Snow is on the ground in Sapporo, but it isn't staying yet
This week's news · Checked 2026-11-09
What happened. The Japan Meteorological Agency's (JMA) daily data for Sapporo station shows 11 cm of snowfall and 10 cm of snow on the ground on 7 Nov 2026. It's the first day this season with snow cover; the column was empty for October and 1–6 Nov. The high on 7 Nov was 3.4°C and the low −1.3°C. Sapporo's first snow, which melted, fell on the night of 27–28 Oct (news, 29 Oct).
On 8 Nov the snow on the ground was down to 4 cm, with temperatures between 0.6°C and 3.6°C. JMA marks the 7–8 Nov figures as preliminary.
JMA's weekly forecast for the Sapporo area (issued 8 Nov 2026, 5pm Japan time) gives a daytime high of about 2°C on 10 Nov, then 10–13°C on 12–15 Nov, with lows of 1–3°C. The 9 Nov morning forecast: cloudy, snow from the afternoon.
What it means for you.
- Going to Sapporo in late November for snow? City snow comes and melts within days. Don't build the trip around snow in the streets. On average, snow stays on the ground in Sapporo from 3 Dec (JMA).
- If you need snow for sure: Sapporo Kokusai ski resort plans to open on 20 Nov and Sapporo Teine on 21 Nov (official sites, checked 31 Oct 2026; both depend on snow). The free Takino snow park doesn't open until 23 Dec. The full list by date is in Hokkaido in December with kids.
- School holidays, 10–11 Dec: Snow Land in Bibai plans to open on 10 Dec (official site, checked 31 Oct 2026). Check dates and prices on Snow Land Bibai on Klook.
- What to pack now: closed waterproof shoes with a grippy sole, gloves and a hat. Half-melted snow that refreezes on the pavement is where kids slip.
- Check JMA's daily data for Sapporo 2–3 days before you fly.
Before you fly: Map of 231 halal places & prayer rooms (US$6.99) — December Edition, 15 Nov.
Affiliate links may be used; your price doesn't change. Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency, Sapporo station daily data, Nov 2026 and the Ishikari area forecast (Japanese). Ski resort opening dates from each resort's official site, checked 31 Oct 2026. Checked 9 Nov 2026.