What December feels like in Tokyo
Early winter arrives in Tokyo with December. Afternoons feel chilly — fine for exploring on foot if you are dressed for it. After sunset it cools off noticeably — nights are cold. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Tokyo in December
Rain turns up now and then — about one day in 4. When rain comes it is heavy, about 10.1 mm (0.4 in) per wet day, often in short, strong bursts. The yearly figure is similar, around 11.4 mm per wet day. It is among the three driest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
In mid-December, sunrise is at about 6:44 am and sunset at about 4:29 pm (local time) — 9 h 46 min of daylight. Compared with mid-November, the day has lost 33 min. The sun is out for roughly 77% of those daylight hours, so there are plenty of bright spells.
How December compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, December comes out as the 3rd coolest month in Tokyo. Afternoons run 5.1°C (9.2°F) cooler than in November, with 24 mm less rain. January is cooler again. January averages a high of 8.6°C (47.5°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting Tokyo in December
Versatile Layers
Mornings and evenings are cooler than midday, so dress in layers.
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Tokyo in December?
It feels chilly: typical highs are 11°C (51.8°F), with lows near 2.6°C (36.7°F).
Does it rain a lot in Tokyo in December?
Only moderately: roughly 7 wet days and 71 mm, usually moderate rain.
What should I wear in Tokyo in December?
Based on the averages: versatile layers, rain protection, warm layers and sunglasses. Bring something extra for the cooler evenings.
Is December or January better for visiting Tokyo?
December, narrowly: it ranks #10 of 12 among Tokyo's months, against #12 for the other. January is cooler and has fewer rainy days.