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.
Nozawa Onsen Weather in December
With daytime temperatures of 6°C (43°F) and nighttime lows of -3°C (27°F), December in Nozawa Onsen brings low temperatures during the day. Do keep in mind that December is part of the rainy season, with frequent and often heavy snow/rainfall.
Rainfall in Nozawa Onsen in December
Nozawa Onsen is in the rainy season in December, with rain on around 22 days and an average of 189 mm (7.4 in). Rain during the rainy season is significant rather than just light drizzle. Expect proper showers on most rainy days.
Temperature in Nozawa Onsen in December
Temperatures in Nozawa Onsen in December top out at 6°C (43°F) and drop to -3°C (27°F) overnight. Experience the winter season in December. Expect a cold feel throughout the day, not just in the mornings and evenings. Warm layers are essential. With lows of -3°C (27°F), nights are freezing. Packing a spare blanket is worth considering if you're staying somewhere that might not be fully heated.
Sunshine in Nozawa Onsen in December
The area sees fewer sunny days, with a projection of about 79 hours of sunshine. This reduced sunlight makes it ideal for those who prefer overcast conditions over bright sunny days.If you're looking for dry conditions and comfortable temperatures, December may not be the ideal month to visit Nozawa Onsen. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.
Nozawa Onsen Temperature in December
Min Temperature
-3°C (27°F)
Max Temperature
6°C (43°F)
Chance of Rain
75%
Precipitation
189 mm (7.4 in)
Rainy days
22 days
Humidity
76% *
Sunshine
79 hours *
Percentage Sunshine
*
* Data from: Joetsu, Japan (30 KM, 19 Miles).
Nozawa Onsen Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Nozawa Onsen - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
49-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Nozawa Onsen typically drop from around 11°C (52°F) at the start of December to approximately 6°C (43°F) by the end. Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from -1°C (30°F) to 3°C (37°F).
Average temperatures in December
Daily Historical Precipitation
49-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 Nozawa Onsen in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Nozawa Onsen spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Nozawa Onsen historical weather extremes in December
Based on weather observations in Nozawa Onsen between 2006 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes during December.
- On December 4, 2018, temperatures climbed to 21°C (70°F), marking the warmest December day on record.
- The coldest December day was on December 27, 2025, with a maximum of -1°C (30°F).
- The coldest night in December in Nozawa Onsen was on December 23, 2025, 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 Nozawa Onsen in December
We recommend to layer up for chilly conditions in Nozawa Onsen 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. Also bring a poncho, it will rain a lot! Waterproof everything you can. Sunglasses aren't essential this month, though you might want them for the occasional bright moment.
What To Do in Nozawa Onsen in December
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
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Swimming4/10 -
Cycling3/10 -
Walking3/10 -
Camping1/10 -
Outdoor sports3/10
Nozawa Onsen 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Nozawa Onsen
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Nozawa Onsen 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
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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.