Weather in December in Japan
Considering a trip to Japan this December and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:
What is the weather like in Japan in December?
In December, Japan experiences a range of weather conditions, with temperatures that range from very cold to warm and precipitation levels ranging from moderate to heavy. December is a winter month.
Temperatures
The average maximum daytime temperatures vary from very cold in Kamikawa at -4°C to warm in Ishigaki Island at 24°C. Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 20°C in Ishigaki Island and -12°C in Kamikawa.To learn more about the conditions in specific areas of Japan, check out the map below.
Precipitation
In December, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate rainfall in Fukaya with an average of 51 mm to heavy rainfall in Yunohama with 312 mm. In Tokyo, this particular month consistently records the lowest levels of rainfall, making it the driest period throughout the entire year.Average sunshine
Most areas experience a moderate amount of sunshine, with approximately 177 hours of sunlight expected in Tokyo. This makes it neither too gloomy nor overly bright.For a more detailed look at Japan's conditions throughout the year, check out our Japan climate page.
Where to go in Japan in December
perfect weather
pleasant
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Select a Month of Interest
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Japan, check out our Japan's climate page.
Popular destinations
What is the weather like in December for the 5 most popular destinations in Japan?
Tokyo
In December Tokyo generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 13°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around 5°C and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.
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Kyoto
In December Kyoto generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 11°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around 2°C and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.
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Osaka
In December Osaka generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 13°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around 4°C and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.
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Hakuba
In December Hakuba generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 3°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around -5°C and heavy monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.
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Hakone
In December Hakone generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 12°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around 5°C and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.
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Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at other destinations in Japan.
Is December the best time to visit Japan?
In our view, December might not be the best time to travel to Japan with often unpleasant weather in Tokyo.
Generally speaking, May, June and November provide pleasant weather in Tokyo. On the other hand, the month of January tends to have poor weather conditions.
Interested in more climate information?
We have much more information about the climate in Japan.
Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to Japan? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Japan.
Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.