Wakayama Weather in December

Season: Winter
In short: cold and windy; no much rainfall; fall leaves till early December; fewer people in other times; possible snowfall in mountains

Step into Cold Winter

Wakayama in December sees cold weather, but not very much, with an average temperature of 7-13℃ (45-55℉). In the first half of the month, the daily maximum is around 10-18℃ (50-64℉), and sometimes exceeds 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit); and this period is your last opportunity to appreciate vibrant colored autumn leaves. Later, it drops markedly to 7-13℃ (45-55℉) in the second half of the month. The trend of the daily minimum is quite similar: it ranges from 4-8℃ (39-46℉) at the beginning of December and 0-4℃ (32-39℉) by the end of December. 

It is windy by the sea, often resulting in lower apparent temperatures. If you plan to go to the seaside during your visit in this period of 2025, please take adequate wind-protective measures and wear enough warm clothes. A hat is necessary as strong sea winds usually cause headaches.

Rain a Little

It rains a little during this month, averaging 54 mm (2.1 in) from 13 rainy days. Daily rainfall is normally less than 15 mm (0.6 in), which means it is mostly light showers. In general, rainy conditions don’t disrupt your travel a lot. 

In some colder years, the first snow may be seen in the second half of the month in the mountains. As it snows lightly and sparsely, only a thin layer of snow cover may form. 

The monthly humidity is relatively high, at around 66%, but coupled with cold temperatures, you feel neither humid nor dry when sightseeing outdoors.

Daylight Hours & Sunshine Hours

Sunrise Time: 6:46 - 7:04
Sunset Time: 16:50 - 17:01
Average Daylight Hours: around 10 hours per day

December has the shortest daylight hours in a year, because of which you need to speed up the pace of your visit a bit or arrange fewer activities each day. If you plan to visit faraway scenic spots, it’s better to check their opening hours early and arrive as soon as they open.

Owing to the different terrains in the huge prefecture, the sunshine hours of the south, such as Shingu and Kushimoto, tend to be longer than those of the north like Wakayama City: approximately 7.4 hours per day on average in the former versus 6.2 hours in the latter.

What to Wear in Wakayama in December

 Upper Body: In December, indoor heating is already on, meaning warmer temperatures inside, so onion-layered dressing is essential to navigate the temperature difference indoor and outdoor. For example, wear a sweater for indoor places, and topped it with a long down jacket or padded coat when going outside. For individuals sensitive to cold, add a down vest as a middle layer.

 Lower Body: Fleece jeans or sweatpants are enough to adapt to the cold climate of Wakayama in December. Warm and comfy hiking shoes are highly recommended.

 Accessories: Thick scarves, gloves, and beanies are must-haves, and raincoats and umbrellas are both okay. Warmer pads can cope with suddenly falling temperatures in rainy days.

Places to See Autumn Foliage in Early December

The top attractions include Momijidani Teien Garden, where you can immerse yourself in the colorful world while strolling on the stone-paved paths; and Kimiidera‌ Temple, offering a fascinating mix of colorful autumn leaves, row upon row of the buildings and distant mountains and the sea. Negoro-ji Temple, boasting old-timey architectures decorated with red, yellow and green leaves, is a nice spot to feel the unique charm of ancient culture blended with nature.

Bonus Tip: Early morning is a great period for stunning photos under soft sunlight.

Other Travel Recommendations for Wakayama in December

Enjoy hot springs

The best way to escape the winter chill is soaking in a hot spring. Hailed as one of Japan’s birthplaces of top-tier onsen, Wakayama boasts open-air spas adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, time-honored natural onsens and large hot springs embraced by the nature. Here are two ones worth a try: one is Shirahama Onsen, where the sweeping ocean views around you merge your soul and nature together; the other is Ryujin Onsen hidden in the deep mountains; its silky water, rich in sodium bicarbonate, nourishes your skin.

Savor yummy local specialities 

Arida’s mandarin oranges and Kudoyama’s persimmons are both local bestsellers, and December is your last chance to taste their superb flavor. Besides, tuna and tiger grouper stand out as Wakayama’s most famous seafood, and their fresh, tender texture in winter makes them must-try delicacies. As for local staple worthy of try, undoubtedly it’s piping-hot Wakayama Ramen, which is perfect for cold winter. It has light soy sauce broth and rich pork bone soy sauce two flavors.

Practical Information for Wakayama Trip in December

1. Outside of autumn foliage season, Wakayama sees fewer tourists, so if you prefer quieter atmosphere, it’s absolutely a good destination. 
2. Since lots of stores and restaurants may close for New Year holiday at the end of December, remember to check if your intended one opens or not before going.

Wakayama Weather by Month