Sapporo Weather in April

Season: Transitional period from winter to spring

Overview:
1. Sapporo in April experiences a relatively warm climate, but it’s not stable, with huge temperature gap between day and night.
2. There is frequent rainfall in April, making rain gear necessary.
3. By late April, it’s a great time to appreciate sakura blossoms at Nakajima Park.

Sakura Blossom

Gradually Rising Temperatures

Sapporo experiences the transition from winter to spring in April. Noticeably, Sapporo’s weather in April becomes milder, with average temperatures ranging from 3-12°C (37-54°F). However, the climate this month remains unpredictable, and temperature gap between day and night can be quite large. During the mid-day, the perceived temperature might reach about 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit), while visitors would feel pretty cold at night, about only 2-3 degrees Celsius (36-37 degrees Fahrenheit).

In early April, temperatures generally range between 3-8°C (37-46°F). Some snow residue may still be visible on the street, which may look dirty instead of scenic. On rainy days, temperatures can drop by 1-2 degrees Celsius (34-36 degrees Fahrenheit), making it even colder. Therefore, a light down jacket is recommended.

Street View in Sapporo

Sapporo’s climate in mid-April is slightly warmer, with average temperatures rising to about 7-10°C (45-50°F). However, you may experience frequent rain, strong winds and great temperature variation. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check the forecast in advance. Even on sunny days, sometimes you may still feel surprisingly cold because of strong winds, making a wind-proof jacket necessary. It’s worth noting that indoor places are often heated, so avoid wearing too thick layers underneath.

Spring finally arrives in full by late April. Daytime temperatures typically reach 11-13°C (52-55°F), contributing to pleasant and comfortable climate perfect for outdoor activities, such as sakura blossom appreciation or city sightseeing.

Warm Room in Sapporo

Frequent Rainfall & Low Humidity

Sapporo TV Tower

Sapporo in April experiences frequent rainfall, with an average monthly precipitation of 76 mm and over 10 rainy days. Therefore, it’s necessary to pack an umbrella or a rain coat. The rain is mostly in the form of drizzle or light showers, occasionally accompanied by thunderstorms, when you’d better stay indoors. Even on usual rainy days, indoor activities are prone to be more attractive. Popular options include the Sapporo Beer Museum, Sapporo TV Tower, and Sapporo Underground Shopping Malls Aurora Town.

Surprisingly, Sapporo enjoys a relatively dry climate in April, with average humidity level of 59%. The cool and crisp air makes it perfect for walking and sightseeing as long as you dress properly.

Sunshine Hours & Daytime Hours

Sunshine Hours: about 5 hours
Sunrise: 4:30-5:17
Sunset: 18:00-18:34
Daytime Hours: 12 hours 44 minutes - 14 hours 4 minutes

Extended daylight time allows visitors to explore Sapporo deeply at a more relaxed pace. Whether you want to shop in the city center or enjoy the fresh air in the suburbs, you can do it all in one day without rush.

Despite longer daylight hours, sunshine hours are still kind of short due to frequent cloudy or rainy weather in April. Don’t forget to always check the forecast and prioritize outdoor activities during the sunnier parts of the day.

Clothes Guidance in April

Upper Clothing: Layering is the key principle of dressing in April: a thin sweater paired with a wind-proof jacket is ideal. Due to huge day-night temperature gap, it’s necessary to pack a light down coat to keep warm.

Bottom Clothing: Thermal underwear paired with jeans is a proper outfit. Girls can also wear long dresses with fleece-lined leggings to add warmth and fashion.

Footwear: Due to melting snow and spring rain in Sapporo, it’s a good idea to wear water-proof sneakers or leather boots.

Accessories: Considering frequent rainfall this month, don’t forget to bring rain gear. Hats and scarves are helpful on windy or rainy days.

FAQs

1. Can I see snow in Sapporo in April?

Early April still offers good snow views in the suburban and mountainous areas, making it a nice option for snow sports lovers and those who enjoy peaceful and snow-covered scenery.

2. Does the sakura bloom in Sapporo in April?

Sakura blossoms begin to bloom in late April, when temperatures become milder, and most of the snow has melted, perfect for outdoor exploration and photography. Here are some top spots for sakura viewing.

Nakajima Park, located in the city center, offers beautiful views of sakura blossoms against the background of ponds, bridges, and other traditional Japanese architecture, which is an ideal spot for photos.

Moerenuma Park is home to 1,600 sakura trees, offering spectacular blossom view. Besides, it also boasts playground equipment, perfect for family travel.

Hokkaido Shrine by late April becomes a perfect place to see both sakura and plum blossoms together. You can also get limited-edition cherry blossom-themed omamori.

Sakura Blossom in April

3. Is April slack season in Sapporo?

Generally speaking, April is the slack tourism season in Sapporo, meaning less crowded attractions and more affordable travel costs.

However, early to mid-April is not ideal for urban sightseeing: the temperature remains cold, melting snow piles along the streets can look dirty, and frequent drizzles may discourage outdoor plans. Late April is much better with beautiful cherry blossoms and milder weather.