Wondering what to wear in Hokkaido in December or what to wear in Hokkaido in January? Pack for real snow, icy pavements, cold winds and heated indoor spaces. Singapore travellers need proper layers, a warm winter jacket, snow boots, gloves and sometimes ski pants.
Hokkaido Weather in December and January
Sapporo, Hokkaido’s main city, is already winter in December with average temperature at – 0.9°C, with average highs of 2.1°C, lows of -4.1°C and 132 cm of snowfall. Snow can melt by day and freeze at night.
January is colder and snowier. The same guide lists January average temperature at -3.6°C, with average highs of -0.6°C, lows of -7°C and 173 cm of snowfall. Ski areas, mountain towns and night activities can feel colder than central Sapporo.
What to Wear in Hokkaido in December and January
Build a flexible outfit because shops, trains and hotels are heated. Start with a thermal top, add a sweater, fleece or light down mid layer, then finish with a wind-resistant winter jacket.
For bottoms, wear thermal leggings under jeans, fleece-lined pants or softshell pants. If you plan snow play, sledding, ski resorts or outdoor photos, use snow pants instead of denim.
Snow boots are strongly recommended in December. Choose waterproof or water-resistant boots with deep tread, because snow can turn into slush before freezing again. Add gloves, a neck warmer and a beanie.
Snow boots matter even more in January because sidewalks can be compacted and icy. Use boots with grip, ankle coverage and room for warm socks. Avoid tight boots because compressed socks can feel colder.
Hokkaido Outfit by Activity
- Sapporo city sightseeing | Thermals, sweater, winter jacket, warm pants, snow boots
- Otaru or Biei photo day | Thermals, fleece, down jacket, fleece-lined pants, gloves, beanie |
- Snow play | Thermals, fleece, winter jacket, ski pants, snow boots, waterproof gloves |
- Ski resort visit | Base layer, mid layer, ski jacket, ski pants, snow boots or ski boots |
- Night illumination or aurora-style viewing | Heavy thermals, down layer, long winter jacket, insulated boots, heat packs |
Always check the “feels like” temperature, wind, snow forecast and outdoor time.
Packing Checklist for Singapore Travellers
– 2 to 3 thermal tops and leggings
– 1 fleece, sweater or light down mid layer
– 1 insulated winter jacket or down coat
– Fleece-lined pants for city days
– Ski pants or snow pants for snow activities
– Waterproof snow boots
– Wool-blend socks
– Gloves or mittens
– Beanie, scarf or neck warmer
– Heat packs, moisturiser and lip balm
Pack by layer, not by full outfits. You can rewear jackets, ski pants and snow boots, while thermals and socks need more changes.
Winter Clothing Rental Singapore Option
Winter clothing rental Singapore services are useful if you visit Hokkaido once or do not want bulky winter wear at home. Renting a winter jacket, snow boots, ski pants and accessories lets you test the full outfit before flying with less stress.
Winterbuddy offers winter clothing rental in Singapore for adults and kids, including winter jackets, winter boots, snow boots, ski pants and accessories. For December and January Hokkaido trips, book early, especially for children’s sizes and popular boot sizes.
👉 Book your Winter Try-On Session Now with Winterbuddy and travel with confidence.