Hiroshima Weather in December

Hiroshima weather is a little cold in December, especially during the nighttime. Precipitation is low overall, and it rains sometimes but hardly snows this month. You should note that the day turns dark early and the daytime is quite short.

 See also: Japan Weather in December

Temperature

Since it is just the beginning of winter, December in Hiroshima is not particularly cold. The daily high mainly ranges from 10-15 degrees Celsius (50-59 degrees Fahrenheit). In the first half month, the situation where this figure is around 15°C (59°F) is more common. Occasionally, it can even reach around 20°C (68°F). Stepping into the second half month, though there are still days with the daily high of around 15°C (59°F), days with this figure of around 10°C (50°F) are the majority. Sometimes during this period, Hiroshima may even see the daily high drop below 5°C (41°F). 

In terms of the daily low, it stays around 5-10°C (41-50°F) in the first half of the month and drops to 0-5°C (32-41°F) in the second half.

Cold Hiroshima in December

Precipitation

December is one of the months of Hiroshima with the lowest precipitation throughout the year. On average, rain or snow falls for about 8 days this month, bringing about 64 mm of precipitation in total. Small rain is the main type of precipitation of Hiroshima in December. Snow may occur, but mainly of a small possibility and at low intensity. 

The average humidity of Hiroshima in December is 65%, and the apparent temperatures are a bit lower sometimes as a result.

December with Soft Sunshine

Daylight Hours & Sunshine Hours

Traveling to Hiroshima in December, you are recommended to make full use of the daytime, which is the shortest of the year at only 9.5-10 hours. Before making a more compact itinerary, you should know that the sun rises at 06:58-07:16 and sets at 16:59-17:10 this month. 

The sunshine hours are also relatively short, at around 4 hours per day on average: although there are not many rainy days, there are many cloudy moments and the daylight hours are short.

Is December a Good Time to Visit Hiroshima?

December can be seen as a not-bad month to travel to Hiroshima. Though it is a little cold, you don’t need to worry that your trip will be interrupted by heavy or frequent rain. Though the daylight hours are short, there are fewer tourists in various attractions in this slack month, which can save you some visiting time. Besides, you can have a budget-friendly and quiet trip. Then:

What to Do in Hiroshima in December / What are the Highlights of Hiroshima in December?

Coming to Hiroshima, the must-see spots always include Miyajima Island, the Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Castle, and Shukkeien Garden, which will show a solemn or quiet atmosphere in December. In addition, there are some other special things worth trying this month. 

1. In some years, the first few days of December still boast colorful autumn leaves, and recommended viewing attractions are: Miyajima Island, Hiroshima Castle, and Shukkeien Garden.
2. From the second half of November to the beginning of January, the Hiroshima Dreamination, the largest light show in Hiroshima, will be held. Numerous LED lights will transform Peace Boulevard into a dazzling tunnel of light at that time, providing you with a fantastic experience. 
3. There will be Christmas Markets in Hiroshima in December at Hiroshima Gate Park, where you can see beautiful festival decorations like Christmas trees and lights and enjoy delicious dishes. 
4. The cold winter is a good time to enjoy hot springs. There are many hot spring hotels and outdoor hot springs in Hiroshima for you to choose from, such as Miyahama Onsen close to Miyajima.
5. December is one of the best months to enjoy Hiroshima’s specialty: large and flavorful oysters. Many restaurants in Hiroshima offer various oysters, including raw oysters, fried oysters, grilled oysters, Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki, etc. Remember to have a taste during your December trip.
6. In general, ski resorts begin to open in December.

Packing List for Hiroshima December Trip in 2026

 Clothes: To cope with the cold climate of Hiroshima in December, you need to wear some winter clothes: thin sweaters, thin knitwear, or wool sweaters inside and thin downcoats or wool overcoats outside for the upper body; and thick sweatpants or jeans plus long johns or thermal pants for the lower body. 

 Shoes: In December in Hiroshima, it is suitable to wear boots, which are warm and stylish. Besides, you are advised to prepare a pair of thick sneakers, which are more friendly for long walking. 

 Others: Hats, scarves, and gloves can effectively protect you from the cold air in the evening.

Tips for Hiroshima Tours in December

1. From late December to early January, the New Year period, many restaurants, stores, and even attractions will close. For example, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum will be closed from December 30 to 31, and Shukkeien Garden will be closed from December 29 to 31. So, check and confirm the opening hours of your destinations in advance.
2. Hotels need to be booked in advance if you plan to visit Hiroshima during the Christmas and New Year period.

Hiroshima Weather by Month