Nagoya→
Station: NagoyaNagoya, Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Jingu, Inuyama
High
11.7℃
Low
3.4℃
- Precip.
- 56.6mm
- Sunshine
- 170h
- Sunset
- 16:42
Highs around 12°C, mornings around 3°C. Lots of sunny days
Chubu & Hokuriku Weather Guide
Chubu & Hokuriku Weather in December: What to Wear & Expect
December in Chubu & Hokuriku marks the start of winter proper. Nagoya's high is 11.7°C and mornings are 3.4°C. While Nagoya gets lots of sunny days, Kanazawa has many days of rain or snow, with 301.1 mm of precipitation. Snow starts settling in Shirakawa-go and Hakuba, and Shirakawa-go's average maximum snow depth is 84 cm. Ski areas open in Hakuba and Shiga Kogen, and crab season reaches its height in Hokuriku.
- Nagoya high
- 11.7℃
- Nagoya low
- 3.4℃
- Nagoya rainfall
- 56.6mm
- Nagoya sunset
- 16:42
Overview
Chubu & Hokuriku in December: Key Points
- ✓Nagoya's high is 11.7°C, with mornings around 3°C. You'll need a winter coat
- ✓Mornings around -2°C in Takayama and Shirakawa-go. Be prepared for snowy roads in snow country
- ✓Many days of rain or snow in Kanazawa, with 301.1 mm of precipitation
- ✓Ski season begins in Hakuba and Shiga Kogen
By Area
December Weather by Area
Temperature, precipitation, snow and sunshine are climate normals (1991-2020). Sunset is for December 15.
Kanazawa→
Station: KanazawaKanazawa, Kenrokuen, Higashi Chaya District, 21st Century Museum
High
10.2℃
Low
3.5℃
- Precip.
- 301.1mm
- Max snow depth
- 11cm
- Sunset
- 16:39
A month of much rain and snow. The season for Kenrokuen's yukitsuri and crab dishes
Shirakawa-go→
Station: ShirakawaShirakawa-go, Gassho-zukuri Farmhouses, Ogimachi Observatory, Gokayama
High
5.9℃
Low
−1.7℃
- Precip.
- 282.8mm
- Max snow depth
- 84cm
- Sunset
- 16:39
Mornings around -2°C. Snow starts settling and the gassho-zukuri houses take on a winter look
Takayama→
Station: TakayamaTakayama, Sanmachi, Miyagawa Morning Market, Okuhida Onsen
High
6.2℃
Low
−1.7℃
- Precip.
- 104.4mm
- Max snow depth
- 28cm
- Sunset
- 16:38
Highs around 6°C, mornings around -2°C. Snowy days increase
Gero Onsen→
Station: HagiwaraGero Onsen, Hida River, Gassho Village
High
7.9℃
Low
−0.4℃
- Precip.
- 110.1mm
- Sunshine
- 115h
- Sunset
- 16:39
Highs around 8°C. Just the right season for winter hot springs
Toyama / Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route→
Station: ToyamaToyama, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Kurobe Dam, Unazuki Onsen
High
9.5℃
Low
2.5℃
- Precip.
- 281.6mm
- Max snow depth
- 23cm
- Sunset
- 16:36
Highs around 10°C in Toyama City. The Alpine Route is closed for winter
Matsumoto / Kamikochi→
Station: MatsumotoMatsumoto, Matsumoto Castle, Kamikochi, Norikura Highlands
High
8.0℃
Low
−2.2℃
- Precip.
- 32.7mm
- Sunshine
- 161h
- Sunset
- 16:35
Matsumoto mornings around -2°C, with lots of sunny days. Kamikochi is closed for winter
Hakuba→
Station: HakubaHakuba, Happo-one, Tsugaike Kogen, Hakuba Goryu
High
4.5℃
Low
−4.0℃
- Precip.
- 135.6mm
- Max snow depth
- 46cm
- Sunset
- 16:34
Highs around 5°C, mornings around -4°C. Ski areas open one after another
Nagano / Yudanaka-Shibu Onsen→
Station: NaganoNagano, Zenkoji, Jigokudani Monkey Park, Shibu Onsen, Shiga Kogen
High
6.9℃
Low
−1.5℃
- Precip.
- 49.4mm
- Max snow depth
- 16cm
- Sunset
- 16:33
Highs around 7°C, mornings -1.5°C. Head to the winter hot spring towns and Jigokudani Monkey Park
Kiso Valley (Tsumago & Magome)→
Station: NagisoTsumago-juku, Magome-juku, Narai-juku
High
7.2℃
Low
−1.8℃
- Precip.
- 111.6mm
- Sunshine
- 130h
- Sunset
- 16:38
Highs around 7°C, mornings around -2°C. A bitter chill
What to Wear
What to Wear in Chubu & Hokuriku in December
Base layer
Thermal underwear
Tops
Sweater or fleece
Outerwear
Down jacket or thick coat; a waterproof one is best in snow country
Bottoms
Long pants; thick tights too if you feel the cold
Shoes
Comfortable walking shoes in Nagoya; non-slip waterproof shoes or boots in snow country
Accessories
Gloves, a scarf, a knit hat and kairo (disposable heat packs)
If you're heading to Shirakawa-go, Takayama, Hakuba or Yudanaka-Shibu Onsen, waterproof boots with non-slip soles are a must. On trips from Nagoya into snow country, adjust with layers to match the temperature difference.
Good to Know
Good to Know
Take care driving on snowy roads
Snow settles in Shirakawa-go, Takayama, Hakuba and elsewhere. If you're driving, you'll need winter tires; if you're not used to snow, take trains or buses instead.
Snow can disrupt transport
On days of heavy snow, expressways, local train lines and highway buses may stop running. Leave some slack on travel days.
Some sights close over the New Year holidays
From around December 29 to around January 3, museums and some shops are closed. Check the opening days of places you want to visit.
Transport is crowded at year-end
In late December, the shinkansen and limited express trains are crowded with people heading home for the holidays. Book your travel early.
Events
December Events & Highlights
Hakuba Ski Area Openings
Hakuba (Happo-one and others)Usually around late November to mid-DecemberOpening dates vary each year depending on snow conditions. Early in the season, runs may be limited, so check the official information.
Hokuriku Crab Season
Ishikawa Prefecture, incl. KanazawaDecemberSnow crab, whose season opened on November 6, is at its best. The female kobako crab season runs only until December 29, so now's the time to try it.
Dates change every year. Please check the official websites before you go.
FAQ
FAQ
Q. What's the temperature in Nagoya in December?＋
On average, the high is 11.7°C and the low is 3.4°C. You'll need a winter coat, gloves and a scarf.
Q. Is there snow on the ground in Shirakawa-go in December?＋
December is when snow starts to settle, and Shirakawa-go's average maximum snow depth is 84 cm. Bring shoes you can walk on snowy roads in.
Q. Can I ski in Hakuba in December?＋
Hakuba's ski areas usually open around late November to mid-December. This varies with snow conditions, so check the official information.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Chubu & Hokuriku TripPR
Other Months
Chubu & Hokuriku Weather in Other Months
Back to the Chubu & Hokuriku Weather Guide (all months & areas) →
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (climate normals 1991-2020). Compiled by tripuuu.log. Temperatures are from a representative station in each area; actual weather varies from year to year.