Hakodate Weather in December
Season: Winter In short:
1. In December, it is cold with frequent strong winds in Hakodate.
2. There are 23 snowy days, and the depth of accumulated snow reaches up to 20 - 25cm (8 - 10 in) on average.
3. The month is the high travel season because of the snow scenery, so early reservation is advised.
Cold with Strong Winds
Average Temperature: -4 - 3℃ (25 - 37℉)In December, the weather of Hakodate is generally cold: the maximum temperature rarely exceeds 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) while the minimum is basically under 0℃ (32℉), sometimes even dropping as low as -8℃ (17.6℉). Although the daily temperature change is relatively small, the temperatures go down sharply as time goes on, with the high one falling from around 8℃ (46.4℉) at the beginning of the month to below -5℃ (23℉) by the end of the month. Besides, Hakodate often receives strong winds in December, making apparent temperature lower.
Lots of Snowfall
Precipitation: 90mm (3.54 in)
Rainy & Snowy Days: 27 days
December Snowy Landscapes
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In cold December, the precipitation mainly comes from snow or sleet. How much snow does Hakodate get in December? Based on the historical data, there are 23 snowy days on average this month. Except about one tenth of sleet, the accumulated snow can reach up to 20 - 25cm (8 - 10 in). But it usually melts the next day because the temperature is not low enough. The snow is often light, but at times heavy. Last but not least, though the snowfall does not last long, it may occur several times within a single day.
Daylight Hours/ Sunshine Hours
The sun rises at 6:46 - 7:05 and sets at 16:09 - 16:17, resulting in the average daylight hours of roughly 9 each day. Thus, it’s better to arrange your schedule tightly to visit more attractions during a shorter day. Because of frequent snowfall, each day has only 3 hours of sunshine time on average.
The UV Index in December is low, so not necessary to prepare any sun-protective products.
Packing List for Hakodate in December
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Clothes: Since indoor places are well-heated, leading to a huge temperature gap between indoors and outdoors, layering is the best idea, allowing you to add or remove clothes quickly. It’s better to pack woolen sweaters and long down jackets respectively as the inner and outer clothes. Snow pants with a fleece lining are enough to cope with the cold Hakodate climate in December.
Shoes: In December, road surfaces are usually icy and slippery, plus cold temperature and a long walking, so bring warm and comfortable shoes with a good grip such as snow boots or fleece lined sneakers, paired with thick high ankle socks.
Others: Woolen hats, scarves and gloves, facial masks are indispensable against cold high winds. Please put a raincoat and an umbrella in your luggage. Taking a vacuum bottle and drinking some hot water time to time is a good way to keep warm.
Travel Recommendations for Hakodate in December
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Imposing Fireworks
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Enjoy night scenery and firework displays
Spectacular fireworks burst into the sky at 18:00 on Nov. 30 - Dec. 25. You are advised to arrive at the Mt. Hakodate Observatory earlier than that time, to enjoy both famous night scenes of the whole city and a giant firework display. If Hakodate is covered with white snow, the panorama like a fairy world is even more breathtaking.
Appreciate illumination show
Night illumination shows are the main parts of Hakodate Winter Festival. From December to February, the star-shaped Goryokaku Park under the illumination of 2,000 colorful lights, which are lit up at sunset till 19:00, is like an enchanting wonderland. To celebrate Christmas, the Christmas tree is set up as early as Nov. 30 on the sea nearby Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses, with the red lights turned on at 6:00 p.m. The historic buildings in Motomachi area such as a complex of churches and Meiji-kan Museum shine brightly against the backdrop of beautiful lighting at sunset to 22:00 on Nov. 30 - Feb. 28.
See monkeys taking a hot-spring bath
In cold winter, there are nearly 50 monkeys taking a hot-spring bath at Tropical Botanical Garden in Yunokawa Onsen, a very interesting scene. They can be fed on snacks available from the ticket office.
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Travel Tips for Hakodate in December
1. December in Hakodate is the high travel season when the demand for hotels and airline tickets exceeds supply, so early reservation is advised.2. One more thing to note is that many stores and attractions are closed during the New Year holidays. For example, Tropical Botanical Garden is shut from Dec. 29 to Jan. 1. If you plan to go here during the period stepping from 2025 to 2026, remember to check in advance whether these places are open.
3. 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.
