How Much Snow Falls in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan in November? 

北海道の雪

  1. Snowfall of Hokkaido

How Much Snow Falls in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan in November?

How Much Snow Falls in Sapporo in November?

If you're visiting Sapporo in November, you might wonder, “Does it really snow that early?” For most years, the snow that falls in the city center is light and short-lived—though the mountains around Sapporo often turn white earlier.

For example, on November 16, 2022, the first snow of the season was observed in downtown Sapporo. The snowfall lasted only about one minute and was more like sleet than fluffy snow. That year, it was the only snowfall recorded in the city center during November.

First snowfall in Sapporo on November 16, 2022

However, some years bring heavier snow even in November. In 2024, Sapporo saw several rounds of significant snowfall, surprising many travelers from outside Hokkaido. Because temperatures are still relatively mild in November, the snow tends to be wet and slushy rather than powdery—making walking a bit tricky.

Below are photos and videos from November 2024, when Sapporo experienced unusually heavy early-season snow.

November 7: Snow and Autumn Leaves in Odori Park

The scene above shows Odori Park in Sapporo on November 7, 2024 — a rare moment when autumn colors and snowfall coexist. It’s beautiful, but for travelers without winter boots, the conditions can be tough.

The area around Isamu Noguchi’s sculpture “Black Slide Mantra” in Odori Park’s West 8-chome was also covered in snow, creating a calm and beautiful winter scene.

November 18: Snow Covers the Streets

After an earlier thaw, snow once again blanketed intersections across the city.

November 19: The Sound of Fresh Snow Underfoot

The streets around Tanukikoji 8-chome were blanketed with new snow. Every step made that crisp “crunch, crunch” sound familiar to Sapporo winters.

November 22: Snow at the Sapporo White Illumination

The White Illumination is one of Sapporo’s iconic winter events, held each year along Odori Park and Ekimae Street.

November 24: Slushy Wet Snow

Wet snow in Sapporo on November 24, 2024

The snow turned slushy and heavy — the kind that makes walking difficult once it freezes the next morning.

29 cm of snowfall recorded in Sapporo as of November 24, 2024

As of 9 a.m. on November 24, 2024, Sapporo had recorded 29 cm of snowfall. At the same time the previous year, the total was still 0 cm.

November 29: Ten Minutes of Snowfall Changes Everything

Before the snow started in Sapporo, November 29, 2024 Ten minutes after snowfall began in Sapporo, November 29, 2024

These before-and-after photos show just 10 minutes of snowfall. In such a short time, the streets can completely change their appearance.

November 30: A Tough Morning for Sneaker Travelers

Morning temperatures hovered around freezing. For visitors without waterproof shoes, walking was a real challenge. Late-November weather in Sapporo often alternates between snow and melt, so it’s wise to check the forecast and pack waterproof footwear if snow is expected.


  1. Snowfall of Hokkaido

北海道暮らしの読みもの