What the weather is like in December
December cools fast — daytime 12°C, overnight near freezing. Rainfall returns to dry-season norms (58mm). Christmas illuminations citywide (Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown, Marunouchi, Caretta Shiodome) are major draws. Crowd patterns: heavy through Dec 23, then sharp drop until New Year shutdown (Dec 29 - Jan 3) when most of Tokyo closes.
Averages are five-year Open-Meteo (ERA5) figures for Shinjuku; other parts of Tokyo vary. Full sources below.
What to pack for Tokyo in December
- Warm layers and a proper coat
- A scarf for chilly mornings
What's on in December
- Autumn Leaves (Koyo) (Rikugien · Mt. Takao · Shinjuku Gyoen · Meiji Jingu Gaien) — Tokyo's koyo peaks around November 20-30. Rikugien Garden (designated Special Place of Scenic Beauty) does evening illuminations. Mt. Takao day trip from Shinjuku is the most popular leaf hike.
- Winter Illuminations (Roppongi Hills · Tokyo Midtown · Marunouchi · Caretta Shiodome) — Tokyo runs the world's largest seasonal-illumination program — major districts each install multi-million-light displays from early November through mid-January.
Is December the right month?
Tokyo's best month is April; the toughest is August. For the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds, aim for June. See the full month-by-month breakdown for Tokyo.
Where to stay in December
December is shoulder season in Tokyo: good conditions, at lower prices than the peak.
- Shinjuku$$First-time visitors, transport access, nightlife
Tokyo's main rail hub — JR Yamanote, multiple subway lines, direct trains to Narita and Haneda. Walking distance to Shinjuku Gyoen (cherry blossoms), Kabukicho (nightlife), and Omoide Yokocho (yakitori alleys). Hotel density highest in the city.
See Shinjuku hotels for 12–18 Dec 2026 - Shibuya$$Younger travelers, retail, food + drink
Energy + retail center for under-35s. Shibuya Crossing, depachika food halls at Hikarie + Scramble Square, dense restaurant + bar scene. Slightly less subway connectivity than Shinjuku but still excellent.
See Shibuya hotels for 12–18 Dec 2026 - Ginza$$$Luxury travelers, central access, refined dining
Tokyo's flagship luxury district — flagship department stores (Mitsukoshi, Wako), Michelin restaurants, art galleries. Walking distance to Tsukiji outer market, the Imperial Palace, and Tokyo Station. Slower nightlife, refined feel.
See Ginza hotels for 12–18 Dec 2026 - Asakusa$Traditional atmosphere, budget hotels, day-trippers
Old-Tokyo (shitamachi) feel. Senso-ji temple, Nakamise shopping street, traditional ryokan. Cheaper than central Tokyo by 20-30%. Direct train to Narita Airport in 60 minutes. Best for budget-conscious first-timers prioritising atmosphere.
See Asakusa hotels for 12–18 Dec 2026 - Tokyo Bay (Odaiba / Toyosu)$$Families, views, modern resort feel
Reclaimed-island districts on Tokyo Bay. Toyosu fish market (replacement for Tsukiji), TeamLab Planets, Odaiba beach. Less central but quieter, more family-friendly, with bay views from many hotels.
See Tokyo Bay (Odaiba / Toyosu) hotels for 12–18 Dec 2026
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Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit Tokyo?
December scores 55/100 on the Atlas Ranger Score — "Mixed" — which blends weather with crowds and price. December is a shoulder month in Tokyo — quieter than the April peak, and usually cheaper too.
How warm is Tokyo 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 Tokyo in December?
December sees roughly 58mm of rain — relatively dry.
What should I pack for Tokyo 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 National Tourism Organization (JNTO) — TokyoUsed for: Official tourism guidance, festival timing, and seasonal travel advisories.
- Japan Meteorological Agency — Tokyo NormalsUsed for: Climate normals (1991-2020) for temperature, rainfall, and sunshine hours.
- U.S. State Department Japan Travel AdvisoryUsed for: Independent safety assessment and entry requirement reference.
- Tokyo Convention & Visitors BureauUsed for: Festival calendar, illumination dates, neighborhood-specific events.
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