Month guide · Sapporo · Japan
Sapporo in February
What February is really like in Sapporo: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
February is one of the best months to visit Sapporo. Expect average highs of 0°C (32°F), lows of -6°C (21°F), about 15 rainy days and roughly 10.5 hours of daylight. Still deep winter; the Snow Festival makes the first half of the month the busiest and most expensive of the year, so book rooms months ahead.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 0°C (32°F) / -6°C (21°F)
- Rainy days
- About 15
- Daylight
- About 10.5 hours
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in February
February is the 11th-warmest month in Sapporo: days average 0°C (32°F) against a yearly average high of 13°C (55°F), and nights fall to about -6°C (21°F). Rain falls on roughly 15 of its 28 days. Compared with January (-1°C (30°F)), February is about as warm; by March highs climb to around 4°C (39°F).
- Sunrise (15 February)
- About 06:32
- Sunset (15 February)
- About 17:05
- Daylight
- About 10.5 hours
Winter (December–February). Heavy snow, illuminations, the Snow Festival and skiing within an hour; icy pavements and short days.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, February rates 5 for crowds (the peak is February at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in February). Book accommodation early: February is one of the pricier months.
Events in February
- Sapporo Snow Festival — snow and ice sculptures in Odori, Susukino and Tsudome (usually early February, about a week)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in February
With cold days, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Historic site · Sapporo Station area
Sapporo Clock Tower
The wooden clock tower was built in 1878 as the drill hall of the Sapporo Agricultural College, forerunner of Hokkaido University, and is one of the few buildings left from the city's pioneer era.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Architecture
- Iconic
Viewpoint · Minami-ku
Mount Moiwa Ropeway
Take the streetcar loop line to Ropeway-iriguchi and the free shuttle to the base station, then time your ride for sunset to see the city lights come on.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Views
- After dark
- Couples
- Iconic
- Photo spot
Market · Odori
Nijo Market
A compact block of fishmongers and small restaurants a few minutes from Odori Park selling Hokkaido crab, scallops, sea urchin and salmon roe.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Food
- Shopping
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Religious site · Maruyama
Hokkaido Shrine
Walk from Maruyama-Koen station through the park and continue to the zoo or the Mount Maruyama trail.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Outdoors
What to pack
For highs near 0°C, lows near -6°C and 15 wet days: a warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; shoes with good grip for icy pavements; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is February a good time to visit Sapporo?
One of the best months to visit Sapporo, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are June–September. Compare every month.
Sapporo in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is February a good time to visit Sapporo?
It is one of the best months to visit Sapporo. Still deep winter; the Snow Festival makes the first half of the month the busiest and most expensive of the year, so book rooms months ahead.
+How warm is Sapporo in February?
Average highs are around 0°C (32°F) and lows around -6°C (21°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Sapporo in February?
Expect rain on about 15 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.