What the weather is like in December
December is dry and crisp with city illuminations and Christmas markets (Tokyo Midtown is famous). Things shut down December 31 - January 3 for New Year.
Averages are five-year Open-Meteo (ERA5) figures for Tokyo; other parts of Japan vary. Full sources below.
What to pack for Japan in December
- Warm layers and a proper coat
- A scarf for chilly mornings
What's on in December
- New Year (Shogatsu) (Nationwide) — December 31 to January 3 is Japan's most important holiday — many shops, restaurants, and museums close. Shrine visits (hatsumode) are a major tradition.
Is December the right month?
Japan's best month is April; the toughest is August. See the full month-by-month breakdown for Japan.
Where to stay in December
December is shoulder season in Japan: good conditions, at lower prices than the peak.
See Japan hotels for 12–18 Dec 2026
Links open a hotel search for 12–18 Dec 2026; you can change the dates there. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit Japan?
December scores 54/100 on the Atlas Ranger Score — "Mixed" — which blends weather with crowds and price. December is a shoulder month in Japan — quieter than the April peak, and usually cheaper too.
How warm is Japan in December?
Expect daytime highs around 12°C (54°F) and overnight lows near 4°C (39°F), with about 6 hours of sun a day.
Does it rain in Japan in December?
December sees roughly 50mm of rain — relatively dry.
What should I pack for Japan in December?
For December, pack: Warm layers and a proper coat; A scarf for chilly mornings.
Sources
Every claim on this page is backed by an authoritative source. Atlas Ranger synthesizes data from multiple references so you can see exactly where each fact came from.
- Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) Climate NormalsUsed for: Monthly temperature, precipitation, sunshine, and humidity averages (1991–2020)
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)Used for: Festival dates, peak-season tourist intel, official seasonal travel guidance
- Japan Meteorological Corporation cherry blossom forecastsUsed for: Cherry blossom typical-bloom dates, regional bloom progression
- Lonely Planet — JapanUsed for: Crowd patterns, when-to-go intel, seasonal recommendations
- Frommer's — JapanUsed for: Cross-reference for seasonal verdicts and shoulder-window guidance
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