingly comfortable. Latitude, ocean winds, and the surrounding mountains keep things steady. Sapporo stands out as one of Japan’s most pleasant big cities in the summer.
Summer Weather Patterns
Summer in Sapporo runs from late June to early September. Daytime highs hit 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F), and nights cool off to 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F).
July and August bring the warmest weather, with highs around 25°C (77°F). Humidity usually sits at 65–70%. That’s higher than some northern places, but it’s nowhere near as sticky as central or southern Japan.
You’ll get some rain showers or even a quick thunderstorm, especially in late July and August. Typhoons almost never reach Hokkaido, so you don’t have to worry much about that.
Daylight stretches out, with 14–15 hours of sun in midsummer. Sunrise can sneak in as early as 4:30 AM, and sunset doesn’t quit until nearly 7:00 PM. That leaves plenty of time for sightseeing, hiking, or joining a festival.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Sapporo’s summer feels gentle compared to its other seasons. Winters here get long, snowy, and cold—average highs often drop below freezing, and the snow totals are wild.
Spring and autumn pass quickly, with temperatures jumping around as the seasons shift. Winter might define Sapporo’s reputation, but summer brings a much more balanced climate.
You skip the deep snow and biting winds of January, and you dodge the extreme heat and humidity that roast places like Tokyo or Kyoto.
Average Summer Temperatures in Sapporo
Summer in Sapporo means mild daytime warmth, cool nights, and slow changes from June through August. Highs feel comfortable compared to other parts of Japan, and even the hottest days rarely get out of hand.
Monthly Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
In June, you’ll see daytime temperatures from 67°F (19°C) up to the low 70s°F (21–23°C). Nights can dip to 49–55°F (9–13°C), so bringing a light jacket isn’t a bad idea.
July warms up, with highs around 73–75°F (23–24°C). Nighttime lows stick near 57–61°F (14–16°C), which feels perfect for an evening walk.
August gets the warmest, with highs at 75–78°F (24–26°C). Nights stay mild, usually 61–65°F (16–18°C). Even then, Sapporo almost never cracks 86°F (30°C), which is a far cry from the heat in Tokyo or Osaka.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| June | 67–72°F (19–22°C) | 49–55°F (9–13°C) |
| July | 73–75°F (23–24°C) | 57–61°F (14–16°C) |
| August | 75–78°F (24–26°C) | 61–65°F (16–18°C) |
Temperature Trends from June to August
Temperatures in Sapporo climb gradually from early June into early August. The first half of August usually brings the warmest stretch.
After mid-August, you’ll notice days and nights slowly cooling off. By late August, evenings feel crisp again, and you can sense autumn creeping in.
Sapporo doesn’t get the long, sticky rainy season that southern Japan deals with in June. That means more stable temperatures and fewer muggy days.
Late summer can still feel muggy, especially in early August when humidity peaks. July and early August are the most reliably warm, while June and late August swing more from cool to warm.
Record Highs and Lows
Sapporo almost never sees extreme summer heat. The highest average daily high is about 78°F (26°C) in early August, and record highs sometimes hit the mid-80s°F (around 30°C). Days above 90°F (32°C) are rare.
Early June nights can get chilly, dropping below 50°F (10°C), especially in open areas or higher spots around the city. Sometimes it feels more like spring than summer.
In August, the warmest nights might not fall below 65°F (18°C). That’s about as close as Sapporo gets to “tropical nights,” which are common further south.
The mix of moderate highs and refreshing lows gives Sapporo’s summer its own charm, and honestly, it’s a relief if you’re not a fan of extreme weather.
Rainfall and Humidity During Summer
Summer in Sapporo brings warm weather, more rain, and a noticeable bump in humidity. July and August get wetter, while June marks the start of the rainy season.
Humidity climbs as the season goes, but Hokkaido’s cool air keeps things much more comfortable than down south.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rain in Sapporo picks up as summer moves along. June usually gets 70–90 mm of rain. July averages around 90–100 mm.
August is the wettest month, with totals up to 110–115 mm. Visit in early summer for fewer rainy days—by August, heavier showers become more likely.
| Month | Rainfall (mm) | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| June | 70–90 | 2.8–3.5 |
| July | 90–100 | 3.5–3.9 |
| August | 110–115 | 4.3–4.5 |
Rain tends to fall in moderate amounts, not wild downpours. Showers usually pass quickly, so you can get back outside once the clouds move on.
Humidity Levels and Their Impact
Humidity rises through the summer. In June, relative humidity averages about 80–83%. By July and August, it’s often 85–86%.
Those numbers sound high, but Sapporo’s cooler temperatures—usually 19°C to 24°C (66°F to 75°F)—make the air feel less sticky than in Tokyo or Osaka.
You might notice mornings and evenings feel a bit damp, especially in July and August. Still, Hokkaido’s breezes and lack of serious heat mean you can enjoy a walk, sightseeing, or a summer festival without feeling wiped out.
Rainy Days and Weather Variability
Rain in summer usually comes in short bursts, not long stretches. You’ll see 12–19 rainy days per month, depending on when you visit.
July and August bring the most showers, while June is a bit drier. “Rain” in the forecast often means quick showers or a steady drizzle, not a total washout.
Clouds hang around a lot, with partly to mostly cloudy skies more than half the time. Even so, you’ll get plenty of sun breaks, and daylight can last up to 15 hours in June. That helps balance out the wetter days.
This mix of quick rain, humid air, and long daylight gives Sapporo and Hokkaido a summer vibe you won’t find anywhere else in Japan.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight Length
In Sapporo, sunshine and daylight hours swing a lot from season to season. Summer means longer days and more sun than winter, but clouds and rain can still keep the sun hidden sometimes.
Average Daily Sunshine
During summer, Sapporo gets 5 to 7 hours of sunshine per day on average. June is usually the sunniest month, with daily sunshine at about 7 hours.
May also brings plenty of sun, averaging around 6.5 hours a day. By July and August, sunshine drops a bit to about 5 to 5.5 hours per day.
That dip comes from more clouds and rain as the summer rainy season hits. Even with long days, you might notice more overcast skies than in late spring.
Sapporo averages about 1,749 hours of sunshine a year, which is less than many southern Japanese cities. If you’re planning outdoor adventures, late spring and early summer give you the best shot at clear skies.
| Month | Avg Daily Sunshine (hrs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| May | ~6.6 | Dry, bright days |
| June | ~7.0 | Peak sunshine |
| July | ~5.5 | More clouds, rain |
| August | ~5.0 | Wettest month |
Daylight Duration in Summer Months
Daylight in Sapporo changes a lot through the year because of its northern spot on Hokkaido. Summer brings some of Japan’s longest days.
Around the summer solstice in late June, daylight stretches over 15 hours. Sunrise comes before 4:00 a.m., and sunset lingers past 7:00 p.m. In winter, days shrink to about 9 hours.
From May through July, daylight runs from about 14.7 to 15.3 hours. Even in August, you’ll get close to 14 hours of daylight.
That means you can pack in a lot of sightseeing or outdoor fun, even if the sun ducks behind clouds now and then.
Expect bright, early mornings and long evenings in summer. The mix of extended daylight and mild temperatures makes exploring Sapporo and the rest of Hokkaido a breeze.
Other Summer Weather Factors
Summer in Sapporo isn’t just about warm temperatures and long days. Local winds and the nearby sea play a big part in how the season feels.
They shape how comfortable it is outside and even influence the kinds of activities you’ll want to try.
Wind Patterns and Breezes
In summer, you’ll probably notice that Sapporo’s winds feel light to moderate most days. Wind speeds usually land between 3–5 m/s (7–11 mph), which is just enough for a steady breeze—never really disruptive.
Sapporo sits inland on the Ishikari Plain, so the city gets a bit of shelter. Strong winds pop up less often here than on Hokkaido’s coasts.
Still, every now and then, passing rain systems can kick up some gusts. July and August see this happen more, especially when the rain picks up.
Breezes do a lot to balance out the moderate humidity, which hovers around 70–73% in summer. This keeps things outdoors feeling more comfortable than in other parts of Japan, where humidity can feel pretty intense.
If you take a walk through Odori Park or head up into the mountains near Sapporo, you’ll probably appreciate how the moving air keeps things fresh. Even on warmer afternoons, the wind often brings a bit of relief.
Sea Temperatures and Coastal Influence
Sapporo isn’t right on the coast, but the Sea of Japan and Ishikari Bay still shape the summer weather. Sea surface temperatures climb from about 15°C in June up to 23°C by August. That rise helps moderate both daytime heat and nighttime cool-downs.
Because of this coastal influence, Sapporo avoids the extreme heat you find in central Japan. The sea acts like a buffer, so average highs in July and August stay near 25–26°C (77–79°F) instead of shooting up into the 30s.
You’ll also see this effect in rainfall. Moist air from the sea brings higher precipitation in August, topping 160 mm for the month, which makes it the wettest part of summer. You might notice more clouds and showers then.
For visitors, this coastal touch feels subtle but matters. It’s the reason evenings stay mild, and the air feels fresher than in cities further inland at similar latitudes.
Travel Tips for Experiencing Sapporo in Summer
You can really enjoy Sapporo’s mild summer—comfortable temps, easy access to nature, and plenty of local events and food. If you plan your trip around key dates and places, you’ll get the most out of Hokkaido’s short but lively summer.
Best Times to Visit
Summer in Sapporo runs from June through August. Temperatures usually stick between 20°C and 25°C (68°F–77°F), so it’s cooler than most of Japan. The humidity stays lower too, which means warm days still feel pleasant.
June feels quieter, with fewer crowds and lots of fresh greenery in the parks. July is when things really pick up, especially during the Sapporo Summer Festival in Odori Park—beer gardens and cultural events bring out tons of people.
August is the warmest, but evenings don’t get too hot. This is when you’ll catch Bon Odori dances and big fireworks shows along the Toyohira River. If you’re hoping to dodge peak travel prices but still want good weather, late June or early July makes a lot of sense.
Pack light clothes for the day, but you’ll want a jacket for cooler nights. Rainfall is moderate, so tossing a small umbrella in your bag is a smart move.
Popular Summer Activities and Events
You can hike Mt. Maruyama or Mt. Moiwa. Both mountains sit less than 30 minutes from central Sapporo, so you get city views and forests bursting with birds and wild plants.
Most visitors will find these trails manageable. It’s a nice way to get some fresh air without venturing too far.
Art lovers might want to wander through Moerenuma Park or check out the Hill of the Buddha. Outdoor installations blend right into the landscape here, and honestly, you won’t find spots like these outside Hokkaido’s wide open spaces.
In July and August, Odori Park turns into one of Japan’s biggest beer gardens. Locals and travelers gather to sample local brews, especially the city’s own Sapporo Beer.
Festivals pop up in Susukino and Tanuki Koji, bringing parades, live music, and traditional performances. There’s always something happening, and the energy is infectious.
Fireworks steal the show as summer nights roll in. The Doshin UHB Fireworks Festival and the huge Hokkaido Makomanai Fireworks Festival light up the sky with thousands of displays.
Organizers often pair the fireworks with music and creative lighting, so you get a pretty unforgettable summer evening.