Kyoto City→
Station: KyotoKyoto, Arashiyama, Gion, Fushimi Inari
High
11.6℃
Low
3.5℃
- Precip.
- 57.3mm
- Sunshine
- 134h
- Sunset
- 16:47
The last autumn leaves in early December. Joya no Kane at Chionin and elsewhere on New Year's Eve
Kansai Weather Guide
Kansai Weather in December: What to Wear & Expect
December marks the real start of winter in Kansai. Kyoto's high is 11.6°C and mornings are around 3.5°C. In early December you can still catch the last of Kyoto's autumn leaves, and from mid-December the winter air sets in. The streets of Osaka and Kobe sparkle with illuminations, and at year's end temple bells ring out for Joya no Kane. Snow starts falling in Amanohashidate in the north and around the northern shores of Lake Biwa: it's the season for winter crab and hot springs.
- Kyoto high
- 11.6℃
- Kyoto low
- 3.5℃
- Kyoto rainfall
- 57.3mm
- Kyoto sunset
- 16:47
Overview
Kansai in December: Key Points
- ✓Kyoto's high is 11.6°C, with mornings around 3.5°C. You'll need a winter coat
- ✓In early December, you can still catch the last of Kyoto's autumn leaves
- ✓Osaka and Kobe sparkle with illuminations
- ✓Some sights close over New Year, and transport is crowded
By Area
December Weather by Area
Temperature, precipitation, snow and sunshine are climate normals (1991-2020). Sunset is for December 15.
Osaka→
Station: OsakaOsaka, Namba, Umeda, Osaka Castle
High
12.3℃
Low
5.3℃
- Precip.
- 55.5mm
- Sunshine
- 152h
- Sunset
- 16:49
Highs around 12°C. Illuminations on Midosuji and Nakanoshima
Nara→
Station: NaraNara, Nara Park, Todaiji, Mt. Yoshino
High
11.6℃
Low
3.0℃
- Precip.
- 56.8mm
- Sunshine
- 133h
- Sunset
- 16:47
Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri in mid-December. Mornings around 3°C
Kobe & Arima Onsen→
Station: KobeKobe, Arima Onsen, Kitano Ijinkan, Mt. Rokko
High
12.0℃
Low
5.7℃
- Precip.
- 48.7mm
- Sunshine
- 153h
- Sunset
- 16:50
Mornings around 6°C. Good for harbor night views and winter hot springs
Himeji→
Station: HimejiHimeji, Himeji Castle, Mt. Shosha
High
11.9℃
Low
2.4℃
- Precip.
- 47.5mm
- Sunshine
- 155h
- Sunset
- 16:51
Mornings around 2°C. Lots of sunny days
Lake Biwa→
Station: HikoneOtsu, Hikone, Omihachiman, Nagahama
High
9.9℃
Low
3.2℃
- Precip.
- 105.9mm
- Sunshine
- 106h
- Sunset
- 16:46
Highs around 10°C. Snow starts falling in the northern lake area
Shirahama & Nanki→
Station: Nanki-ShirahamaShirahama, Kumano Kodo, Nachikatsuura, Kushimoto
High
13.3℃
Low
5.8℃
- Precip.
- 81.4mm
- Sunshine
- —
- Sunset
- 16:52
Highs around 13°C, on the warm side. Perfect hot spring season
Koyasan→
Station: KoyasanKoyasan, Okunoin, Danjo Garan
High
6.3℃
Low
−1.6℃
- Precip.
- 89.3mm
- Sunshine
- 93h
- Sunset
- 16:49
Highs around 6°C, mornings -2°C. Snow is possible
Amanohashidate & Ine→
Station: MaizuruMiyazu, Amanohashidate, Ine
High
10.4℃
Low
2.8℃
- Precip.
- 163.6mm
- Max snow depth
- 13cm
- Sunset
- 16:48
Snow starts falling, and crab season is in full swing
Ise & Shima→
Station: ObataIse, Ise Jingu, Toba, Shima
High
11.9℃
Low
2.2℃
- Precip.
- 66.6mm
- Sunshine
- 175h
- Sunset
- 16:44
Mornings around 2°C. At year's end, Ise Jingu starts preparing for New Year visitors
What to Wear
What to Wear in Kansai in December
Base layer
Thermal underwear
Tops
Sweater or fleece
Outerwear
Down jacket or thick coat
Bottoms
Long pants; thick tights too if you feel the cold
Shoes
Comfortable walking shoes with thick socks
Accessories
Gloves, a scarf and kairo (disposable heat packs)
Temple and shrine buildings are unheated, and the cold creeps up from your feet. If you're going to Amanohashidate or Koyasan, also bring shoes you can walk on snow in.
Good to Know
Good to Know
Some sights close over New Year
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's end
In late December, the shinkansen and flights are crowded with people heading home for the holidays. Book your travel early.
New Year's Eve night
On New Year's Eve, temples ring their bells for Joya no Kane. Big crowds gather, so bundle up well.
Watch for snow in the north and mountains
Snow can fall in Amanohashidate, north of Lake Biwa and on Koyasan. If you're driving, you'll need winter tires.
Events
December Events & Highlights
Kyoto's Last Autumn Leaves
KyotoUsually until early DecemberAt places like Tofukuji and Arashiyama, autumn leaves can sometimes be enjoyed until early December. Fallen leaves carpeting the ground are beautiful too.
A Nara festival with a history of nearly 900 years. On the 17th, a procession in costumes from the Heian to Edo periods parades through the city.
Read the guide：Kasuga Wakamiya On-matsuri Festival →Tours & tickets for this eventPR
- PRKlookBest of Kyoto and Nara: Kiyomizu-dera, Nara Park, Todai-ji and MoreA day bus tour visiting Nara Park, Todai-ji and Kasuga Taisha on Course A (English, Chinese and Korean guides)View on Klook
- PRKlookKyoto & Nara Day TourA tour covering Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Nara Park and Todai-ji in one dayView on Klook
Joya no Kane (New Year's Eve Bells)
Chionin and elsewhereDecember 31A New Year's Eve tradition in which temple bells are struck 108 times. At Chionin, you can watch a large team of monks ring the giant bell.
Dates change every year. Please check the official websites before you go.
FAQ
FAQ
Q. What's the temperature in Kyoto in December?＋
On average, the high is 11.6°C and the low is 3.5°C. You'll need a winter coat, gloves and a scarf.
Q. Can I still see autumn leaves in Kyoto in December?＋
Usually, you can still catch the last of the autumn leaves at places like Tofukuji and Arashiyama until early December.
Q. Is Kobe Luminarie held in December?＋
It used to be held in December, but in recent years it has been held from around late January to early February. Check official information for the dates.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Kansai TripPR
Other Months
Kansai Weather in Other Months
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.