Sapporo Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Sapporo. The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Let’s explore the details in depth to provide you with a complete overview.

Sapporo has a relatively rain/snowy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1229 mm of rain/snowfall annually.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm)

Sapporo can be quite wet during August, receiving approximately 186 mm of precipitation over 18 rainy days.

In contrast February, experiences much drier conditions, with 67 mm of snowfall, spread across 25 snowy days.

August, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 25°C and receives 172 hours of sunshine. During the driest month February you can expect a temperature of -0°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Sapporo Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in Japan

The map below shows the annual precipitation across Japan. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Sapporo’s average annual precipitation is 1229 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

New York City, USA, receives 1276 mm of rainfall annually, with precipitation evenly distributed throughout the year.

In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm, with a humid subtropical climate.

In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm, with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, receives 1955 mm of annual rainfall, with a pronounced wet season from May to November, typical of its tropical monsoon climate.

How is Precipitation Measured?

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

Global Warming and Precipitation

Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Sapporo:

• Changing Rainfall Patterns: Global warming causes drastic changes in the patterns of rainfall. Some areas have been experiencing increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, while other areas experience longer dry spells or even droughts.
• Local Impacts: Many regions are experiencing heavier rainfall in the winter months and drier, hotter summers. This affects agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.

For more detailed information about Sapporo’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Sapporo Climate page.