Hakata Weather in December

Season: Winter

Overview:
1. In December, the Hakata weather is cold with frequent sea winds.
2. Precipitation is the lowest of the year. The rare rain is mostly light and snowfall is not common.
3. Early December remains a nice time to admire autumn foliage.

Beautiful Foliage in December

Cold Temperature

Hakata in December sees the onset of winter, featuring cold weather. High temperatures are usually around 9 - 15℃ (48.2 - 59℉), while low temperatures range from 2-8℃ (35.6 - 46.4℉) in most days, hardly declining below freezing. Sudden drops and increases in temperature are both possible: in 2024, highs once dropped by 7 degrees Celsius (44.6 degrees Fahrenheit) within a 3-day period.

December Rain Scenery

Lowest Precipitation of the Year

Hakata experiences the lowest precipitation of the year in December, averaging 58mm (2.3 in), and spreading over 10 days.

It features light rain with occasional moderate one, both of which are brief but may occur several times during a single day, so keeping rain gear with you are advised. Hakata rarely sees snowfall. Even if it does, it is more likely to be in late December, and the snow often melts quickly.

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

Wind

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 also has the shortest daytime hours of the year, averaging 10 hours per day with the sun rising late at 7:05 - 7:23 but setting early at 17:11 - 17:20. Clouds from the Sea of Japan often block the sun, so the day has 4-hour’s sunshine on average daily. The above-mentioned prompts you to speed up the pace of your sightseeing, if you plan to come here in this time of 2025.

The UV Index of 3 shows that the UV rays are not too intense.

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 or hoodies are suitable. Thick down jackets or woolen overcoats are highly recommended as outer clothes. If you are sensitive to the cold, add a down vest.

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, and lip and hand cream.
3. Bring along a thermos and regularly drink hot water to keep warm, especially when you stay outside for a long time.
Bring along a thermos and regularly drink hot water to keep warm, especially when you stay outside for a long time.

Travel Highlights of Hakata in December

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 the foliage quietly, Rakusuien, is more 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.

Colorful Leaves in Maizuru Park

Lively Christmas atmosphere

During this month, many cute Father Christmas statues in various forms stand at the square of the Nakasu Area. Plus, don’t miss 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 beginning around sunset. Other places also hold similar activities, including JR Hakata Station and Tenjin region.

Steaming ramen

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

Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen Restaurant

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; and at the end of the month, locals have a long vacation due to New Year holidays. Accordingly, this month receives more tourists, leading to higher prices of hotels and airline tickets, so you may book ahead of time to save some money.
2. Changeable temperatures require you to regularly check the weather forecast and wear appropriate clothes during your stay.