Japan Tokyo Weather in December — Climate Guide
December in Tokyo is Good
Tokyo Weather in December — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 12° / 3.1°
- Rainfall
- 57.9mm · 4.8 days
- Crowds
- Busy
As of 2026, Tokyo in December averages a high of 12°C and low of 3.1°C with 57.9mm of rain over about 4.8 days. Heavy coat, scarf, gloves are essential. Tokyo December is 5-7°C warmer than Seoul but the wind is bitter. Thermal base + knit + coat is the standard layering. Many outdoor Christmas market events — bundle up.
December is Good for Tokyo.
December is Tokyo's most dazzling month — Christmas and year-end create the most festive atmosphere of the year. Highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C are chilly but milder than Seoul, NYC, or London winters. Low rainfall and clear days deliver clean winter skies.
Tokyo's Christmas has a uniquely Japanese flavor — couple-focused events dominate, and the tradition of eating KFC chicken on Christmas Eve is a fun cultural curiosity. Marunouchi illuminations light 1.2km of avenue with 2+ million LEDs; the rooftop view from the KITTE building above Tokyo Station is spectacular. Roppongi Hills' Christmas Market serves hot Glühwein (German mulled wine, $5 / ¥800 per cup) for European-style holiday vibes.
Travel score
Illuminations everywhere — Christmas lights, year-end shopping, New Year preparation
December Weather at a Glance
December begins Tokyo's winter. Highs around 12°C / 54°F, lows near 4°C / 39°F. Wind chill brings the felt-temperatures to 8°C / 46°F and 1°C / 34°F. Snow days remain rare in December (typically 1-2 days). Daylight is at its annual minimum — sunset 4:30 PM. The dry air makes for crystal-clear Mount Fuji days from Tokyo viewpoints. Christmas illuminations span every major district from late November through January.
December Travel Advice
Heavy down coat, scarf, gloves, thermal base layer. Tokyo's Christmas illumination scene is the year's signature attraction: Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka, Shinjuku Terrace City, Marunouchi Naka-dori, and Tokyo Tower light displays. Christmas Eve is a date night in Japan (similar to Western Valentine's) — restaurants book out 1-2 months ahead. December 28-30 sees year-end cleaning (osoji) and oseibo gift-giving. New Year's Eve at major shrines for Joya-no-Kane (108 temple bell strikes at midnight) — Zojoji Temple and Senso-ji are the most popular.
Flying In from Overseas
Late December and early January (Dec 20-Jan 5) is annual peak — Asia-Tokyo round-trip $700-1,000, Europe $1,300-1,800. Korean Christmas and Japanese New Year travel demand coincide. December weeks 1-2 are the relative value window before holiday rates kick in. Many shops, museums, and small restaurants close December 29 through January 3.
December Pricing Trends
Hotels peak December 24-31: 3-star Shinjuku $180-280/night, 4-star $350-500. December weeks 1-2 are the value window before holiday rates climb.
Tokyo December Weather Stats
Avg High
12°C
Avg Low
3.1°C
Rainy Days
4.8
57.9mm total
Sunshine
5.8h
Daily avg
Humidity
55%
Dry
UV Index
2
Low
Wind
9 km/h
Gusts 18
Sea Temp
17°C
Avg water temp
Snow Days
0.8
Monthly avg
Crowds
Busy
At attractions
December Sunrise & Sunset
Expect about 0.8 snow days this month. Bring slip-resistant shoes and warm gear.
Air Quality
PM2.5
14 μg/m³
PM10
22 μg/m³
Status
Moderate
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
10°C
Nighttime
0°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
9 km/h
Max gust 18 km/h
Activities Recommended for December
December Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Christmas illuminations make Tokyo at its most dazzling
- Clear skies maximize night views and Mt. Fuji visibility
- Year-end traditions: Ameyoko sales, midnight bell ringing
Cons
- Late December through New Year sees major flight and hotel price increases
- Short days (sunset 4:30 PM) limit outdoor sightseeing time
December Events & Festivals
- Christmas illuminations peak — Marunouchi, Roppongi, Omotesando
- Comiket (コミケ, late December) — year-end comic market
- Toshikoshi (年越し) — Joya no Kane (除夜の鐘) midnight bell at Senso-ji, Meiji Jingu
- Ameyoko year-end mega sale (late December, Ueno Ameya-Yokocho)
Tokyo in December — Full Picture
December is Tokyo's most dazzling month — Christmas and year-end create the most festive atmosphere of the year. Highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C are chilly but milder than Seoul, NYC, or London winters. Low rainfall and clear days deliver clean winter skies.
Tokyo's Christmas has a uniquely Japanese flavor — couple-focused events dominate, and the tradition of eating KFC chicken on Christmas Eve is a fun cultural curiosity. Marunouchi illuminations light 1.2km of avenue with 2+ million LEDs; the rooftop view from the KITTE building above Tokyo Station is spectacular. Roppongi Hills' Christmas Market serves hot Glühwein (German mulled wine, $5 / ¥800 per cup) for European-style holiday vibes.
Late December's Ameyoko year-end sale transforms an already lively market into a discount-fish-and-snacks frenzy — a window into Japanese working-class culture. On December 31, join the Joya no Kane midnight bell ringing at Senso-ji or Meiji Jingu — 108 bell strikes at midnight to ring in the new year, a moving traditional experience. Caveat: late December through early January is the year's most expensive window — early-to-mid December offers better value with similar atmosphere.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Heavy coat, scarf, gloves are essential. Tokyo December is 5-7°C warmer than Seoul but the wind is bitter. Thermal base + knit + coat is the standard layering. Many outdoor Christmas market events — bundle up.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
19.1°C
9.3°C
10.6/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
29.1°C
21°C
10.9/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
22.1°C
14°C
10.6/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current10.9°C
1.8°C
5.2/mo
Tokyo Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.8° | 0.6° | 5.3d·59.7mm | 6.2h | 51% | 2 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 10.9° | 1.7° | 5.6d·56.5mm | 6.1h | 52% | 3 | Quiet | Low season | |
| March (Best) | 14.2° | 4.4° | 10.1d·116mm | 5.7h | 57% | 5 | Very busy | Peak |
| April (Best) | 19.4° | 9.4° | 10.8d·133.7mm | 5.9h | 62% | 6 | Very busy | Peak |
| May (Best) | 23.6° | 14° | 10.9d·139.7mm | 6h | 65% | 7 | Busy | Shoulder |
| 26.1° | 18° | 12d·167.8mm | 4.5h | 75% | 8 | Moderate | Low season | |
| 29.9° | 22° | 11.4d·156.2mm | 5.1h | 76% | 9 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 31.3° | 23° | 9.4d·154.7mm | 6h | 73% | 9 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 27.5° | 19.7° | 12.3d·224.9mm | 4.4h | 73% | 6 | Busy | Shoulder | |
| October (Best) | 22° | 14.2° | 11.8d·234.8mm | 4.6h | 69% | 4 | Busy | Shoulder |
| 16.7° | 8.1° | 7.6d·96.3mm | 5.3h | 63% | 3 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 12° | 3.1° | 4.8d·57.9mm | 5.8h | 55% | 2 | Busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Tokyo December Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Tokyo?
Tokyo in December is Good. Tourist crowds are busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Tokyo in December?
Tokyo December averages a high of 12°C and a low of 3.1°C.
Does it rain much in Tokyo in December?
Tokyo December averages 57.9mm of rainfall over about 4.8 rainy days.
What should I wear in Tokyo in December?
Heavy coat, scarf, gloves are essential. Tokyo December is 5-7°C warmer than Seoul but the wind is bitter. Thermal base + knit + coat is the standard layering. Many outdoor Christmas market events — bundle up.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Tokyo in December?
Tokyo December sunrise is 06:41 and sunset is 16:28, with 9h 47m of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Tokyo in December?
Tokyo December air quality (AQI) averages 33, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 14μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Tokyo in December?
In December, Tokyo is great for Christmas illuminations, Year-end sales, Comiket (late month).
Is December peak season in Tokyo?
Tokyo December crowds are busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit Tokyo
View Other Months
Planning a December trip to Tokyo?
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.