Kyoto Weather in December

Season: Early Winter
In Short: Cold and dry, mostly sunny

The Kyoto weather in December is cold, especially in the late month. After sunset, the temperature drops sharply so it is highly recommended to wear thicker clothes while travelling in the evenings. It seldom rains or snows in this month and the weather is mostly sunny. If it snows, it's mostly sleet. The climate can be dry and moisturizing products are also needed. In early December, visitors can still see the red maple leaves.

Temperature

Judging from the climatic data of the past 70 years, the average temperature of Kyoto in December is only 8°C (44.6°F). The highest temperature is 12°C (53.6°F) and the lowest is 3°C (37.4°F) averagely. Sometimes the temperature drops below freezing at night when thicker clothes are needed.
Average High Temperature: 12°C / 53.6°F

Average Low Temperature: 3°C / 37.4°F

Rainfall

The average rainfall is low with the historical record being only 49mm on average and the humidity is 64%. It doesn’t rain or snow much in December but in these 9 rainy days, the rain mixing with the snow makes the sensible temperature even lower. If it rains, visitors need to wear thicker clothes than usual.
Average Rainy Days: 9 days

Average Humidity: 64%

Sunrise & Sunset

In December, the days are short and the nights long in Kyoto. The sun rises at around 06:58 which is pretty late compared with other months. After about 9.8h of daylight time, the sun sets early at 16:47. Throughout the day, it only has around 4.4h of sunshine time, mostly in the afternoon.
Daylight hours: about 9.8h
Sunshine hours: around 4.4h

Recommended Clothes to Wear in December

As the weather gets colder and colder, more warm and thick clothes are needed to keep the body warm. But considering the indoor heating systems, outer overcoats need to be taken off easily.

Girls

Tops: Clothes like wool overcoat, down coat and thick sweater are the musts in December. While traveling to some indoor places, girls can take off the thick overcoat and just wear one piece of closefitting warm clothing.

Bottoms & shoes: A simple pair of winter pants is suitable for the weather in most of the time. What’s more, girls can also choose to wear leggings pair with long boots to keep warm too.

Boys

Tops: Down coats can keep you warm outdoors. Inside the rooms, boys can choose to wear a thermal shirt and wool sweater.
Bottoms & shoes: Sweatpants and winter pants are recommended. For shoes, it is advisable to wear the boots with woolen socks inside to reduce the coldness.

Accessories: Scarf and gloves are good choices to keep warm in cold winter. If you are afraid of the coldness, warm pastes are also recommended to bring.

Top Things to Do in Kyoto in December

Travel Recommendation:

In early December, there are some places where visitors can still appreciate the red maple leaves.

1. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

The Kiyomizu-dera holds the lighting show every year during the red maple season. When the night comes and the whole temple is lit by the light, the red leaves are even more flaming. Except for the red leaves, Kiyomizu-dera itself is a worth-seeing place. Visitors can appreciate The Stage of Kiyomizu which was built close to the cliff and the Otowanotaki Spring. The water in the Otowanotaki is said to have the functions of bringing good luck and eliminating the diseases for people. Visitors can drink the water in Otowanotaki and pray for a peaceful life in the future.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple in December

2.Kitano Tenmangu Shrine - Shimai Tenjin

On December 25th, the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine holds one of the two biggest markets in a year, Shimai Tenjin. In Shimai Tenjin, there are so many booths and visitors can get everything they want at a low price. Visitors can also choose to try the local food in many food booths there. The Shimai Tenjin is right on the Christmas Day so it’s crowded with people and this lively atmosphere lasts till the afternoon. There are many local people going to the market while wearing the kimonos, Japanese traditional clothing. Visitors can also rent or buy a kimono there in order to better integrate into the local culture.

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

3.Kōdaiji Temple - New Year's Eve Bell

In the end of the year, the Kōdaiji Temple rings the New Year's Eve bell to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the New Year. Visitors also have the chance to ring the bell. The whole activity lasts from the 11:50 a.m. to the 1:30 a.m. on December 31st. In Buddhist culture, people have 108 kinds of worries and annoyances. So the 108 bells on New Year’s Eve mean to help people get rid of worries and hope everything goes well in the next year.

Tip: If you want to ring the bell in Kōdaiji Temple, you don’t have to make an appointment in advance and you just need to take the number cards from the staff after arrival. There is no charge in the activity of ringing the New Year's Eve bell, but the number of participants or groups is limited to 108.

4.Gion Corner - Geisha Performance

While talking about the Kyoto culture, geisha is the most representative part. If you are interested in geisha culture, the Yasaka Hall, known as Gion Corner, is strongly recommended. Visitors can appreciate the geisha performance up close including the maiko dance performance, tea ceremony, etc.

Geisha

Tip: Some roads of the Gion forbid taking photos of the geisha. Please obey the regulations.

December Weather for Other Cities in Japan:

Kyoto Weather by Month

January February March April May June July August September October November December

7-Day Kyoto Weather Forecast