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.
Niigata Weather in December
December in Niigata brings low temperatures around 10°C (50°F) during the day, dropping to 4°C (39°F) at night, with quite a bit of rainfall expected, averaging around 203 mm (8 in) for the month.
Rainfall in Niigata in December
Analyzing past climate data, one can expect approximately 28 days of rain, averaging 203 mm (8 in). Expect frequent rainfall this month, and not just light drizzle. When it rains, it tends to come down hard.
Temperature in Niigata in December
Niigata in December gets highs of 10°C (50°F) during the day and drops to 4°C (39°F) at night. December marks the winter season. Even at the warmest part of the day, temperatures stay low. Dressing warmly from the start is the sensible approach. Nights fall to 4°C (39°F), which is cold enough to feel it indoors too. A good thick duvet makes all the difference for a comfortable night's sleep.
Sunshine in Niigata in December
The month has fewer sunny days, with around 63 hours of sunshine.December in Niigata has its charm. However, if you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather, our weather planner can help you explore other destinations in the world.
Niigata Temperature in December
Min Temperature
4°C (39°F)
Max Temperature
10°C (50°F)
Chance of Rain
94%
Precipitation
203 mm (8 in)
Rainy days
28 days
Humidity
74%
Sunshine
63 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Niigata Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Niigata - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Niigata typically drop from around 11°C (52°F) at the start of December to approximately 7°C (45°F) by the end. Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 1°C (34°F) to 5°C (41°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 Niigata in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Niigata spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Niigata historical weather extremes in December
The extremes listed below come from historical weather data collected in Niigata from 1976 through 2025.
- The warmest day in December was on December 1, 1990, with a maximum of 20°C (68°F).
- On December 28, 1984, Niigata saw its coldest December day with temperatures maxing out at 0°C (32°F).
- The coldest night in December in Niigata was on December 30, 1976, with a minimum of -8°C (18°F).
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 Niigata in December
Cold weather calls for smart layering in December. A thermal base layer makes a huge difference in staying warm. Add a wool sweater or fleece, then a wind-resistant outer jacket. Heavy rain is guaranteed, please bring a good poncho and waterproof everything! With limited sunshine expected, sunglasses aren't a priority for packing.
What To Do in Niigata in December
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
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Swimming4/10 -
Cycling4/10 -
Walking4/10 -
Camping3/10 -
Outdoor sports4/10
Niigata 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Niigata
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Niigata 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.