Tokyo Weather in December
The weather of Tokyo turns a little cold in December, the first month of winter. It rarely rains, leading to the least rainfall of a year. The day length is not long, but mostly sunny. For those who want to experience the atmosphere of Christmas, Tokyo is a fine destination.
Temperature – Mostly above 10℃
At the beginning of the month, the temperature stays a moderate 14 – 19 degrees Celsius (57.2 – 66.2 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day, a comfortable value for people preferring coolness. In the morning and evening, it often drops to 6 - 12℃ (42.8 – 53.6℉). When the wind starts to blow, the perceived temperature decreases slightly, but it’s not considered cold. Indoor heating system is working actively, making people sweat sometimes.
On average, there are 2 - 3 cold air visits in December with the acceleration of winter footsteps. By the end of the month, the high temperature in Tokyo is 9 - 13℃ (48.2 – 55.4℉), and the low temperature is only 3 – 7℃ (37.4 – 44.6℉), making people feel a little cold.
Akihabara Night Scenery
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Least rainfall in a year
Tokyo receives a low rainfall in December. Only 3 days are rainy on average, bring a total precipitation of 50 mm (2 in), the least of a year. They are mostly drizzles or short-term showers; continuous rainfall or heavy downpours are rarely seen. In a word, they don’t affect outdoor activities too much. After the rain, the sky clears up quickly, and the air gets refreshingly dry with a low air humidity of 46%.
Shortest daytime but a lot of sunshine
December has the shortest daytime in the whole year, less than 10 hours from sunrise at 6:32 – 6:50 to sunset at 16:27 – 16:37, but the good news is that visitors can travel under the sunshine for most of the day. The sunlight duration reaches 6 hours per day averagely in December, thanks to a total of 20 sunny or cloudy days. Mt. Fuji is clearly visible when the sun shines brightly.
See also: Japan Weather in December
What should I wear in December in Tokyo?
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Temperature difference requires a timely adjustment for clothes. When staying indoors, it’s enough to wear a shirt with a thin hoodie. This match also adapts to the temperature at sunny noon. Don’t wear many warm layers, which will make you uncomfortable. Before going out, put on a wool overcoat. In the second half of the month, change it to a short light down coat, which is particularly required for a night trip. A long one is not convenient to carry when you put it off, and also takes up much space in your suitcase.
As for the bottom, thick sweatpants are a good choice. Whether to prepare long johns depends on your tolerance for the cold. Sneakers work well during your trip to Tokyo in December 2025.
If you set off early and go back to your hotel late, carry a light scarf with you as the wind can be strong, particularly when visiting Mt. Fuji or Tokyo Disneyland.
Is it good to visit Tokyo during Christmas?
Yes, for most visitors, the pros outweigh the cons.
The sunny climate of Tokyo in December lays a good foundation. Then, you have the chance to spend a Christmas that blends Eastern and Western elements. Other than visiting Christmas markets at Meiji Jingu Gaien, you can also appreciate enchanting lighting at Roppongi, Omotesando, Yoyogi Park, and Marunouchi, and participate in the grand parade of Tokyo Disneyland as well as special activities for children at Sanrio Puroland. In addition, many shopping malls offer Christmas limited edition products and significant discounts.
But on the other hand, you have to face crowds at popular destinations in this short peak travel season. The prices dramatically rise, requiring more budget. If you plan to take your trip during Christmas, make prior reservations for flights, bullet trains, hotels, and even popular restaurants early.
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Senso-ji Temple in December
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Travel recommendations and tips for Tokyo in December
1. In early December, there are some places where you can still appreciate the red maple leaves like Ueno Park and Rikugien Garden.
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2. If you hate crowds, get to Tokyo before Christmas, when there aren’t as many tourists. You don’t need to queue up to visit major attractions such as Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Imperial Palace, and Tokyo Skytree.
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Beautiful Fall Foliage
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4. For anime enthusiasts, December is one of the best times for a Tokyo trip, when Tokyo Comic Con and Comic Market are held.
5. The New Year holiday begins on December 29. By then, many local restaurants may close, offering limited choices for tourists. The same is true of some museums like Tokyo National Museum.
6. You can attend New Year’s Eve celebrations to learn local culture. At Meiji Jingu Shrine, you can listen to the welcome bell ringing 108 times. The procession to Oji Inari Shrine is also worth viewing, when worshippers get dressed in traditional costumes and wear the fox mask. Senso-ji Temple and Zojoji Temple are also crowded with visitors.
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Tokyo Weather by Month
