Nagasaki Weather in December

Season: Winter

In short:
1. The temperature in December is generally at a low level, but not lower than the freezing point.
2. Precipitation is mainly in form of slight rainfalls, while snowfalls occur but rarely.

3. Early December is an optimal time for admiring red maple leaves in places like the Dejimamachi, the Suwa Shrine, and the Peace Park.

Busy Morning Market in Nagasaki

How Cold Is Nagasaki in December?

Nagasaki has an overall cold weather in December. But the temperature does not drop below freezing point. The monthly average high temperature is 12 degrees Celsius (53.6 degrees Fahrenheit), while the average low temperature drops by half, about 6℃ (42.8℉).

To be specific, there are approximately 3-7 days with the maximum temperature above 15℃ (59℉), which is mainly concentrated between early to mid-December. In late November, the temperature during the day is at about 6-8℃ (42.8-46.4℉) most of the time; there are a few times when the daytime temperature drops to 4℃ (39.2℉). By the last few days of this month, the minimum temperature may drop to approximately around 2℃ (35.6℉).

Precipitation & Humidity

The monthly average precipitation is 100 mm and the average number of wet days in this month is around 19. Nevertheless, what you can be assured of is that the precipitation has little impact on your travel since the daily precipitation is no more than 10 mm in general. In other words, this would only cause the road surface to become moist and slippery, without flowing water or large-scale water accumulation. In this situation, if you need to go out, for safety reasons, in addition to carrying an umbrella, it’s best to wear a pair of anti-slip shoes.

In December, Nagasaki still has a relatively high humidity averaging 67%.

Nagasaki in Cold Cloudy December

Could I See Snow in Nagasaki in December?

It’s hard to say in early December. Based on historical experience, the snow in December mainly falls in the middle and latter part of the month, but rarely. To be exact, the chance of pure snowfall is scarce and sleet is more common. Therefore, it is difficult for you to witness a long-lasting snow scene in Nagasaki.

Daylight Hours & Sunlight Hours

The average duration of daylight in December is the shortest throughout the year, about 10 hours/day. If you plan to visit Nagasaki in December of 2025, you’d better follow the daily sunrise and sunset times, roughly from 7:13 to 17:16, for your itinerary planning.

This month, the sunshine hours are very short as well, averaging only 3.5 hours. The ultraviolet rays are much weaker, with the average UV index of 3.

Yellowgreen Plants in Central Park

Wind

The wind strength in December generally remains between level 3 and level 4, which indicates that most of the time, the wind is gentle and moderate.

What to Pack for Nagasaki Trip in December

Clothing

As for the inner layer, you can wear a hoodie with fleece lining, or a tight-collar sweater to prevent the cold air from getting in. As for the outer layer, wearing a thick knitted cardigan or a thermal coat is OK. If it is cloudy with cold breeze, you need to wear a long woolen coat as the outer layer to keep warm.

As for the bottom part, sweatpants are enough in fine weather. If you are sensitive to cold, a pair of thermal long johns will be helpful.

Shoes
Leather boots are both stylish and warm. But if you are going to visit places with a lot of slopes, then hiking boots are more comfortable.

Other Necessities
1. Remember to pack an umbrella in your suitcase. Just in case it rains during your travel.

2. Scarves and hats are beneficial, especially in cold morning and evening.

Travel Advice & Tips

If you are going to visit Nagasaki in early December, the red maple leaves are just showing their glamour in some famous tourist attractions like the Dejimamachi, the Suwa Shrine, and the Peace Park.

Visit Mount Inasa by Cable Car

You’d better bring a thermal and wind-proof coat when you start your trip of the day. You may feel cozy in the indoor attractions like the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum or the Nagasaki Museum of History & Culture. However, with less sunshine plus cold winds outside, the perceived temperature is even lower, especially at the scenic spots located at relatively higher elevations like the Glover Garden and those by the seaside like the Nagasaki Seaside Park.

The daytime is short in December. You might not have visited enough places yet, but it’s already getting dark. Therefore, you need to pick up your pace so as to finish your visit list of the day before sunset.

Since the sun sets early in December, if you want to watch the sunset and night views at Mount Inasa, you can go there earlier in the afternoon. Doing so will allow you to return earlier and avoid missing the tram or the train.

Nagasaki Weather by Month

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7-Day Nagasaki Weather Forecast