How cold is Tokyo versus Hokkaido in winter

Tokyo in January is cold, with a daily low of 1.2 °C, and Sapporo is freezing all day, with a daily high of minus 0.4 °C. Both are very different from home, and both are manageable with the right layers.

This guide gives the numbers in plain terms, then what to wear.

How cold is Tokyo in winter?

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) gives Tokyo’s winter normals for 1991 to 2020 ¹.

Month	Average	Daily high	Daily low
December	7.7 °C	12.0 °C	3.8 °C
January	5.4 °C	9.8 °C	1.2 °C
February	6.1 °C	10.9 °C	2.1 °C

At 1.2 °C, a January night is colder than the inside of a household fridge. Daytime reaches about 10 °C. Winters are cold and dry, with snow rare but possible ².

How cold is Sapporo in winter?

Sapporo is much colder ³.

Month	Average	Daily high	Daily low
November	5.2 °C	8.7 °C	1.6 °C
December	minus 0.9 °C	2.0 °C	minus 4.0 °C
January	minus 3.2 °C	minus 0.4 °C	minus 6.4 °C
February	minus 2.7 °C	0.4 °C	minus 6.2 °C

In January the whole day stays at or below freezing. Hokkaido is known for powder snow, with Niseko, Rusutsu and Furano as major ski resorts and the Sapporo Snow Festival in winter ⁴.

What do those numbers feel like?

Zero degrees is where water freezes. Tokyo’s January days are above it, and nights are just above it. Sapporo’s days are at or below it. Wind and damp make it feel colder, so layers matter more than one thick coat.

If you have never been below 20 degrees, expect your hands, nose and ears to feel it first. Gloves, a hat and a scarf make a large difference.

What should you wear?

Use three layers.

1. Thermal innerwear against the skin.
2. A warm middle layer, such as fleece or a light down jacket.
3. A windproof outer coat.

Add a hat, gloves and a scarf. In Hokkaido, add boots with grip for icy paths. Read our cold-weather packing guide and winter coats and luggage.

Which month is gentler for a first winter trip?

Late November and early December are gentler than January. In Sapporo, November averages 5.2 °C, while December drops to minus 0.9 °C ³. In Tokyo, December averages 7.7 °C, against 5.4 °C in January ¹.

Short days also limit sightseeing. See short winter days and itinerary load.

What about children and elders?

Children and elders feel the cold sooner. Plan short outdoor blocks and warm indoor breaks. Our first snow for Malaysian families guide helps you plan a snow day.

What should Malaysian travellers choose?

If the cold worries you, pick Tokyo or Kansai in December or February. If you want snow, pick Hokkaido and accept the cold. Our Hokkaido winter versus summer and school holiday timing guides help. Send us your month, and we plan the layers and the days.