Tokyo Weather in December
Planning a trip to Japan in December? Here's what Tokyo's weather is actually like — and why it's a quietly underrated time to visit.
December in Tokyo is cold, dry, and sunny. Highs sit in the low to mid 50s°F, nights drop into the 30s and 40s, and the city sees only 4–6 days of rain — making it one of the driest months of the year. There's no typhoon risk, no humidity, and almost nothing on the weather alert list except chilly nights and the rare frost. Snow is possible but uncommon in central Tokyo, and when it does fall it usually melts quickly.
Meteorologist Ian Schwartz breaks down what to expect.
At a glance
What's covered
- Highs, lows, and how cold the nights actually get
- Why clear nights are the coldest (a quick meteorology side note)
- Rainy days — and just how dry December really is
- Frost and snow odds for Tokyo
- What to pack for the cold
Jump to a moment
Tokyo, Japan in December FAQ
What is the weather like in Tokyo, Japan in December?
Cold, dry, and sunny.
- Highs: 50–55°F
- Lows: 35–45°F (30s on clear nights)
- Rain: only 4–6 days — one of the driest months
- No typhoons, very low humidity
Does it snow in Tokyo, Japan in December?
Possible but uncommon. Snow usually melts quickly. Frost is more common, especially on clear nights when temperatures drop fastest.
Is December a good time to visit Tokyo?
Yes — quietly underrated. Almost no weather alerts (no typhoons, no heat, no humidity, few rainy days). The trade-off is the cold, especially at night.