Kyoto in December
In December, Kyoto averages 12°C (54°F) during the day and 4°C (39°F) at night, with around 5 days of rain (55 mm total).
High seasonConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
December in Kyoto is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in Kyoto
December is one of the coolest months in Kyoto (10th of 12) and one of the driest months (12th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 9°C below the annual average (21°C). December runs 5°C cooler than November (17°C) and cools 3°C in January (9°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Kyoto
Times shown for Kyoto local time (Asia/Tokyo), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Kyoto — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Kyoto's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Kyoto in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (High season) and Kyoto's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Kyoto
This is a busy month in Kyoto — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Kyoto
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Kyoto in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C / 48°F | 1°C / 34°F | 55 mm | 5 | 0 |
| February | 10°C / 50°F | 2°C / 36°F | 75 mm | 5 | 0 |
| March | 14°C / 57°F | 5°C / 41°F | 115 mm | 8 | 0 |
| April | 20°C / 68°F | 10°C / 50°F | 135 mm | 9 | 0 |
| May | 25°C / 77°F | 15°C / 59°F | 140 mm | 9 | 0 |
| June | 28°C / 82°F | 20°C / 68°F | 180 mm | 11 | 0 |
| July | 32°C / 90°F | 24°C / 75°F | 160 mm | 9 | 0 |
| August | 33°C / 91°F | 25°C / 77°F | 115 mm | 7 | 0 |
| September | 28°C / 82°F | 21°C / 70°F | 160 mm | 9 | 0 |
| October | 23°C / 73°F | 15°C / 59°F | 110 mm | 8 | 0 |
| November | 17°C / 63°F | 9°C / 48°F | 75 mm | 6 | 0 |
| December | 12°C / 54°F | 4°C / 39°F | 55 mm | 5 | 0 |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Kyoto in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Kyoto in December?
In December, Kyoto averages a high of 12°C (54°F) and a low of 4°C (39°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Kyoto in December?
December sees occasional rain in Kyoto, with about 5 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Kyoto?
December is cool and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Kyoto in December?
Pack a warm jacket and layers. See the full December packing list for Kyoto for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.