Japan (Tokyo) · December
Low seasonJapan · Asia
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 10° (50°)4– (39–)15 (59) | 11° (52°)4– (39–)19 (66) | 14° (57°)6– (43–)22 (72) | 19° (66°)10– (50–)25 (77) | 23° (73°)16– (61–)28 (82) | 25° (77°)19– (66–)30 (86) | 29° (84°)21– (70–)34 (93) | 31° (88°)24– (75–)35 (95) | 27° (81°)21– (70–)32 (90) | 22° (72°)15– (59–)28 (82) | 17° (63°)10– (50–)23 (73) | 12° (54°)7– (45–)19 (66) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | -1° (30°)-6– (21–)5 (41) | 1° (34°)-5– (23–)8 (46) | 4° (39°)-3– (27–)11 (52) | 9° (48°)0– (32–)15 (59) | 14° (57°)7– (45–)19 (66) | 18° (64°)12– (54–)23 (73) | 22° (72°)18– (64–)25 (77) | 24° (75°)19– (66–)26 (79) | 21° (70°)14– (57–)25 (77) | 15° (59°)7– (45–)20 (68) | 8° (46°)0– (32–)14 (57) | 2° (36°)-5– (23–)9 (48) |
☀️Sunshine | 7h | 7h | 7h | 7h | 8h | 7h | 7h | 8h | 6h | 5h | 5h | 6h |
🌊Water Temp | 14° (57°) | 13° (55°) | 14° (57°) | 16° (61°) | 18° (64°) | 20° (68°) | 22° (72°) | 25° (77°) | 25° (77°) | 22° (72°) | 19° (66°) | 16° (61°) |
🌧Rain Days | 5d73mm (2.9") | 6d80mm (3.1") | 8d116mm (4.6") | 9d132mm (5.2") | 10d139mm (5.5") | 10d169mm (6.7") | 8d137mm (5.4") | 8d131mm (5.2") | 10d202mm (8.0") | 11d230mm (9.0") | 8d100mm (3.9") | 5d75mm (2.9") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Off-season — lowest travel prices with still acceptable climate.
December in Japan (Tokyo) is on the cool side — with highs around 12°C (54°F) it's less suited for a beach holiday, but good for sightseeing away from the high season.
Temperatures reach a maximum of 12°C (54°F) during the day and drop to 2°C (36°F) at night — warm layers recommended. Peaks reach around 19°C (66°F), the coldest nights around -5°C (23°F) — frost does occur. With 6 sunshine hours per day and 5 rain days (75 mm (3.0 in)), this is one of the cloudier months. At 16°C (61°F), the water is still quite cool in December — a wetsuit may be useful.
Pack warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Cool temperatures make hiking and cultural trips enjoyable — beaches are off the agenda.
December illuminations: Tokyo's Christmas lights in Omotesando and Marunouchi are seriously impressive. Year-end parties (bōnenkai) in every restaurant, and the temples prepare for hatsumōde.
Packing list for Japan (Tokyo) in December
- Warm jacket
- Jumpers and warm layers
- Long trousers
- Warm shoes
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Small umbrella (occasional showers possible)
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is December a good time to visit Japan (Tokyo)?
- December is not an optimal month for Japan (Tokyo) (Score: 53/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider June, July, August, and September.
- How warm is it in Japan (Tokyo) in December?
- In December, Japan (Tokyo) sees daily highs of 12°C (54°F). Nights cool to 2°C (36°F), with a daily average of 7°C (45°F). Peaks reach around 19°C (66°F), the coldest nights around -5°C (23°F) — frost does occur.
- How much rain falls in Japan (Tokyo) in December?
- In December, Japan (Tokyo) receives an average of 75 mm (3.0 in) of rain over 5 rain days. The rain falls on few days, but heavily.
- How many sunshine hours does Japan (Tokyo) get in December?
- Japan (Tokyo) averages 6 sunshine hours per day in December — below the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Japan (Tokyo) in December?
- Water temperature in Japan (Tokyo) in December averages 16°C (61°F) — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.
