What December feels like in Kyoto
Early winter arrives in Kyoto with December. Days are chilly rather than freezing, and walking is comfortable with a proper jacket. After sunset it cools off noticeably — nights are cold. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Kyoto in December
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 4, with dry spells in between. Each rainy day adds about 8.6 mm (0.3 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 12.6 mm per rainy day. It is among the three driest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
In mid-December, sunrise is at about 6:57 am and sunset at about 4:47 pm (local time) — 9 h 49 min of daylight. Compared with mid-November, the day has lost 32 min. The sun is out for roughly 76% of those daylight hours, so there are plenty of bright spells.
How December compares to the rest of the year
December is the 3rd coolest month of the year in Kyoto. Compared with November, afternoons are 5.8°C (10.4°F) cooler, with 14 mm less rain. Temperatures keep falling into January. The next month's average high: 7.8°C (46°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.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
Tips for visiting Kyoto in December
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Kyoto in December?
Afternoons average 10.2°C (50.4°F) and nights about 1.9°C (35.4°F) — chilly by most people's standards. It is the 3rd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Kyoto in December?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 4 and totals about 68 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Kyoto in December?
Pack versatile layers, rain protection, warm layers and sunglasses. Bring something extra for the cooler evenings.
Is December or January better for visiting Kyoto?
December scores better on our climate ranking (#9 of 12 vs #11), rated Fair against Fair. January is cooler.