Early winter · Weather & things to do
Furano and Biei in December
Furano and Biei cools off: highs slip to 28°F (-2°C), from 41°F in November, with lows of 16°F (-9°C) and about 3.8 in (97 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 36/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 28°F (-2°C)
- Avg low
- 16°F (-9°C)
- Rain or snow
- 3.8 in (97 mm)
- Humidity
- 96%
- Cloud cover
- 81%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 47 min
- Comfort score
- 36/100 · Tough
What December feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 28°F (-2°C).
Average lows of 16°F (-9°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 3.8 in (97 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 81%.
Only about 8 h 47 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May & June and September.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 47 min of daylight.
- Comfort holds steady from November (37 → 36/100).
- Our Hokkaido: Sapporo, Otaru & Furano route recommends Jul – Aug, Jan – Feb, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 16°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 3.8 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Furano and Biei in December
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Furano Ski Resort
Ski area with powder snow and a ropeway that runs to summer viewpoints.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best winter.
Shirogane Blue Pond
Man-made pond tinted milky blue by minerals, with dead larch trunks.
Shirahige Waterfall
Falls seeping through cliff rock into a blue river, seen from a bridge.
Furano Cheese Factory
Dairy workshop with cheese tastings, ice cream and a pizza kitchen.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 28°F.
Furano Wine Factory
Municipal winery on a hill with free tastings of local wines.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Nearby in December
- Sapporo in December~63 mi · highs 31°F, 5.1 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Otaru in December~77 mi · highs 31°F, 5.1 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~517 m to Furano and Biei's ~208 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Furano and Biei in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Furano and Biei?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 36/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May & June and September. Expect highs of 28°F (-2°C) and 3.8 in (97 mm) of rain or snow. Our Hokkaido: Sapporo, Otaru & Furano route recommends Jul – Aug, Jan – Feb, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Furano and Biei in December?
Average highs are 28°F (-2°C) and average lows 16°F (-9°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Furano and Biei in December?
Some: about 3.8 in (97 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 43.0 in (1093 mm).
What should I pack for Furano and Biei in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 16°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 3.8 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Furano and Biei
Planning Furano and Biei in December?
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