❄️ What to Wear for Winter in Sapporo
Recommended Clothing for December, January & February
Winter in Sapporo is much colder after the New Year than before it. Indoors are well-heated, so it’s best to dress in layers you can easily take on and off. Outside, temperatures drop below freezing, and snow and ice are everywhere. Be well prepared so you can enjoy your winter trip!
🧥 December — Recommended Outfits
Average Temperature: −0.9°C (30.4°F)
High / Low: 2.1°C / −4.1°C
Snowfall: ~132 cm
👔 Outfit Ideas
- Men: Down jacket, shirt, pants, boots with good grip, scarf, gloves
- Women: Coat, knitted dress, thermal innerwear, tights, boots with grip, scarf, gloves
Snow melts during the daytime and can freeze at night, so sidewalks may become slippery. Choose footwear with good traction. Wool layers help keep you warm, and a down jacket or nylon outer shell that resists moisture is recommended. A scarf is also useful against occasional cold north winds.
🧤 January — Recommended Outfits
Average Temperature: −3.6°C (25.5°F)
High / Low: −0.6°C / −7°C
Snowfall: ~173 cm
👔 Outfit Ideas
- Men: Down jacket or long wool coat, sweater, windproof pants, warm base layers (top & bottom), non-slip boots, scarf, gloves
- Women: Long coat, turtleneck sweater, pants, warm base layers, thick tights, non-slip boots, scarf, gloves, knit hat
As midwinter arrives, snowfall increases and sidewalks can be uneven or icy. Snow boots or shoes with effective non-slip soles are especially helpful. A long, warm coat is essential for the extreme cold. Layering thermal pieces under knitwear helps trap heat and keeps you comfortable outdoors.
🧣 February — Recommended Outfits
Average Temperature: −3.1°C (26.4°F)
High / Low: 0.1°C / −6.6°C
Snowfall: ~147 cm
👔 Outfit Ideas
- Men: Down jacket or long wool coat, thick sweater, cold-proof and windproof pants, warm base layers (top & bottom), snow boots, scarf, gloves
- Women: Long coat or down jacket, thick sweater, windproof skirt or pants, warm base layers, thick tights, socks, snow boots, scarf, gloves, knit hat and earmuffs
February continues the severe cold of January. Inner layers with excellent heat retention are a must. For tights, choose a thick (e.g., 100 denier or more) pair. A hooded outer layer is convenient, and accessories like hats and gloves are necessary to stay warm.
👟 Footwear & Safety Tips
Slippery icy surfaces can hide beneath fresh snow even when the ground looks stable.
- Wear snow boots or shoes with good traction
- Keep your center of gravity low and take short steps
- Anti-slip attachments for shoes are sold at convenience stores and shoe repair shops in Sapporo
🌨️ Quick Winter Clothing Tips (Extra Notes)
Here are a few more practical points that English-speaking travelers often find helpful:
- Layering is key: Base layers + sweaters + warm coat
- Warm accessories: Beanie, scarf, insulated gloves
- Avoid jeans: They soak up wet snow and chill you faster
- Heat packs (kairo): Very useful on long outdoor days
