Japan Kanazawa Weather in December — Climate Guide
December in Kanazawa is high
Kanazawa Weather in December — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 10° / 3°
- Rainfall
- 285mm · 22 days
- Crowds
- Busy
As of 2026, Kanazawa in December averages a high of 10°C and low of 3°C with 285mm of rain over about 22 days. Winter begins + first snow. Around 10°C/3°C. A down jacket, knitwear + a hat, gloves + non-slip shoes. Late December nears freezing with snow starting. Shirakawa-go drops to -10°C with 50cm+ of snow.
December is high for Kanazawa.
December in Kanazawa brings the first snow, peak yukitsuri, the Kaga fugu and crab season, and yearly-peak New Year pricing. It averages 10°C/3°C with the year's high rainfall (285mm).
The December signature is Kanazawa's first snow (early-mid December), peak yukitsuri, and the Kaga fugu and crab season. Kenrokuen's yukitsuri with first snow is recommended — a rare 600-year Kaga tradition. Snow starts accumulating from late December, ahead of the Jan-Feb peak.
Travel score
Kanazawa December Weather Stats
Avg High
10°C
Avg Low
3°C
Rainy Days
22
285mm total
Sunshine
2.5h
Daily avg
Humidity
75%
dry
UV Index
1
Low
Wind
14 km/h
Gusts 28
Crowds
Busy
At attractions
December Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
22 μg/m³
PM10
38 μg/m³
Status
moderate
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
8°C
Nighttime
1°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
14 km/h
Max gust 28 km/h
Activities Recommended for December
December Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- First snow (early-mid December) — lasting photos
- Yukitsuri at its best
- Shirakawa-go illuminations begin
- Peak Kaga fugu & crab season
Cons
- Yearly-peak New Year pricing
- Some restaurants/sites closed Dec 31-Jan 3
- Late December nears freezing + snow starts
- Year's high rainfall (285mm)
- Frequent cloud
December Events & Festivals
- First snow in Kanazawa (early-mid December)
- Yukitsuri at its best
- Christmas (Dec 25)
- Shirakawa-go illuminations begin (from December)
- Peak Kaga fugu & crab season
- New Year (Dec 31-Jan 3) yearly-peak pricing — some closures around Shogatsu
Kanazawa in December — Full Picture
December in Kanazawa brings the first snow, peak yukitsuri, the Kaga fugu and crab season, and yearly-peak New Year pricing. It averages 10°C/3°C with the year's high rainfall (285mm).
The December signature is Kanazawa's first snow (early-mid December), peak yukitsuri, and the Kaga fugu and crab season. Kenrokuen's yukitsuri with first snow is recommended — a rare 600-year Kaga tradition. Snow starts accumulating from late December, ahead of the Jan-Feb peak.
Peak Kaga fugu and crab season — Kagaya ryokan, Kanihonke, and Torafuku full courses, a special-occasion favorite. A two-meal ryokan night at ¥50,000-150,000 is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Shirakawa-go illuminations begin (from December) — gassho-zukuri, snow, and LEDs. The main illuminations run select Saturdays Jan-Feb, with simplified weekday operation from December.
Christmas and New Year make this the year's top peak; 4-star hotels run ¥25,000-40,000; book 6 months ahead. Some restaurants and sites close over the New Year (Dec 24-Jan 3, with Shogatsu effects Dec 31-Jan 3).
The Tokyo-in Shinkansen loop (JR Hokuriku Pass 4 days ¥7,000 + Tokyo Shinkansen ¥14,000) is appealing. The first-to-second week of December, just before New Year, is a value window — about 30% cheaper with appeal intact.
Note: snow and ice from late December mean non-slip shoes are essential.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Winter begins + first snow. Around 10°C/3°C. A down jacket, knitwear + a hat, gloves + non-slip shoes. Late December nears freezing with snow starting. Shirakawa-go drops to -10°C with 50cm+ of snow.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
17.7°C
8°C
14.7/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
29.3°C
21.3°C
13.3/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
22°C
14°C
14/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current8°C
1°C
21.7/mo
Kanazawa Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7° | 0° | 24d·270mm | 2.5h | 75% | 1 | Moderate | Peak | |
| 7° | 0° | 19d·175mm | 3h | 75% | 2 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 12° | 3° | 17d·175mm | 4h | 70% | 4 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| April (Best) | 18° | 8° | 14d·165mm | 5.5h | 65% | 6 | Very busy | Peak |
| 23° | 13° | 13d·160mm | 6h | 65% | 7 | Very busy | Peak | |
| 26° | 18° | 15d·195mm | 4.5h | 75% | 8 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 30° | 22° | 14d·235mm | 5h | 75% | 9 | Busy | Peak | |
| 32° | 24° | 11d·145mm | 7h | 70% | 10 | Very busy | Peak | |
| 28° | 21° | 13d·220mm | 5.5h | 70% | 7 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| October (Best) | 22° | 13° | 12d·165mm | 5.5h | 65% | 5 | Very busy | Peak |
| November (Best) | 16° | 8° | 17d·245mm | 3.5h | 70% | 3 | Very busy | Peak |
| 10° | 3° | 22d·285mm | 2.5h | 75% | 1 | Busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Kanazawa December Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Kanazawa?
Kanazawa in December is high. Tourist crowds are busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Kanazawa in December?
Kanazawa December averages a high of 10°C and a low of 3°C.
Does it rain much in Kanazawa in December?
Kanazawa December averages 285mm of rainfall over about 22 rainy days.
What should I wear in Kanazawa in December?
Winter begins + first snow. Around 10°C/3°C. A down jacket, knitwear + a hat, gloves + non-slip shoes. Late December nears freezing with snow starting. Shirakawa-go drops to -10°C with 50cm+ of snow.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Kanazawa in December?
Kanazawa December sunrise is 06:50 and sunset is 16:40, with 9h 50min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Kanazawa in December?
Kanazawa December air quality (AQI) averages 50, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 22μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Kanazawa in December?
In December, Kanazawa is great for Kanazawa first snow + yukitsuri, Kaga fugu & crab full course, Shirakawa-go illuminations begin.
Is December peak season in Kanazawa?
Kanazawa December crowds are busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit Kanazawa
View Other Months
Planning a December trip to Kanazawa?
You've checked the weather — next come the budget and the route.
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.