Sapporo Weather in July

Season: Summer

Overview:
1. Sapporo’s weather in July is cooler than most of Japanese cities, making it a perfect place to escape summer heat.
2. There are occasional light showers this month, so don’t forget to pack an umbrella.
3. The city celebrates different kinds of festivals this month, including the Sapporo Summer Festival and Firework Festival
4. Sapporo might be crowded in July because of summer holiday, making early booking essential.

Hokkaido Prefectural Government Red Brick Building

Relatively Cool Temperatures in July

Thanks to its location in the northern most part of Japan, Sapporo enjoys a comparatively cool climate in July, with average temperature hovering between 17-25°C (63-77°F). In the early morning and late afternoon, the weather tends to be cooler, with an average temperature ranging from 14-18°C (57-64°F). However, during the mid-day when the sun is at its highest, visitors can feel hot and the high UV Index intensifies the heat. In July 2025, the highest perceived temperature once reached as high as 36 degrees Celsius (97 degrees Fahrenheit).

Influenced by the global warming, the temperature in Sapporo also increases gradually yearly. Based on the history data, the highest temperature in July rises from 33 degrees Celsius (91 degrees Fahrenheit) to 36 degrees Celsius (97 degrees Fahrenheit). Moreover, the number of days in July with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) has also spiked a lot, from 6 days in 2022 to 15 days in 2025.

Therefore, in recent years, Sapporo in July might not be as cool as you imagine. You still need to take precautions against heatstroke. But Sapporo is still cooler than those popular travel destinations in Japan, like Tokyo and Osaka.

Tanukikoji Shopping Street

Rainfall and Typhoon

Sapporo sees a moderate rainfall in July, with average precipitation of 73 mm across 9 rainy days. Light showers mainly dominate the rainy weather, seldom impacting your travel plans as long as you bring rain gear. Besides, occasional rainfall helps to cool down the temperature.

July is the peak season for typhoons in Japan, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds. Sapporo is rarely affected, if any, it becomes more humid. But still, it’s advisable to check the weather forecast in advance and arrange your travel plans accordingly.

High Humidity Level in July

Street View in July

The humidity level in June reaches about 74 %, so on sunny days visitors might feel a bit muggy during the midday.

Sunshine Hours & Daytime Hours

Sunshine Hours: about 5 hours/day
Sunrise: 3:58-4:23
Sunset: 18:57-19:17
Daytime Hours: 14 hours 33 minutes -15 hours 19 minutes

Even though the sunshine hours look a bit shorter, don’t underestimate the intensity of sunshine. The UV Index can top to 8, so proper sun protection is essential when spending time outdoors.

Thanks to long daylight hours, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the city at an enjoyable and relaxing pace. But you are still advised to check the opening hours of attractions.

What to Pack to Visit Sapporo in July

Upper Clothing: Short-sleeve T-shirts are perfect options for your daily visit. A light jacket is also needed as the temperature would drop a little after the sunset, especially in the mountain area.

Bottom Clothing: Shorts or light sports pants are suitable. Girls can wear dress or skirts, a stylish choice that suits the summer vibe.

Footwear: It’s recommended to wear a pair of sneakers, which can help you stay comfortable during long-walk travel. If you have a relaxing schedule and don’t have to walk a lot, consider a pair of sandals.

Accessories:
A portable fan is helpful to beat the afternoon heat.
Considering the strong ultraviolet rays, don’t forget to pack sunglasses, sunhats and sunscreen.
If you stay outdoors for a long time at dusk and night, it’s best to bring mosquito repellent patch.
You might encounter light showers, so bring your umbrella.

Travel Highlights in July

1. The Sapporo Summer Festival - from July 18 to August 16, 2026

As one of the major festivals in Sapporo, the Sapporo Summer Festival boasts diverse cultural activities to welcome the arrival of summer annually. The main venue is Odori Park in the city center. Here are some of most popular activities:

Odori Beer Garden: It offers you a chance to taste different varies of beer, including Sapporo-limited beers and international brands.

Tanuki Festival: Celebrated in the Tanukikoji Shopping Street, this festival is known for various food stalls and unique parades, usually held from mid-July to mid-August.

Tips: The festival attracts numerous visitors, so we highly recommend you to book your flight and hotel early.

2. Firework Festival

Summer in Japan wouldn’t be complete without fireworks. Each July, Sapporo delivers several vibrant fireworks displays. Among them, Toyohira River Fireworks, usually held on the last Friday of July, is highly acclaimed – around 4,000 fireworks lit up the sky for nearly 50 minutes, creating a stunning night view accompanied by lively background music.

Tips: Try to arrive early to secure a good spot. Besides, it’s advised to rent a yukata and take impressive photos under the colorful sky for an immersive experience.

Firework Festival

3. Horomi Pass Lavender Garden

July marks the season when lavender is in full bloom. You will admire vast fields of lavender at Horomi Pass Lavender Garden, with over 8,000 plants. In addition, visitors can participate in lavender cutting experiences, which requires a small fee, and take home a fragrant souvenir.

Tips: Don’t forget to check the operating hours. Also, there’s no public transportation to this place, so you need to grab a cab.

Lavender Blossoms

Travel Advice and Tips

1. During the extended daytime hours, it’s a good idea to hang around at downtown areas, covering the major attractions, such as Sapporo Clock Tower, Hokkaido Prefectural Government Red Brick Building and Odori Park. By early evening, around 18:30, head to Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ropeway and overlook the entire city from the summit. You will witness the most significant view of the city skyline after the sunset: the warm afterglow blending into the deep blue sky, with city lights twinkling like stars.
2. Sapporo’s summer night has its own charm. Visit Susukino area, a well-known entertainment district, where it is full of delicious and fresh seafood and Japanese-style pubs.
3. Although Sapporo is cooler than other Japanese cities, you might still feel a bit hot when the sun is at its strongest. Therefore, it’s better to arrange some indoor activities during this period, such as visiting Sapporo Beer Museum or going shopping at malls.
4. July marks the beginning of Japan’s summer holiday season, so expect crowded attractions and higher travel costs.

Odori Park

Sapporo Beer Museum