What December feels like in Osaka
In Osaka, December brings early winter. The daytime air has a chill to it, though it is rarely bitter. There is little difference between day and night: nights are cold, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Osaka in December
Rain turns up now and then — about one day in 4. Rain tends to come in heavy bursts: about 9.3 mm (0.4 in) on an average rainy day. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 12.7 mm per rainy day. It is among the three driest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
Mid-month, Osaka gets 9 h 51 min of daylight, from sunrise near 6:58 am to sunset near 4:49 pm. Evenings are drawing in — 32 min less daylight than mid-November. The sun is out for roughly 79% 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 Osaka. Against November, the average high is 5.6°C (10.1°F) lower, with 21 mm less rain. The cooling trend carries on into January. By January, typical highs are 8.6°C (47.5°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — daytime temperatures are fine for walking around.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting Osaka in December
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Osaka in December?
Expect around 11°C (51.8°F) in the afternoon and 3.4°C (38.1°F) at night, which most visitors would call chilly.
Does it rain a lot in Osaka in December?
Only moderately: roughly 7 wet days and 65 mm, usually moderate rain.
What should I wear in Osaka in December?
Based on the averages: rain protection, warm layers and sunglasses. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is December or January better for visiting Osaka?
January, narrowly: it ranks #8 of 12 among Osaka's months, against #9 for the other. January is cooler and has fewer rainy days.