December weather forecast
Japan

In December, Japan fully embraces the winter season. The weather becomes notably colder across the country, and the landscapes undergo dramatic transformations as snow blankets numerous regions.

In the northern region of Hokkaido, December is truly a winter month. Temperatures range from -6°C (21.2°F) to 2°C (35.6°F). Heavy snowfall begins in earnest, transforming the region into a winter wonderland. The average snowfall in cities like Sapporo can exceed 1300mm (51.18") in this month alone.

Central Japan experiences colder temperatures, ranging from 2°C (35.6°F) to 11°C (51.8°F). The Sea of Japan coastline and the Central Highlands start to see frequent snowfall. In cities such as Tokyo, December remains relatively dry, with an average rainfall of 50mm (1.97"). However, the weather can be quite variable, with clear, sunny days and occasional bouts of cold rain.

Further south, the temperatures are milder. In regions such as Okinawa, December sees average temperatures from 16°C (60.8°F) to 21°C (69.8°F). While rainfall is lower, averaging at 80mm (3.15"), occasional showers do occur.

Throughout Japan, December is one of the driest months of the year, with nationwide average rainfall between 40mm (1.57") and 90mm (3.54"). The end of the month is particularly dry, making for clear skies and crisp weather.

Despite the cold, December hosts numerous winter festivals and events across Japan. These include the Sapporo White Illumination and the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival in Hokkaido, where beautifully illuminated ice sculptures and snow lanterns transform the towns into magical settings. With the onset of the ski season, ski resorts in regions such as Nagano and Niigata also come alive, making December an exciting time to experience Japan's winter charm.

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• Tokyo - December »
  The month with the least rainfall in Tokyo is December, when the rain falls for 8.8 days and typically collects 21mm (0.83") of precipitation. In Tokyo snow does not fall in April through December.
• Yokohama - December »
  The month with the shortest days in Yokohama is December, with an average of 9h and 48min of daylight. The month with the least rainfall in Yokohama is December, when the rain falls for 9 days and typically collects 40mm (1.57") of precipitation.
• Osaka - December »
  In Osaka, Japan, during December, the rain falls for 5.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 44mm (1.73") of precipitation. The start of December in Osaka involves a temperature drop, moving from an enjoyable 17.6°C (63.7°F) in November to a cool 12.3°C (54.1°F).
• Nagoya - December »
  The month with the least rainfall in Nagoya is December, when the rain falls for 6.9 days and typically collects 45mm (1.77") of precipitation. In Nagoya, during December, the rain falls for 6.9 days and regularly aggregates up to 45mm (1.77") of precipitation.
• Sapporo - December »
  In Sapporo in December, during 24.8 snowfall days, 427mm (16.81") of snow is typically accumulated. December brings the full swing of winter to Sapporo, Japan, where the city takes on a festive look, beautifully decorated with lights and gleaming with snow.
• Fukuoka - December »
  The month with the least rainfall in Fukuoka is December, when the rain falls for 10.3 days and typically collects 54mm (2.13") of precipitation. In Fukuoka in December, the average water temperature is 18.3°C (64.9°F).
• Kobe - December »
  In Kobe during December, the rain falls for 15.6 days and regularly aggregates up to 43mm (1.69") of precipitation. December has the shortest days of the year in Kobe, with an average of 9h and 54min of daylight.
• Kyoto - December »
  In December, in Kyoto the rain falls for 16.1 days. The month with the shortest days in Kyoto is December, with an average of 9h and 54min of daylight.
• Kawasaki - December »
  The month with the least rainfall in Kawasaki is December, when the rain falls for 5.8 days and typically collects 21mm (0.83") of precipitation. The month with the least rainfall in Kawasaki is December, when the rain falls for 5.8 days and typically collects 21mm (0.83") of precipitation.
• Saitama - December »
  The month with the shortest days in Saitama is December, with an average of 9h and 48min of daylight. The month with the shortest days in Saitama is December, with an average of 9h and 48min of daylight.
• Hiroshima - December »
  The month with the least rainfall in Hiroshima is December, when the rain falls for 17 days and typically collects 41mm (1.61") of precipitation. With an average of 9h and 54min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Hiroshima, Japan.
• Sendai - December »
  The month with the shortest days in Sendai is December, with an average of 9h and 36min of daylight. The month with the shortest days in Sendai is December, with an average of 9h and 36min of daylight.