Sendai in December
In December, Sendai averages 7°C (45°F) during the day and 0°C (32°F) at night, with around 13 days of rain (68 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December in Sendai 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 Sendai
December is one of the coolest months in Sendai (10th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 9°C below the annual average (17°C). December runs 6°C cooler than November (14°C) and cools 3°C in January (5°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Sendai
Times shown for Sendai 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 Sendai — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Sendai's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Sendai 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 (Shoulder) and Sendai's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Sendai
Sendai is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Sendai
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.
Sendai in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5°C / 40°F | -2°C / 28°F | 64 mm | 12 | — |
| February | 6°C / 43°F | -2°C / 28°F | 61 mm | 10 | — |
| March | 11°C / 51°F | 1°C / 34°F | 100 mm | 10 | — |
| April | 15°C / 60°F | 5°C / 42°F | 104 mm | 10 | — |
| May | 21°C / 69°F | 11°C / 52°F | 100 mm | 11 | — |
| June | 23°C / 74°F | 16°C / 61°F | 146 mm | 16 | — |
| July | 27°C / 80°F | 21°C / 69°F | 197 mm | 19 | — |
| August | 28°C / 82°F | 22°C / 71°F | 185 mm | 19 | — |
| September | 24°C / 76°F | 18°C / 64°F | 177 mm | 15 | — |
| October | 19°C / 65°F | 11°C / 51°F | 150 mm | 11 | — |
| November | 14°C / 56°F | 5°C / 41°F | 64 mm | 10 | — |
| December | 7°C / 45°F | 0°C / 32°F | 68 mm | 13 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Sendai in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Sendai in December?
In December, Sendai averages a high of 7°C (45°F) and a low of 0°C (32°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Sendai in December?
December can be fairly wet in Sendai, with about 13 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Sendai?
December is cold. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Sendai in December?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Sendai for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.