Early winter · Weather & things to do
Tokyo in December
Tokyo cools off: highs slip to 52°F (11°C), from 62°F in November, with lows of 34°F (1°C) and about 2.7 in (69 mm) of rain.
It scores 70/100 for comfort, 3rd of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 52°F (11°C)
- Avg low
- 34°F (1°C)
- Rain
- 2.7 in (69 mm)
- Humidity
- 80%
- Cloud cover
- 47%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 36 min
- Comfort score
- 70/100 · Good
What December feels like
It's cool, with highs near 52°F (11°C), so a proper jacket stays on most of the day.
Nights cool to an average low of 34°F (1°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 2.7 in (69 mm).
Plan around December
December is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (April and November).
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 36 min of daylight.
- The year's biggest cool-down: highs drop 6°C (10°F) from November.
- Comfort slips from 80/100 in November to 70/100.
- Our Japan Golden Route recommends Mar – May, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Insulated jackethighs only 52°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Tokyo in December
December is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Senso-ji
Tokyo's oldest temple, reached through the Kaminarimon gate and Nakamise shopping street.
Why now December scores 70/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Meiji Jingu
Forested Shinto shrine to Emperor Meiji, steps from Harajuku station.
Why now Highs near 52°F and 2.7 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Tonki
Meguro tonkatsu counter since 1939, cooks working in a calm open kitchen.
Tsukiji Outer Market
Lanes of stalls selling tamagoyaki, grilled seafood and sushi near the old fish market site.
teamLab Planets TOKYO
Walk-through digital art installations, some knee-deep in water.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in December
- Kyoto in December~224 mi · highs 49°F, 4.3 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Osaka in December~244 mi · highs 51°F, 3.0 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~233 m to Tokyo's ~40 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.
Tokyo in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Tokyo?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 70/100 against a best of 80 in April and November. Expect highs of 52°F (11°C) and 2.7 in (69 mm) of rain. Our Japan Golden Route recommends Mar – May, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Tokyo in December?
Average highs are 52°F (11°C) and average lows 34°F (1°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Tokyo in December?
Some: about 2.7 in (69 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 64.5 in (1638 mm).
What should I pack for Tokyo in December?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 52°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Tokyo in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.