Tokyo Weather in December

Season: Early Winter
In Short: Dry and cold, rarely snow

As winter is coming, the climate in December in Tokyo is cold and dry. Although December is not the coldest time yet, visitors still need to pay attention to the low temperature and wear warm clothes. The daytime temperature can rise to 21℃ (69.8℉) even 24℃ (75.2℉) sometimes in early December, but the night temperature can drop to 5℃ (41℉). It seldom falls below 0℃ (32℉), unless it comes the end of December. By late December, the daytime temperature is over 10℃ (50℉), while decreasing very close to the freezing point at night, which is often no more than 1℃ (33.8℉).

It hardly snows in this month so the precipitation is low, with averagely 3 rainy or snowy days only. To prevent feeling dry, it is advisable for visitors to drink more water and use moisturizing products. December has the shortest daytime in Tokyo in the whole year, but the good news is visitors can travel under the sunshine in most of the day. In early December, there are some places where you can still appreciate the red maple leaves.
See also: Japan Weather in December

Akihabara Night Scenery in December

Averages of December in Tokyo

High Temperature: 12°C / 53.6°F
Low Temperature: 7°C / 44.6°F
Precipitation: 50mm
Rainy Days: 3 days
Humidity: 46%
Sunrise: 06:33-06:52
Sunset: 16:29-16:38
Daylight hours: about 9.8h
Sunshine hours: around 6.3h

Statue of Hachiko, Shibuya

Is December a Good Time to Visit Tokyo?

December is not a very good month to travel to Tokyo, as an off season for the colder climate and fall foliage season has ended. It becomes quite cold, but so you could save some travel expense and enjoy a tour with less visitors.

Will It Snow in December in Tokyo?

It is possible to see the first snow in December in Tokyo. In colder years, there are a few snows or sleets at least throughout December. In some warmer years, it’s not likely to snow until January.

What Clothes to Wear in Tokyo in December?

In December, please make sure you wear enough clothes to protect yourself from the cold air. What’s more, the outer clothes should be convenient to be taken off because it’s warm indoors thanks to the advanced heating system.

Girls

Tops: Outer clothes like padded overcoat and down coat are the best choices for the outdoor activities. For traveling in indoor places, a wool sweater with thermal shirt can basically keep you warm.
Bottoms & shoes: Girls can choose to wear winter pants or thick sweatpants. A pair of sneakers or snow boots can help you keep warm and also make your walking easier.

Boys

Tops: Down coat or thick outdoor jacket are suitable for the weather outside. For indoor places, a thick sweater is enough for boys.
Bottoms & shoes: Boys can choose the winter pants, and long johns with sweatpants can also be good. To match the pants, a pair of hiking shoes is recommended.

Accessories: Furthermore, gloves, scarf and winter hat are also needed.

Top Things to Do in Tokyo in December, 2025

Travel Recommendation:

After visiting the best-known attractions in Tokyo, some seasonal activities below are also great in December if you have spare time.

1. Red Leaves in Rikugien Garden

Rikugien is known as one of the most popular places in Tokyo to view the red maple leaves in autumn till early December. There are 400 maple trees and many ginkgo trees which make the whole garden pretty colorful. On normal days, entry is prohibited here at night but in red leaves season, it also holds special lighting activity so visitors can appreciate different red leaves scenery at night. What’s more, it is close to other famous attractions like Ueno Park and Nezu Shrine. Visitors can visit these attractions all together.

See More:

Fall Foliage in December

2. Hatsumode & New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Hatsumode means the first shrine or temple visit in the New Year. On the last day of December, all the shrines and temples in Tokyo hold grand celebrations to welcome the New Year. The Meiji Jingu Shrine is the most popular place to go and you can hear New Year's welcoming bell rings 108 times on New Year’s Eve. The bells correspond to the 108 troubles of people in Buddhism so people who make the Hatsumode can be blessed with good luck and prosperity in the following year.

Sensoji Temple and Zojoji Temple are also popular sites for Hatsumode and New Year celebrations in Tokyo. Moreover, the procession to Oji Inari Shrine is a highlight on New Year's Eve in Tokyo too, as the worshippers get dressed in traditional costume and wear the fox mask. Around Meiji Jingu Shrine and these sites, it’s incredibly crowded.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Yoyogi Park in December

3. Shibuya Blue Cave Illumination in Yoyogi Park

December in Tokyo is cold, but the city is full of festive atmosphere. In this month, all the business streets have light shows, but the most famous and fantastic light show is the one in Yoyogi Park, Shibuya. The 800-meter-long (880-yard-long) street from Koen Dori Street to Yoyogi Park turns into a dreamy blue world, decorated by more than 770,000 lights which is absolutely an amazing sight for visitors.

Marunouchi Street Park, Roppongi Hills, and more sites in Tokyo offer romantic illuminations as well in December, making the city dreamlike beautiful at night.

4. Christmas Celebrations - Sanrio Puroland & Tokyo Disneyland

Around Christmas, visitors can find the Christmas markets everywhere and all of them provide souvenirs and Christmas gifts for you to choose from. If you travel in Tokyo with your kids in Christmas season, the Sanrio Puroland and Tokyo Disneyland are recommended for you. Sanrio Puroland and Tokyo Disneyland have special Christmas activities for children. Not only the whole amusement parks are immersed in a strong Christmas atmosphere, but also the animated characters and items for sale are in Christmas decorations.