Japan Nara Weather in December — Climate Guide
December in Nara is good
Nara Weather in December — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 11° / 3°
- Rainfall
- 60mm · 5 days
- Crowds
- Moderate
As of 2026, Nara in December averages a high of 11°C and low of 3°C with 60mm of rain over about 5 days. Early winter — daytime 10-12°C, mornings and evenings 2-4°C. Heavy coat, scarf, knit, gloves essential. Nara basin sees frost on early mornings + clear afternoons + occasional light snow (2-3 days a year). The Wakakusa-yama 342m walk in December is cold but the panoramic view is rewarding pre-9 AM clear days. Hand warmers (kairo, ¥100 each at convenience stores) for the long Kasuga forest walk.
December is good for Nara.
December is Nara's most underrated winter month — the year's biggest Kasuga Taisha festival (Kasuga-Wakamiya On-Matsuri, December 15-18 — 1,200-year continuous tradition) anchors the month, foliage tails run early December, and crystal-clear winter skies give photography the year's sharpest light. Average 11°C / 3°C, rainfall 60mm — light and dry, with most days starring blue skies + sharp evening views.
Kasuga-Wakamiya On-Matsuri (December 15-18) is the year's longest and biggest Kasuga Taisha festival — 1,200-year continuous tradition with 4 days of imperial-style processions, traditional Noh + Bugaku performances at outdoor stages, and the carrying of the Kasuga Wakamiya Shrine deity from its inner sanctuary to the outdoor festival ground in a midnight procession (December 17 evening into December 18 dawn). Designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage element. Free public viewing throughout; the December 17 midnight procession is the most atmospheric moment. Bundle warm — December nights are bitter at 1-4°C.
Travel score
Kasuga-Wakamiya On-Matsuri — 1,200-year continuous UNESCO heritage festival
December Weather at a Glance
December averages 52°F / 11°C highs and 37°F / 3°C lows — early winter. Nara basin holds morning frost longer than coastal Kobe/Osaka. 60mm rainfall is light with mostly clear skies. Snow falls 1-2 days. Sunrise 6:55 AM, sunset 4:50 PM — year's shortest daylight at 9h 55m.
December Travel Advice
Kasuga-Wakamiya On-Matsuri December 15-18 is the year's longest Nara festival — UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage with 1,200-year continuous tradition. The midnight procession on December 17 into December 18 dawn is the most atmospheric moment; bundle warm and arrive by 22:00 for spots along the procession route. Book Nara hotels 4-6 weeks ahead for the festival days. The December 24-January 3 stretch sees broader Kansai regional surges — skip if dates are flexible.
Flying In from Overseas
Western Christmas + New Year is global travel's most expensive week — December 24-January 3. Flights from Seoul (2.5h) $400-1,000, Singapore $700-1,200, Sydney (summer break) $1,000-1,600, San Francisco $1,200-1,800, London $1,200-1,800. December 1-22 + January 4-20 are dramatically more affordable.
December Pricing Trends
Business hotels $50-85/night (December 1-14), $90-150/night during Wakamiya On-Matsuri Dec 15-18. 4-star Hotel Nikko Nara + Daiwa Roynet $120-200/night. Christmas + New Year week $250-450/night. USD 1 ≈ JPY 148.
Nara December Weather Stats
Avg High
11°C
Avg Low
3°C
Rainy Days
5
60mm total
Sunshine
5h
Daily avg
Humidity
58%
dry
UV Index
2
Low
Wind
9 km/h
Gusts 20
Sea Temp
16°C
too cold for swimming
Snow Days
1
Monthly avg
Crowds
Moderate
At attractions
December Sunrise & Sunset
Expect about 1 snow days this month. Bring slip-resistant shoes and warm gear.
Air Quality
PM2.5
17 μg/m³
PM10
26 μg/m³
Status
moderate
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
10°C
Nighttime
1°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
- Kasuga-Wakamiya On-Matsuri Dec 15-18 — UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage festival
- Foliage tail + crystal-clear winter photography conditions
- Year's most underrated winter cultural calendar
Cons
- December 15-18 + December 24-January 3 see hotel surges
- Bayside winter cold — 1-4°C nights
- Shortest daylight — sunset 4:50 PM
December Events & Festivals
- Kasuga-Wakamiya On-Matsuri (December 15-18) — the year's biggest Kasuga Taisha festival, 1,200-year continuous tradition
- Foliage tail (early-to-mid December)
- Western Christmas + New Year holiday week (December 24-January 3) — global travel peak
Nara in December — Full Picture
December is Nara's most underrated winter month — the year's biggest Kasuga Taisha festival (Kasuga-Wakamiya On-Matsuri, December 15-18 — 1,200-year continuous tradition) anchors the month, foliage tails run early December, and crystal-clear winter skies give photography the year's sharpest light. Average 11°C / 3°C, rainfall 60mm — light and dry, with most days starring blue skies + sharp evening views.
Kasuga-Wakamiya On-Matsuri (December 15-18) is the year's longest and biggest Kasuga Taisha festival — 1,200-year continuous tradition with 4 days of imperial-style processions, traditional Noh + Bugaku performances at outdoor stages, and the carrying of the Kasuga Wakamiya Shrine deity from its inner sanctuary to the outdoor festival ground in a midnight procession (December 17 evening into December 18 dawn). Designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage element. Free public viewing throughout; the December 17 midnight procession is the most atmospheric moment. Bundle warm — December nights are bitter at 1-4°C.
Other signatures: the foliage tail in Nara Park (early December still has scattered red maples), the Wakakusa-yama summit clear-air winter view, and the deer-and-frost morning photography window. Pricing stays moderate outside the Wakamiya On-Matsuri December 15-18 surge. The December 24-January 3 Western Christmas + New Year week sees a major surge for the whole Kansai region (Kyoto + Osaka demand stacks into Nara hotel availability).
What to Wear & What to Pack
Early winter — daytime 10-12°C, mornings and evenings 2-4°C. Heavy coat, scarf, knit, gloves essential. Nara basin sees frost on early mornings + clear afternoons + occasional light snow (2-3 days a year). The Wakakusa-yama 342m walk in December is cold but the panoramic view is rewarding pre-9 AM clear days. Hand warmers (kairo, ¥100 each at convenience stores) for the long Kasuga forest walk.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
18.3°C
9°C
10/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
29.3°C
21.7°C
11/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
22°C
13.7°C
9/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current10°C
2°C
5.3/mo
Nara Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9° | 1° | 5d·50mm | 5h | 60% | 2 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 10° | 2° | 6d·65mm | 6h | 58% | 3 | Quiet | Low season | |
| March (Best) | 13° | 4° | 10d·110mm | 6h | 60% | 5 | Very busy | Peak |
| April (Best) | 19° | 9° | 10d·110mm | 6h | 64% | 6 | Very busy | Peak |
| May (Best) | 23° | 14° | 10d·145mm | 7h | 67% | 7 | Busy | Shoulder |
| 26° | 18° | 13d·200mm | 4h | 75% | 8 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 30° | 23° | 12d·165mm | 5h | 78% | 10 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 32° | 24° | 8d·130mm | 6h | 75% | 10 | Very busy | Peak | |
| 28° | 20° | 11d·200mm | 5h | 76% | 7 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 22° | 13° | 9d·145mm | 6h | 70% | 5 | Busy | Peak | |
| November (Best) | 16° | 8° | 7d·80mm | 5h | 65% | 3 | Very busy | Peak |
| 11° | 3° | 5d·60mm | 5h | 58% | 2 | Moderate | Shoulder |
View Other Months
Nara December Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Nara?
Nara in December is good. Tourist crowds are moderate and flight/hotel prices are shoulder.
What's the average temperature in Nara in December?
Nara December averages a high of 11°C and a low of 3°C.
Does it rain much in Nara in December?
Nara December averages 60mm of rainfall over about 5 rainy days.
What should I wear in Nara in December?
Early winter — daytime 10-12°C, mornings and evenings 2-4°C. Heavy coat, scarf, knit, gloves essential. Nara basin sees frost on early mornings + clear afternoons + occasional light snow (2-3 days a year). The Wakakusa-yama 342m walk in December is cold but the panoramic view is rewarding pre-9 AM clear days. Hand warmers (kairo, ¥100 each at convenience stores) for the long Kasuga forest walk.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Nara in December?
Nara December sunrise is 06:55 and sunset is 16:50, with 9h 55min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Nara in December?
Nara December air quality (AQI) averages 38, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 17μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Nara in December?
In December, Nara is great for Kasuga-Wakamiya On-Matsuri, Foliage tail at Nara Park, Wakakusa-yama summit winter view.
Is December peak season in Nara?
Nara December crowds are moderate and prices are shoulder. You can travel relatively comfortably without long queues.
Best Months to Visit Nara
View Other Months
Planning a December trip to Nara?
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.