Japan Kyoto Weather in December — Climate Guide
December in Kyoto is Good
December is Good for Kyoto.
December in Kyoto packs three overlapping seasons: the last of foliage, the start of winter illumination, and pre-New Year atmosphere. Averages of 11°C/3°C make the basin winter colder than Tokyo or Osaka. Rainfall of 53 mm is among the lowest of the year — clear days dominate, and night illuminations photograph best.
The first week of December still has foliage illumination at Eikan-do and Kiyomizu-dera. The final foliage weekend draws smaller crowds than November while remaining equally photogenic. From mid-December, illumination season takes over — Gion area, Shijo-dori, and Kawaramachi peak at night.
Travel score
Kyoto December Weather Stats
Avg High
11°C
Avg Low
3°C
Rainy Days
5
53mm total
Sunshine
4.5h
Daily avg
Humidity
65%
Dry
UV Index
2
Low
Wind
9 km/h
Gusts 20
Sea Temp
16°C
Avg water temp
Snow Days
3
Monthly avg
Crowds
Moderate
At attractions
December Sunrise & Sunset
Expect about 3 snow days this month. Bring slip-resistant shoes and warm gear.
Air Quality
PM2.5
19 μg/m³
PM10
28 μg/m³
Status
Moderate
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
8°C
Nighttime
0°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
9 km/h
Max gust 20 km/h
Activities Recommended for December
December Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Final foliage plus winter illumination at the same time
- Low rainfall and clear days — photography ideal
- December 2nd and 3rd weeks are the smart-value window
Cons
- December 25 to January 3 prices spike
- Basin cold — sub-zero nights common
- Short daylight — sunset 4:30 PM
December Events & Festivals
- Final foliage (through first week of December) — illuminations end
- Gion illumination (December to February) — Yasaka Shrine, Shijo-dori
- Kyoto city illumination — Kawaramachi, Shijo-dori
- New Year's countdown (December 31) — Yasaka Shrine, Heian Jingu
Kyoto in December — Full Picture
December in Kyoto packs three overlapping seasons: the last of foliage, the start of winter illumination, and pre-New Year atmosphere. Averages of 11°C/3°C make the basin winter colder than Tokyo or Osaka. Rainfall of 53 mm is among the lowest of the year — clear days dominate, and night illuminations photograph best.
The first week of December still has foliage illumination at Eikan-do and Kiyomizu-dera. The final foliage weekend draws smaller crowds than November while remaining equally photogenic. From mid-December, illumination season takes over — Gion area, Shijo-dori, and Kawaramachi peak at night.
New Year's countdown (December 31 to January 1) at Yasaka Shrine and Heian Jingu is the authentic destination. Midnight temple bell ringing (108 strikes) coincides with Hatsumode crowds for the first prayer of the year. Popular among Korean and Asian travelers for the New Year cultural experience — December 30 to January 2 packages sell out.
Hotel and flight prices stay normal through mid-December, then spike to April cherry blossom levels from December 25 through January 3. The second and third weeks of December are the smart-value window. Ryokan hot spring baths are at their seasonal peak — pairing a 1-night ryokan with 1 night at a city business hotel is a popular strategy.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Full winter onset. 11°C/3°C is colder than Tokyo or Osaka due to basin geography — heavy down or wool coat, scarf, and gloves are essential. Lots of night illuminations — choose a coat with deep pockets for the camera. Dry air calls for moisturizer and lip balm. Pack thick socks for temple tatami floors.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
18.7°C
9°C
9.3/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
30.3°C
22°C
10.7/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
22.3°C
13.3°C
8.3/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current10°C
2°C
5.7/mo
Kyoto Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9° | 1° | 5.5d·50mm | 4.5h | 65% | 2 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 10° | 2° | 6.5d·68mm | 4.8h | 64% | 3 | Quiet | Low season | |
| March (Best) | 13° | 4° | 9.5d·113mm | 5.5h | 62% | 5 | Very busy | Peak |
| April (Best) | 19° | 9° | 9.5d·116mm | 6.5h | 60% | 7 | Very busy | Peak |
| May (Best) | 24° | 14° | 9d·161mm | 6.5h | 64% | 8 | Busy | Peak |
| 27° | 19° | 12.5d·215mm | 4.5h | 75% | 9 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 31° | 23° | 11d·224mm | 5.5h | 75% | 11 | Very busy | Peak | |
| 33° | 24° | 8.5d·154mm | 7h | 70% | 11 | Very busy | Peak | |
| 28° | 20° | 11d·179mm | 5h | 70% | 8 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| October (Best) | 22° | 13° | 8d·124mm | 5.5h | 67% | 5 | Busy | Peak |
| November (Best) | 17° | 7° | 6d·75mm | 4.8h | 65% | 3 | Very busy | Peak |
| 11° | 3° | 5d·53mm | 4.5h | 65% | 2 | Moderate | Shoulder |
View Other Months
Kyoto December Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Kyoto?
Kyoto in December is Good. Tourist crowds are moderate and flight/hotel prices are shoulder.
What's the average temperature in Kyoto in December?
Kyoto December averages a high of 11°C and a low of 3°C.
Does it rain much in Kyoto in December?
Kyoto December averages 53mm of rainfall over about 5 rainy days.
What should I wear in Kyoto in December?
Full winter onset. 11°C/3°C is colder than Tokyo or Osaka due to basin geography — heavy down or wool coat, scarf, and gloves are essential. Lots of night illuminations — choose a coat with deep pockets for the camera. Dry air calls for moisturizer and lip balm. Pack thick socks for temple tatami floors.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Kyoto in December?
Kyoto December sunrise is 07:00 and sunset is 16:50, with 9h 50m of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Kyoto in December?
Kyoto December air quality (AQI) averages 42, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 19μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Kyoto in December?
In December, Kyoto is great for Final foliage illumination, Gion winter lights, Ryokan hinoki bath.
Is December peak season in Kyoto?
Kyoto December crowds are moderate and prices are shoulder. You can travel relatively comfortably without long queues.
Best Months to Visit Kyoto
View Other Months
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.