Tokyo in December
In December, Tokyo averages 12°C (54°F) during the day and 3°C (37°F) at night, with around 5 days of rain (51 mm total).
High seasonConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
December in Tokyo 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 Tokyo
December is one of the coolest months in Tokyo (10th of 12) and one of the driest months (12th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 8°C below the annual average (20°C). December runs 5°C cooler than November (17°C) and cools 2°C in January (10°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Tokyo
Times shown for Tokyo 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 Tokyo — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Tokyo's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Tokyo 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 Tokyo's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Tokyo
This is a busy month in Tokyo — 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 Tokyo
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.
Tokyo in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°C / 50°F | 1°C / 34°F | 52 mm | 5 | 1 |
| February | 10°C / 50°F | 2°C / 36°F | 56 mm | 6 | 1 |
| March | 14°C / 57°F | 5°C / 41°F | 118 mm | 10 | 0 |
| April | 19°C / 66°F | 10°C / 50°F | 125 mm | 10 | 0 |
| May | 23°C / 73°F | 15°C / 59°F | 138 mm | 10 | 0 |
| June | 26°C / 79°F | 18°C / 64°F | 168 mm | 12 | 0 |
| July | 30°C / 86°F | 22°C / 72°F | 154 mm | 11 | 0 |
| August | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 168 mm | 9 | 0 |
| September | 27°C / 81°F | 20°C / 68°F | 210 mm | 12 | 0 |
| October | 22°C / 72°F | 14°C / 57°F | 198 mm | 11 | 0 |
| November | 17°C / 63°F | 8°C / 46°F | 93 mm | 7 | 0 |
| December | 12°C / 54°F | 3°C / 37°F | 51 mm | 5 | 0 |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Tokyo in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Tokyo in December?
In December, Tokyo averages a high of 12°C (54°F) and a low of 3°C (37°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Tokyo in December?
December sees occasional rain in Tokyo, with about 5 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Tokyo?
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 Tokyo in December?
Pack a warm jacket and layers. See the full December packing list for Tokyo for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.