Mornings sit near the overnight low around 3°C with clear, cooler light — best for outdoor photos before crowds build.
Tokyo Weather in December
Everything you need to know about Tokyo weather in December
Updated September 10, 2026
Japan · Tokyo
Tokyo Weather in December
December in Tokyo is cool, crisp and quietly atmospheric. Expect daytime highs around 10°C (50°F), nights near 3°C, shifting seasonal light, and a calmer pace than peak season Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
- Avg high / low
- 10°C / 3°C
- 50F / 37F
- Precipitation
- 40mm
- 5 wet days
- Daylight
- 9.3 hrs
- shortest of the year
Tokyo average temperatures through the year
DecemberRest of the year
8°
9°
13°
18°
23°
27°
31°
32°
28°
21°
15°
10°
JAN
6 wet
FEB
7 wet
MAR
9 wet
APR
10 wet
MAY
10 wet
JUN
12 wet
JUL
10 wet
AUG
9 wet
SEP
8 wet
OCT
6 wet
NOV
5 wet
DEC
5 wet
Daytime highs in Celsius with wet days per month for Tokyo. December sits at 10°C with 5 wet days.
The short answer
December falls in Tokyo's winter. Daytime highs average 10°C (50°F) with nights near 3°C (37°F). Precipitation totals about 40mm across roughly 5 wet days. Settling snow is uncommon. Visiting works with flexible outdoor plans and a packing buffer Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
December climate in Tokyo
Monthly averages for Tokyo, Japan.
- Day high
- 10°C
- 50°F
- Night low
- 3°C
- 37°F
- Precipitation
- 40mm
- 1.6 in
- Wet days
- 5
- rain or drizzle
- Sunrise
- 7:21am
- mid-December
- Sunset
- 4:39pm
- earliest of the year
- Daylight
- 9.3 hrs
- 4 hrs sunshine
Averages based on long-run monthly climate normals. Last updated September 10, 2026.
Real weeks swing around the 7°C mean. Early December often sits near 11°C while the final week lands closer to 9°C. Pack a spare layer for that 3° drift rather than dressing only for the monthly average Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Rain and drizzle usually arrive in pulses across the 5 wet days. Dry stretches between systems feel clearer and colder overnight. Use those gaps for outdoor sightseeing and keep indoor backups for the wetter clusters Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
What is the average temperature in Tokyo in December?
The average temperature in Tokyo in December is around 7°C (45°F), combining daytime highs of 10°C (50°F) with night lows of 3°C (37°F). The month cools steadily: the first days average highs near 11°C, while the final week typically tops out around 9°C with nights of 2°C.
Average daily high and low through December. The month cools by roughly 3 degrees start to finish.
How much does it rain in Tokyo in December?
Tokyo gets around 40mm (1.6in) of precipitation in December, spread over roughly 5 wet days. Wet spells typically last a day or two and clear to drier stretches in between Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
48
56
72
80
80
96
80
72
64
48
40
40
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Average precipitation by month in millimetres. December's 40mm sits near the annual rhythm.
Average precipitation by hour of day in Tokyo
December precipitation in Tokyo falls fairly evenly around the clock, with a mild overnight and early-morning peak. There is no predictable afternoon-downpour pattern — check the day's forecast rather than timing outings by the clock Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
12am6am12pm6pm12am
Relative share of December precipitation by hour of day. The distribution is fairly flat, with a mild overnight peak.
When is sunrise and sunset in Tokyo in December?
December daylight in Tokyo averages about 9.3 hours, shortest of the year. Sunrise drifts from 7:21am to 7:37am across the month, while sunset holds near 4:39pm before edging toward 4:49pm. Plan outdoor sightseeing in the brighter midday window Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Sunrise and sunset through December. The shaded band is daylight, at its annual minimum around the solstice.
How humid is Tokyo in December?
Relative humidity in Tokyo in December averages around 58 percent. At 10°C that usually feels manageable outdoors. Temperature and wind still drive packing more than humidity alone Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
55
58
62
65
70
78
80
78
72
65
60
58
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Average relative humidity by month. December sits near 58%.
What is the weather like in Tokyo the rest of the year?
Tokyo moves from cooler months near 8°C highs through a warmer peak near 32°C. The best-weather stretch usually aligns with March and April. December sits in the winter arc with 10°C highs Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Average high (coral) and low (navy) by month. The shaded band is the typical daily range; DEC is marked.
Is December a good time to visit Tokyo?
Depends — weather works with flexible plans. Here is the honest trade-off.
OverallSolid with flexible plans
WeatherCool and clear
CrowdsMedium
PricesMid
Budget (per night)$140 to $220
Book ahead3 to 5 weeks
December in Tokyo is defined by cold, festive illuminations and 10°C days. Stays often land in the $140–$220 range with mid season demand. The smartest move is to book about 3–5 weeks ahead and keep outdoor blocks in the brighter midday window Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Pros
- 10°C highs suit festive days in Tokyo
- 4h average sunshine for daytime plans
- Medium crowds shape the December pace
- Mid season rates for stays and flights
Cons
- 5 wet days can pause outdoor sightseeing
- Humidity at 58% can feel heavier than the air temp
- Some attractions keep shorter winter hours
- Daylight near 9.3 hrs shortens evening walks
Travelling to Tokyo in December?
Book lodgings about 3–5 weeks ahead, then visit the busiest central sights right at opening on a weekday to skip the mid-afternoon crush first-timers always hit Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues. Compare months on our Best Time to Visit Tokyo guide.
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What December actually feels like
December is Tokyo's winter in lived terms: cold, festive illuminations. Most days feel cold, dry and often clear, with damper grey stretches arriving in bursts rather than settling in for the whole month Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
The underestimated variable is short daylight. It truncates outdoor evenings and pushes dinner earlier. Build one indoor spare block every day Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Early December often starts near 11°C while the final week trends toward 9°C. That 3° drift is enough to change coat weight mid-trip. Recheck the forecast before packing day seven Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Afternoons reach 10–11°C before an early sunset near the 9.3-hour daylight limit — plan open-air stops then.
Evenings cool quickly toward 3°C; shift to indoor dining and illuminated streets once the light drops.
December in Tokyo, week by week
Crowds and prices move more than the thermometer.
December 1–7
11°C (52°F)- Crowds
- Medium
- Prices
- Mid season
- Best for
- Quieter weekday exploring
December 8–14
11°C (52°F)- Crowds
- Medium
- Prices
- Mid season
- Best for
- Balanced weather window
December 15–21
10°C (50°F)- Crowds
- Medium
- Prices
- Mid season
- Best for
- Steady mid-month pace
December 22–31
9°C (48°F)- Crowds
- Medium
- Prices
- Mid season
- Best for
- Late-month flexible plans
Temperatures are Tokyo monthly averages split across each window. Individual years vary by several degrees.
Tokyo events in December
The fixtures worth timing your trip around, and how they move the crowds.
Late December through the first days of January
DEC–JAN
Oshōgatsu (New Year holidays)
Nationwide closures and packed trains crush visitor logistics.
December evenings into the New Year shutdown ramp
DEC
Year-end illuminations & shutdown ramp
Lights draw crowds while shops begin New Year closures.
Timing note
Exact dates shift each year. Check dates for your travel year, or let Holi-AI sequence them into your plan automatically.
What to pack and wear for Tokyo in December
Warm layers beat fashion statements
Pack for Tokyo in December around the 10°C / 3°C swing. The governing rule is trap heat early and stay dry. The one item worth buying before you fly is waterproof insulated boots Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Essential
- Insulated coat
- Waterproof boots
- Warm beanie
- Thermal base layer
Smart additions
- Scarf or buff
- Portable charger
- Clear tote for layers
- Lip balm SPF
Leave behind
- Open-toe shoes
- Linen-only outfits
- Heavy formal coats
Top places to visit in Tokyo in December
Month icons plus warm indoor backups
City centre · Free
Tokyo landmark walk
Go early on weekdays for quieter photos and softer light.
Add to your planWaterfront · Free
Harbour or river promenade
Best in midday sun when winds ease Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planMuseum quarter · Paid
Flagship museum morning
Weekday openings beat weekend queues and wet-day backups.
Add to your planOld town · Free
Historic streets loop
Late morning light helps cold stone feel less harsh.
Add to your planPark · Free
Central green escape
Shade and benches make longer walks realistic Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planCovered market · Free
Indoor food hall backup
Ideal when wet days interrupt outdoor plans Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your plan
Top places to stay in December
Base near the sights that matter in December
Best overall
Central core
Walkable to main sights with easier 9.3-hour daylight logistics Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Best value
One transit stop out
Lower rates than the core while staying close for medium evenings.
Local feel
Neighbourhood streets
Quieter nights and easier restaurant bookings than the busiest tourist blocks.
Top restaurants to visit in December
Warm rooms and cold-weather classics
Downtown · Classic
Tokyo lunch counter
Hearty midday stop when outdoor plans run short on daylight.
Add to your planOld town · Cosy
Neighbourhood bistro
Low light and early dinners match short sunset windows Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planMarket · Casual
Covered market stalls
Fast warm food without a reservation on wet afternoons Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planRiverside · Scenic
Waterfront cafe
Daylight seating works best before the evening chill Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planArts district · Modern
Gallery-side kitchen
Pairs well with museum days when weather turns Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planResidential · Local
Corner noodle or soup spot
Simple, hot bowls that suit cold or humid evenings Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
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Tokyo weather by month
How December compares. Every month links to its full weather guide.
| Month | Avg high | Wet days | Crowds | Cost | Overall | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C (46°F) | 6 | Low | Budget | Okay | Cold but dry, fewer tourists |
| February | 9°C (48°F) | 7 | Low | Budget | Okay | Still cold, good for budget travel |
| March | 13°C (55°F) | 9 | Medium | Mid | Great | Mild weather, cherry blossom season |
| April | 18°C (64°F) | 10 | High | Peak | Great | Peak season, book ahead |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 10 | High | High | Great | Pleasant temperatures, busy |
| June | 27°C (81°F) | 12 | Medium | Mid | Okay | Rainy season begins |
| July | 31°C (88°F) | 10 | High | High | Okay | Hot and humid, festivals |
| August | 32°C (90°F) | 9 | High | High | Okay | Peak summer heat |
| September | 28°C (82°F) | 8 | Medium | Mid | Great | Cooling down, fewer crowds |
| October | 21°C (70°F) | 6 | High | High | Great | Best weather of the year |
| November | 15°C (59°F) | 5 | High | High | Great | Autumn colours peak |
| December | 10°C (50°F) | 5 | Medium | Mid | Okay | Festive — this guide |
Temperatures shown as Tokyo monthly averages.
December vs November: December averages 7°C versus 12°C in November — a 5°C cooldown. Crowds shift from High to Medium while pricing moves into mid season. Pick December if you want cold, festive illuminations Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
December vs January: January trends to 5°C, 2°C cooler than December. Expect low crowds and budget season rates. Pick January if you prefer cold but dry, fewer tourists Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Want December sun instead?
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Kyoto in December
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Tokyo in December FAQ
Everything you need to know about Tokyo weather in December
Daytime highs average 10°C (50°F) and nights fall near 3°C (37°F). The monthly mean sits around 7°C. Expect a 3° swing from early to late December Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
How we work this out
Temperature and rainfall figures are 30-year meteorological averages. Crowd levels come from national tourism arrival data. Price bands reflect mid-range accommodation and economy flights from major long-haul cities, sampled quarterly.
Last updated September 10, 2026 · Written by the Holicay travel team