Lake Kawaguchi Weather in December

Season: early winter

In short: chilly, many sunny days, getting dark early, best time for watching Mount Fuji

Lake Kawaguchi in December

How is the December Weather in Lake Kawaguchi?

1. Chilly and Windy

Generally, the temperature is low. When it is sunny, the temperature is bearable, and the daily high can reach 10℃ (50℉) or above. However, when it rains and snows, you will feel very cold. On these cold days, even at noon, the temperature ranges 0 - 5 degrees Celsius (32 - 41℉). Going to Lake Kawaguchi in December of 2025, thick winter clothes are necessary.

Average Temperature: 1℃ (33.8℉)

Average Lowest Temperature: -4℃ (24.8℉)

Average Highest Temperature: 8℃ (46.4℉)

Travel Tips:
1. Sometimes, it is the coldest time of a day when the sun rises. If you want to watch the sunrise, remember to put on layers.
2. If you plan to cycle around Lake Kawaguchi in December, wear a face mask, gloves, a hat, and a scarf to keep you warm, as the wind is strong and makes you feel colder.

2. 11 Rainy Days and 7 Snowy Days on Average

December has the fewest rainy days of the year. Coming to Lake Kawaguchi in December, the chance of being sunny is much higher than in many other months. Such good weather makes it suitable to appreciate Mt. Fuji. However, as snow is possible this month, the visibility of Fuji may also be influenced to some extent.

Average Precipitation: 78 mm rainfall and 131 mm snowfall

Average Precipitation Days: 11 rainy days and 8 snowy days

Average Sunny Days: 15 days

Average Humidity: 74%

Travel Tips:
1. When it snows, the low temperature makes the snow turn into ice, and it is slippery on the road. Watch out while walking to avoid falling down.
2. Tokyo - Kawaguchiko buses and trains may be affected if heavy snow occurs. Make a flexible adjustment to your travel itinerary if that happens.

3. Short Day Length

The early sunset means that it gets dark around 16:30. 1 day may not be enough to travel here if you plan to visit too many tourist attractions. It is advised to give at least 2 days for Lake Kawaguchi if you come here in December. Last, the temperature decreases gradually around 16:00. To avoid catching a cold, don’t stay out too long after that time.

Sunrise: 6:35 - 6:55

Sunset: 16:30 - 16:40

Average Day Length and Sunshine: 9.8 hours; 6.3h

Why Visit Lake Kawaguchi in December

From the perspective of climate, other than being cold, Lake Kawaguchi’s weather in December is okay. It has more sunny days and many fewer rainy days than many other months. As long as you check the weather forecast in advance and wear thick clothes, you can enjoy a smooth time in Lake Kawaguchi.

Second, December is one of the best months to watch Fuji. Compared with other months, it has the 2nd highest chance of watching the clear Fuji. Meanwhile, after a 2-month-long snowfall, the snowcap on Fuji’s summit looks very beautiful in December.

Last, generally, December is a budget-friendly month for traveling here. Usually, the travel shoulder season comes to Lake Kawaguchi with the end of the red leaves best appreciation period in late November. You can spend less on staying in hotels than usual. In addition, a new round of travel peak period only comes around Christmas.

What Clothes to Wear in Lake Kawaguchi in December

To resist the low temperature, you need thermal underwear, thick sweaters, and long down jackets for the upper. For the lower, it is advised to wear long johns inside and winter outdoor pants outside. As the wind is strong, the clothes should be windproof.

For shoes, winter sneakers made of leather, hiking shoes, snow shoes, and long boots are all recommended to warm your feet. As it is slippery after it snows, shoes should be anti-slippery.

In case it rains, pack an umbrella in your suitcase.

Travel Recommendations for Lake Kawaguchi in December

In this best period to watch Mt. Fuji, you can’t miss Tenjoyama Park’s Panoramic Ropeway and Kawaguchiko Cruise. By taking them, the picturesque Mount Fuji with its snowcap can be appreciated from different angles.

Cruise in Lake Kawaguchi

Another place to appreciate Fuji is the Fuji 5th Station, a platform on the mountainside of Fuji. Standing here, you can not only watch the surface of the holy mountain and the snow on it, but also overlook Lake Yamanaka far away. Meanwhile, you can also mail a postcard to commemorate your trip in Lake Kawaguchi at Mt. Fuji 5th Post Office, the one with the highest altitude in Japan.

If you are not satisfied with only watching the single Fuji, then Oshino Hakkai is worth your visit. In this village, you can see not only the holy mountain, but also the 8 natural ponds formed from a volcanic eruption, ancient thatched cottages, and Japanese waterwheels. After it snows, the village is like a white world.