Tokyo Weather in December: Temperatures & What to Wear
Tokyo Mate
Based on observations from the last ten years (2016-2025), Tokyo in December has an average high of 12.7℃ and an average low of 4.2℃. Morning temperatures fall from 5.8℃ in early December to 3.0℃ in late December. Sunset in December 2026 is around 4:30 p.m. For a year-end trip to Tokyo, a coat should be your starting point.
Tokyo weather in December at a glance
December in Tokyo is early winter, with an average temperature of 8.1℃ over the last ten years. It falls from 9.7℃ in early December to 7.1℃ in late December. Days are around 12℃ and mornings around 4℃, an average difference of about 8.5℃ between day and night.
| 🌡️ Temperature (10-year average) | ||
| Average 8.1℃ | High 12.7℃ | Low 4.2℃ |
| ☔ Rain, sunshine and humidity (10-year average) | ||
| Rainfall 46.2mm | Sunshine ~183 hrs | Humidity ~60% |
| ☀️ Sunset in 2026 | ||
| December 1 → December 31 16:28 → 16:37 | ||
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency, Tokyo station (47662), December observations 2016-2025 · Sunset times are National Astronomical Observatory of Japan calculations for 2026.
December in Tokyo has little rain and plenty of clear days. Over the last ten years, December rainfall averaged 46.2mm. Humidity also drops, from 64% in early December to 56% in late December.
That said, it varies a lot from year to year. December 2024 had just 0.5mm of rain, while 2021 had 116.0mm, most of it in early December. The monthly average temperature also ranged from 6.6℃ in 2017 to 9.4℃ in 2023.
Tokyo temperatures in early, mid and late December
Tokyo's average temperature in December drops from 9.7℃ in early December to 7.8℃ mid-month and 7.1℃ late in the month. It gets colder toward the end of the year, and across the whole of December there are 4.6 days on average with 1mm or more of rain.
| Period | Average temp | Rain days | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early (1-10) | 9.7℃ | 1.7 days | 22.4mm |
| Mid (11-20) | 7.8℃ | 1.6 days | 12.6mm |
| Late (21-31) | 7.1℃ | 1.3 days | 11.3mm |
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency, Tokyo station (47662), averages of the early, mid and late December observations 2016-2025. Rain days are days with 1mm or more of rain.
✅ Early December (1-10)
The average temperature is 9.7℃. Daytime highs average a fairly mild 14.1℃, but mornings drop to around 6℃. Early December is the wettest period, with 22.4mm of rain. The average high varied a lot from year to year, from 11.7℃ in 2017 to 15.7℃ in 2023.
✅ Mid-December (11-20)
The average temperature falls to 7.8℃, with an average low of 3.8℃. In 2017, 2020 and 2021 some mornings dropped below freezing. The average temperature alone won't tell you how cold it will feel.
✅ Late December (21-31)
Late December is the coldest part of the month, with an average temperature of 7.1℃ and an average low of 3.0℃. In 5 of the last 10 years there were days below freezing in this period. Check the morning and evening temperatures around the year-end. The average high ranged between 10.8℃ in 2017 and 13.5℃ in 2016.
If you're wondering about the weather at the end of November and the start of December, compare it with Tokyo's November temperatures and clothing too.
👉 Tokyo Weather in November: Temperatures & What to Wear
What to wear in Tokyo in December
For Tokyo in December, start with a knit sweater and a coat. Mornings drop to an average of 3-6℃. From mid-December a heavy coat or a padded jacket is a good idea. If you're going out at night to see the illuminations, bring a scarf and gloves too.
| Period | Average high / low | What to wear |
|---|---|---|
| Early (1-10) | 14.1℃ / 5.8℃ | Knit + coat |
| Mid (11-20) | 12.3℃ / 3.8℃ | Knit + heavy coat or padded jacket |
| Late (21-31) | 11.8℃ / 3.0℃ | Heavy coat or padded jacket + scarf and gloves |
✅ What to wear in early December
During the day a coat over a knit is comfortable, and after dark you can add a scarf. On many days you won't need to bring out a heavy padded jacket. If you're heading out early in the morning, take an extra layer.
✅ What to wear in mid-December
With an average low of 3.8℃, a heavy coat or padded jacket is comfortable in the mornings and evenings. Underneath, layer knits or cardigans that are easy to take on and off.
If you plan to buy a padded jacket for your winter trip in Japan, take a look at the mont-bell store information too.
👉 mont-bell Japan Prices vs US, Best Buys & Tokyo Stores
✅ What to wear in late December
Around the year-end, the average low drops to 3.0℃. A padded jacket or heavy coat with a scarf and gloves works well. If you'll be out late or feel the cold easily, add a thermal layer underneath.
Actual temperatures vary from year to year. Check the latest forecast before you leave and adjust what you pack.
➡️ Check the Japan Meteorological Agency forecast for Tokyo
Tokyo sunset times in December and travel tips
In 2026, the sun sets in Tokyo around 4:30 p.m. in December. Sunset moves 9 minutes later, from 16:28 on December 1 to 16:37 on December 31. Sunrise also gets later, from 6:32 to 6:50.
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|
| December 1 | 6:32 | 16:28 |
| December 15 | 6:43 | 16:29 |
| December 22 (winter solstice) | 6:47 | 16:32 |
| December 31 | 6:50 | 16:37 |
※ 2026 calculations by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, based on the moment the upper edge of the sun touches the horizon at 0m elevation.
The shortest day is the winter solstice on December 22, at about 9 hours 45 minutes. The sun sets earliest from November 29 to December 13, and around the solstice sunset gradually gets later.
📌 To see the sunset and then the night view, arrive at an observation deck between 15:30 and 16:00, 30 minutes to an hour before sunset.
In December the sun sets in Tokyo around 4:30 p.m., so wrap up outdoor sightseeing by then and move on to indoor plans or night views after dark. December is illumination season in Tokyo. Leave plenty of time in the evening.
Admission and booking for five Tokyo observation decks, plus free night-view spots, are compared in the post below.
👉 Tokyo Observatories Compared: 5 Decks & Free Options
Tokyo year-end and New Year closures
Japanese government offices close from December 29 to January 3, and bank counters close from December 31 to January 3.
✅ Year-end and New Year closures, 2026-2027
- Government offices: Dec 29 (Tue) to Jan 3 (Sun)
- Bank counters: Dec 31 (Thu) to Jan 3 (Sun)
- Shinjuku Gyoen: Dec 29 (Tue) to Jan 4 (Mon)
- Ueno Zoo: Dec 29 (Tue) to Jan 1 (Fri)
⚠️ Year-end and New Year hours at department stores, shops and restaurants vary, so check each one's official notice before you go.
FAQ: Padded jackets, snow and umbrellas
Q. Do I need a long padded coat for Tokyo in December?
A. Not necessarily. Even in late December, the ten-year averages are a high of 11.8℃ and a low of 3.0℃. A heavy coat or a short padded jacket with a scarf is enough, though a long padded coat is fine if you feel the cold easily or will be out late.
Q. Does it snow in Tokyo in December?
A. Hardly ever. Under the JMA normals (1991-2020), there are 0.6 days of snowfall. The normal for snow depth is 0cm, so you won't need snow boots. Shoes you can walk in comfortably all day are the better choice.
Q. Should I pack an umbrella for Tokyo in December?
A. One folding umbrella is enough. December rainfall over the last ten years averaged just 46.2mm. Under the normals (1991-2020), there are 5.2 days with 1mm or more of rain.
Q. Do late-December mornings in Tokyo go below freezing?
A. Some days, yes. The lowest temperature in the last ten Decembers was −2.2℃, in late December 2021. Under the normals (1991-2020), there are 1.6 days a month below 0℃. For early-morning plans, bring gloves and a scarf.
In clear, cold December, Tokyo slowly heads into the end of the year. The days are short, so look around the city during the day, then dress warmly and enjoy the illuminations and night views once the lights come on.
🧡 Tokyo Mate Travel Guides