Hakata Weather in December

Season: Winter

Overview:
1. In December, the Hakata weather is cold with frequent sea winds.
2. There is the lowest precipitation within 10 days: the rain is mostly light and snowfall is not common.
3. Early December is a nice time to admire autumn foliage and this month is the peak season.

Cold Temperature

December brings the onset of winter, and Hakata sees cold weather. High temperatures are usually around 9 - 15℃ (48.2 - 59℉) with the maximum reaching 23℃ (73.4℉), while most low temperatures range from 2℃ (35.6℉) to 8℃ (46.4℉), hardly declining below freezing. Sudden drops and increases in temperature are both possible: over the past four years, from 2021 to 2023, highs fluctuated by more than 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) within a 3- to 4-day period.

Lowest Precipitation

Hakata experiences the lowest precipitation of the year with an average of 58mm (2.3 in), spreading over 10 days.

It features light rain with occasional moderate one, which are both brief but occur several times during a single day, so keeping rain gear with you are advised. Hakata rarely sees snowfall, most of which are possibly in late December, and it’s typically light and cannot accumulate as snow.

The relative humidity is 65%, the level that you feel dry.

Wind

Dry and cold sea winds blow frequently, and though the wind is not very strong to disrupt your travel, it not only lowers your apparent temperature but also makes the air drier.

Daylight Hours/ Sunshine Hours

December is one of the periods having the shortest daytime hours, averaging 10 hours per day when the sun late rises at 7:05 - 7:23 and early sets at 17:11 - 17:20. Under the influence of moist cold air from the Sea of Japan, overcast conditions prevail during this month, so every day has 4-hour average duration of sunshine. The above-mentioned prompts you to speed up the pace of your journey, if you plan to come here in this time of 2025.

The UV Index of 3 shows that the UV rays can be negligible.

What to wear in Hakata in December?

Clothes: Considering the Hakata climate in December, onion-like dressing is a wise option. Because there is sufficient heating in indoor places, inner clothes shouldn’t be too thick, and thin sweaters and hoodies are suitable. Thick down jackets or woolen overcoats are highly recommended as outer clothes. If you are sensitive to the cold, adding a down vest may be more comfortable. As for pants, pack fleece sweatpants. If ladies would like to wear dresses, choose long and woolen ones, paired with thermal leggings.

Footwear: You are advised to pack snow boots and high ankle socks.

Others:
1. Gloves, earmuffs, scarves and beanies are essential items against cold winds and warmer pads can be also prepared.
2. Be sure to pack moisturizing products including body lotions, lip and hand creams.
3. Bring along a thermos and regularly drink hot water to keep warm, especially when you stay outside for a long time.

Seasonal Recommendations for Hakata in December

Enjoy autumn foliage

Early December is an excellent time to admire vibrant autumn leaves. Popular viewing places are Maizuru Park and Momiji Hachimangu Shrine. If you wish to enjoy them quietly, Rakusuien, are highly recommended, since it is a lesser-known travel spot ablaze with red leaves of 100 maple trees. Meanwhile, there is a huge gingko tree with golden leaves in Kushida Shrine, attracting lots of tourists to take commemorative photos.

Feel the lively Christmas atmosphere

During this month, many cute Father Christmas statues in various forms stand at the square of the Nakasu Area. Plus, there is a Christmas Market with temporary stalls where you can savor unique snacks and purchase limited-edition Christmas mugs, as well as the spectacular illumination show usually begins around sunset. Other places also hold similar events, including JR Hakata Station and Tenjin region.

Taste a bowl of steaming ramen

Hakata tonkotsu ramen always ranks among the top, when it comes to ramen in Japan. The best thing on cold days is to sip a bowl of steaming ramen. If you would like to taste different flavors from all over the nation, Ramen Stadium, on the fifth floor of Canal City Hakata, is a must-go place. Besides, Nakasu Yatai Street is also a recommended place open from 18:30 until 1:30.

Travel Advice & Tips

1. Overall, December is the high season in Hakata: the beginning of the month is the autumn foliage season; there is a wealth of Christmas activities in middle December; at the end of the month, locals have a long vacation due to New Year holidays. Judging from these, this month receives more tourists, causing higher costs of hotels and airline tickets, so booking ahead of time may be save some money.
2. Changeable temperatures need you to regularly check the weather forecast and wear appropriate clothes during your stay.
Due to relatively high altitude and frequent strong winds, you feel very colder on the Mt. Hakodate Observatory, so wear as thick clothes as possible and prepare heating pads.