Asia · December
Best time to visit Japan in December 🇯🇵
December in Japan is great time to visit. a great time — solid weather and most experiences open, often with fewer crowds than the absolute peak.
Last updated June 2026
Is December a good time to visit Japan? Quick answer
Yes — a great time to go.
| Verdict for December | Great time to visit |
| Average temperature | 12°C high / 4°C low |
| Rainy days | ~5 days |
| Crowds | med |
| Prices | med |
| Events this month | Ski season opens late month, Illuminations in major cities |
| Peak months overall | March, April, September, October |
| Insider tip | Book sakura-week accommodation in Kyoto 6+ months ahead — and budget for ~2x normal rates. If you miss the cherry blossom window, head to Hokkaido in early May where the sakura peaks 4–5 weeks later. |
Japan year at a glance
The absolute peak months for Japan are March, April, September, October. December is a solid shoulder choice if you want fewer crowds.
What Japan is like in December
Cold but mostly dry; ski resorts open, Kyoto quiet again, New Year week books out fast. The best time to visit Japan is late March to early April for cherry blossoms (sakura) and late October to November for autumn foliage (koyo). Spring and autumn deliver mild 15–22°C days, blue skies and the country's most iconic scenery. Summer (June–August) is hot, humid and rainy but packed with fireworks and matsuri festivals, while winter (December–February) brings world-class powder skiing in Hokkaido and quiet, atmospheric temples in Kyoto.
Insider tip
Book sakura-week accommodation in Kyoto 6+ months ahead — and budget for ~2x normal rates. If you miss the cherry blossom window, head to Hokkaido in early May where the sakura peaks 4–5 weeks later.
December by region in Japan
Hokkaido (Sapporo, Niseko, Furano)
bestPowder skiing Dec–Mar (Niseko averages 14m+ of snow), lavender and wildflowers in July, cool 20–25°C summers when the rest of Japan is sweltering.
Tokyo & Kanto
goodSakura late Mar–early Apr, golden ginkgo in mid-Nov. Rainy season (tsuyu) mid-Jun to mid-Jul. Aug is 32°C+ and humid; Sep typhoons possible.
Kyoto, Osaka & Kansai
goodPeak sakura around 1–7 April; koyo peaks 20 Nov–5 Dec at Tofuku-ji and Arashiyama. Summer is the hottest in Japan — go early morning or visit Kibune for riverside dining.
Japanese Alps (Takayama, Kamikochi, Nagano)
shoulderAlpine hiking Jul–Oct, snow monkeys best Jan–Feb, autumn colors first week of October at altitude.
Okinawa & southern islands
goodTropical beaches and reef diving. Rainy season May–Jun, typhoon risk Jul–Sep, gorgeous and quiet Oct–early Dec.
Other countries also at their peak in December
Thailand in December
A tale of two coasts and three seasons.
Philippines in December
7,000 islands, one dry season.
Cambodia in December
Cool & dry for Angkor.
Laos in December
Mekong country, cool dry winters.
UAE in December
Desert winters are magical; summers brutal.
Switzerland in December
Two seasons, both spectacular.
FAQs: Japan in December
Is December a good time to visit Japan?
Yes — it's a great time to go. December in Japan is great time to visit. Expect average highs around 12°C and lows near 4°C, with roughly 5 rainy days.
What is the weather like in Japan in December?
Average daily high around 12°C, low around 4°C, with about 5 rainy days. Cold but mostly dry; ski resorts open, Kyoto quiet again, New Year week books out fast.
What events or festivals happen in Japan in December?
Key events in December include Ski season opens late month, Illuminations in major cities.
Are flights and hotels cheaper in Japan in December?
Prices in December are typically mid-range, with moderate crowds.
Should I book Japan in advance for December?
Booking 4–6 weeks ahead is usually enough in December, with more flexibility on stays than during the absolute peak.