Takayama Weather in December

Season: winter
Overview: cold, heavy snowfall
On arrival of December, winter descends onto Takayama. The climate becomes much colder, as the lowest temperature can reach -7 degrees Celsius (19.4 degrees Fahrenheit). In contrast, the highest temperature reach 16℃ (60.8℉) or 17℃ (62.6℉), which usually appears in the first half of this month. Even in warm years, the highest temperature would be no more than 20℃ (68℉) anyhow. To the second half of December, the high temperature is usually lower than 10℃ (50℉).

It snows more observably in Takayama in December than in November. Generally speaking, it wouldn’t snow very heavily in December, but the snowfall for nearly two-thirds days of the month make snow accumulate gradually. On a dozen days when it doesn’t snow, it’s also not very sunny, and mostly it is cloudy or even overcast.

Shirakawa-go in December, Takayama

Averages of Takayama Weather in December

Hida Kokubunji Temple in Winter

Temperature: -2~6℃ (28.4-42.8℉)
Precipitation: 88mm
Rainy/Snowy Days: 13 days
Sunrise: 06:44-07:03
Sunset: 16:37-16:47
Daylight hours: 9h 45min
Sunshine hours: 4h 2min

Is Takayama Worth Visiting in December?

If you are fond of the snow-covered landscapes, December is a good month to go to Takayama. Although the weather is quite freezing, Takayama is also worth a visit if you are history lovers, as Takayama Jinya and the ancient district Sanmachi has been well-preserved.

What to Wear in Takayama in December?

Long johns, sweater, winter pants and down coat, etc. are proper for Takayama weather in the first half of December.
To late December, warmer clothes are needful, such as thick down coat, padded overcoat and padded trousers.

Waterproof shoes are better, to prevent snow water seeping in. To cope with thick snow cover, it’s advised to put on high snow boots that could cover the ankles.

Woolen hat, gloves, and scarf are also the necessities, especially when you stay outdoors towards Christmas.

Onsen Tour to Okuhida Onsen-go in Takayama

Travel Recommendation:

In cold December, the traditional highlights like the ancient Sanmachi Suji street have a unique charm with snow. Also, Okuhida Onsen-go is popular for warm onsen bathing in Takayama.

Okuhida Onsen-go Village is an area of five adjacent onsen destinations in east of Takayama city, including the Hirayu, Shin-Hirayu, Fukuji, Tochio & Shin-Hotaka onsens. Except the Japanese onsen bath to warm yourselves, Blue Daru Lighting starts since late December, not far away from the bus stop of Fukuji Onsen. The wide ice cascade of artificial blue icicles hang in the middle of the street, and it seems to be a magical when the blue light comes on at nightfall. Meanwhile the live folk performance Henbetori is also interesting, which is a kind of lion dance.

Tips:
If you intend to take Shinhotaka Ropeway to see the snow scenery on the mountain, Shin-Hotaka Onsen is the closest choice, just one stop before the terminal station Shinhotaka Ropeway.

Stroll on the Ancient Street

December Weather for More Destinations in Japan:

Takayama Weather by Month

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