Chase the autumn leaves in Japan
Japan is one of these cases which turns into a gold, yellow and orange fairy tale starting from September. And we can honestly say: We cannot imagine a more beautiful season to visit Japan.
Nagano Weather in December
Thinking of visiting Nagano in December? Expect low temperatures reaching 6°C (43°F) during the day, dropping to -3°C (27°F) at night, and note that quite a bit of snow/rainfall is likely.
Rainfall in Nagano in December
This month experiences about 21 days of snow/rain according to historical data, averaging 148 mm (5.8 in). Expect frequent rainfall this month, and not just light drizzle. When it rains, it tends to come down hard.
Temperature in Nagano in December
Daytime temperatures in Nagano reach 6°C (43°F) in December, dropping to -3°C (27°F) at night. December is typically considered a winter month. Temperatures remain on the cold side all day. A proper warm jacket is worth having, not just for evenings. At -3°C (27°F) overnight, frost and ice are likely outside. Indoors, consider packing an extra blanket if you're unsure about the heating.
Sunshine in Nagano in December
With about 137 hours of sunshine, the area enjoys a nice balance of sun and overcast, creating a pleasant environment.If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, December may not be the ideal month to visit Nagano. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.
Nagano Temperature in December
Min Temperature
-3°C (27°F)
Max Temperature
6°C (43°F)
Chance of Rain
70%
Precipitation
148 mm (5.8 in)
Rainy days
21 days
Humidity
77%
Sunshine
137 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Nagano Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Nagano - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Nagano typically drop from around 10°C (50°F) at the start of December to approximately 5°C (41°F) by the end. Nights are very cold, with lows typically ranging from -3°C (27°F) to 1°C (34°F).
Average temperatures in December
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in December
Historical weather records for Nagano in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Nagano spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Nagano historical weather extremes in December
Based on 49 years of weather observations in Nagano between 1976 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes.
- The hottest December day on record in Nagano reached 19°C (66°F) (December 28, 1987).
- The lowest daytime temperature in December was -3°C (27°F), recorded on December 26, 2021.
- The lowest overnight temperature recorded in December was -11°C (12°F) (December 6, 2025).
- The wettest day in December Nagano was on December 27, 2006 with 49 mm (1.9 in) of precipitation.
Best Places in Japan in December
Find out more about the weather in Japan and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Japan in December →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).
What to Wear in Nagano in December
We recommend to layer up for chilly conditions in Nagano in December. You could start with thermal underwear or a good base layer to keep your core warm on the cooler days this month. Maybe also add a sweater or fleece, and top it off with a windproof jacket. High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho. It won't hurt to bring your sunglasses along, as you'll see some sunny periods.
What To Do in Nagano in December
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
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Swimming5/10 -
Cycling3/10 -
Walking3/10 -
Camping1/10 -
Outdoor sports3/10
Nagano 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Nagano
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Nagano climate overview or explore weather in Japan.
Popular in December
Where to go in December - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Naha
22°C (72°F) Tokyo
13°C (55°F) Osaka13°C (55°F) Hakone
12°C (54°F) Kyoto11°C (52°F) Hakuba
3°C (37°F) Sapporo2°C (36°F) Niseko
1°C (34°F) Bucket list
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
Chase the autumn leaves in Japan
Walk the 88 temple circuit
We recommend walking the 88 temple circuit from April til October. Although June, July and August can be a bit wet, hot and humid.
The famous bamboo forests of Arashiyama
The famous bamboo forests of Arashiyama lie just outside the city center of Kyoto and is unique in the world. If you look at photos of this bamboo forest, it looks like you have landed in a fairy-tale world.
10 reasons why you should visit Japan in winter
Here are 10 reasons why you should plan a winter trip to Japan. During this period, popular sights are less busy and prices for flights and hotels much cheaper.