In an average year the first snow of the winter falls in Hokkaido's towns in the second half of October. Asahikawa and Wakkanai average October 19, Kutchan near Niseko October 20 and Sapporo October 28. The first snow rarely stays: in Sapporo snow settles on the ground for the first time around November 12, and the snow that lasts all winter begins around December 6.
The 2026 situation so far
On the Japan Meteorological Agency's Sapporo Regional Headquarters table, updated to October 18, 2026, none of the 22 Hokkaido stations it lists had recorded the first snow of the 2026–27 season yet. JMA says the stations report the day after an observation, so the table can lag by a day or more.
The mountains are ahead of the towns. JMA's mountain-top snow table showed snow at the summit of Asahidake, Hokkaido's highest peak, from October 2, 2026, while Mount Teine above Sapporo had none as of 9:00 on October 20. From this season JMA estimates mountain-top snow from analysed snow depth instead of watching for it, so it warns these dates cannot be compared directly with earlier years.
Average first snow dates by city
| Station | First snow | First snow on the ground | Lasting snow cover begins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wakkanai | October 19 | November 12 | December 3 |
| Asahikawa | October 19 | November 4 | November 24 |
| Kutchan (Niseko area) | October 20 | November 6 | November 21 |
| Sapporo | October 28 | November 12 | December 6 |
| Abashiri | October 30 | November 17 | December 8 |
| Otaru | October 31 | November 15 | December 2 |
| Hakodate | November 1 | November 18 | December 19 |
| Obihiro | November 1 | November 24 | December 7 |
| Kushiro | November 7 | December 1 | December 30 |
These are JMA Sapporo Regional Headquarters' averages for August 1990 to July 2020. "First snow on the ground" and "lasting snow cover" are counted from a daily deepest snow depth of at least 1 cm; lasting snow cover is the long stretch when snow stays on the ground through the winter. Individual years can be weeks earlier or later.
The pattern is clear: the inland north and the Niseko area turn white first, Sapporo and Otaru follow, and the Pacific coast (Hakodate, Obihiro, Kushiro) is last. Kushiro's lasting snow cover does not begin until December 30 on average.
Last winter's dates (2025–26)
| Station | First snow | First snow on the ground | Lasting snow cover began |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kutchan | October 10, 2025 | October 28 | December 2 |
| Asahikawa | October 20, 2025 | October 28 | November 17 |
| Sapporo | October 23, 2025 | November 8 | December 3 |
| Hakodate | October 28, 2025 | November 18 | December 26 |
| Kushiro | November 11, 2025 | December 3 | December 14 |
These are JMA's observed dates for the 2025–26 season, shown to illustrate how a real year compares with the average. They are not a forecast for 2026. Sapporo's first snow came five days earlier than average last year, while Hakodate's lasting snow cover started a week later than average.
When does the snow end?
In Sapporo the last snowfall of the season averages April 21, the last day with snow on the ground April 7, and the lasting snow cover ends around April 2 (JMA averages, August 1990 to July 2020). Our Hokkaido in March and Hokkaido in April guides cover the thaw.
What it means for your trip
These are our suggestions, not official advice.
- Late October: a snowfall in town is possible but usually melts. The mountains may already be white, which is a good time to see autumn colours below and snow above; see our Daisetsuzan autumn colours guide.
- November: the month when snow first settles. Pack for cold rain and snow both; see Hokkaido in November.
- December onwards: expect a white landscape in most of Hokkaido. The first ski areas plan to open from November 20, 2026; see our ski season guide.
- Driving in October or November? Ask your rental company about winter tyres when you book, and read our winter transport guide.
For temperatures and snow depth through the season, see Hokkaido winter weather and our winter packing list.
Frequently asked questions
When is the first snow in Sapporo? October 28 on average, with snow first settling on the ground around November 12 (JMA, August 1990 to July 2020). Last year the first snow fell on October 23, 2025.
Has it snowed in Hokkaido yet in 2026? On JMA's table updated to October 18, 2026, no town station had recorded the season's first snow, but the summit of Asahidake had snow from October 2.
Will there be snow in Hokkaido in November? Usually yes. In an average year snow first settles in November in Sapporo, Asahikawa, Kutchan, Otaru, Abashiri, Hakodate and Obihiro, though it may melt again before the lasting snow cover begins.
When does snow stay on the ground in Sapporo? On average from December 6 until about April 2.
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency Sapporo Regional Headquarters, average dates of first snow and snow cover, 2026–27 observations (updated to October 18, 2026), 2025–26 observations and FAQ; JMA mountain-top snow records (checked October 20, 2026). Ski opening dates are from the resorts' official pages as listed in our ski season guide. Trip suggestions are our editorial judgement.
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Northern Land Hokkaido Team — Sapporo, Japan