Fukuoka & Dazaifu→
Station: FukuokaFukuoka, Hakata, Tenjin, Dazaifu Tenmangu
High
12.6℃
Low
5.8℃
- Precip.
- 67.5mm
- Sunshine
- 112h
- Sunset
- 17:12
Highs around 13°C, mornings around 6°C. The season to warm up at the yatai stalls
Kyushu Weather Guide
Kyushu Weather in December: What to Wear & Expect
December marks the real start of winter in Kyushu. Fukuoka's high is 12.6°C and mornings are around 6°C. While Fukuoka and Nagasaki get fewer hours of sunshine, Miyazaki has lots of sunny days, with 183.9 hours of sunshine, so you can enjoy bright sunlight even in winter. Huis Ten Bosch sparkles with illuminations and Christmas, and Yokagura continues in Takachiho. It's the season when you'll crave hot springs most.
- Fukuoka high
- 12.6℃
- Fukuoka low
- 5.8℃
- Fukuoka rainfall
- 67.5mm
- Fukuoka sunset
- 17:12
Overview
Kyushu in December: Key Points
- ✓Fukuoka's high is 12.6°C, with mornings around 6°C. You'll need a winter coat
- ✓The south, including Miyazaki and Kagoshima, is sunny and relatively warm even in winter
- ✓Illuminations and Christmas events at Huis Ten Bosch
- ✓Takachiho's Yokagura continues. Hot spring season in Beppu, Yufuin and more
By Area
December Weather by Area
Temperature, precipitation, snow and sunshine are climate normals (1991-2020). Sunset is for December 15.
Nagasaki→
Station: NagasakiNagasaki, Mt. Inasa, Glover Garden, Meganebashi Bridge
High
13.1℃
Low
6.0℃
- Precip.
- 74.8mm
- Sunshine
- 114h
- Sunset
- 17:16
Highs around 13°C. The clear winter air makes the night view beautiful
Sasebo & Huis Ten Bosch→
Station: SaseboSasebo, Huis Ten Bosch, Kujukushima Islands
High
12.9℃
Low
5.7℃
- Precip.
- 77.5mm
- Sunshine
- 122h
- Sunset
- 17:16
The season for illuminations and Christmas events at Huis Ten Bosch
Karatsu, Arita & Ureshino Onsen→
Station: UreshinoUreshino Onsen, Karatsu, Arita, Imari
High
11.6℃
Low
1.9℃
- Precip.
- 78.2mm
- Sunshine
- 121h
- Sunset
- 17:15
Ureshino gets cold, with mornings around 2°C. Warm up in the hot springs
Kumamoto & Aso→
Station: KumamotoKumamoto, Kumamoto Castle, Aso, Kurokawa Onsen
High
12.9℃
Low
3.4℃
- Precip.
- 61.2mm
- Sunshine
- 143h
- Sunset
- 17:13
Kumamoto mornings around 3°C. Aso is colder than the city, so watch out for snow and icy roads
Beppu & Yufuin→
Station: OitaBeppu, Yufuin, Beppu Hells Tour, Mt. Yufu
High
13.0℃
Low
4.6℃
- Precip.
- 47.1mm
- Sunshine
- 151h
- Sunset
- 17:08
Oita highs around 13°C. The season when the hot spring steam looks most striking
Takachiho→
Station: TakachihoTakachiho, Takachiho Gorge, Takachiho Shrine, Amanoiwato Shrine
High
11.5℃
Low
0.3℃
- Precip.
- 57.9mm
- Sunshine
- 138h
- Sunset
- 17:10
Highs of 11.5°C, mornings 0.3°C. Bundle up well to watch Yokagura
Miyazaki & Nichinan→
Station: MiyazakiMiyazaki, Aoshima, Nichinan Coast, Udo Jingu
High
15.0℃
Low
5.0℃
- Precip.
- 74.9mm
- Sunshine
- 184h
- Sunset
- 17:12
Highs around 15°C, with lots of sunny days
Kagoshima, Sakurajima & Ibusuki→
Station: KagoshimaKagoshima, Sakurajima, Ibusuki, Sengan-en
High
15.3℃
Low
6.9℃
- Precip.
- 93.2mm
- Sunshine
- 143h
- Sunset
- 17:16
Highs around 15°C. A lovely season for Ibusuki's sand baths
Yakushima→
Station: YakushimaYakushima, Shiratani Unsuikyo, Jomon Sugi, Yakusugi Land
High
16.8℃
Low
11.0℃
- Precip.
- 281.8mm
- Sunshine
- 79h
- Sunset
- 17:19
Warm, with highs around 17°C, but rain on the high side, at 281.8 mm
What to Wear
What to Wear in Kyushu in December
Tops
Long sleeves with a sweater. Adjust with your base layers
Outerwear
Winter coat or down jacket
Bottoms
Thick long pants
Shoes
Comfortable sneakers or boots
Accessories
Gloves and a scarf
Mornings in Takachiho drop close to 0°C. Outdoors at night, for Yokagura or the illuminations, bundle up properly with a down jacket and gloves. If you're driving to Aso, make sure you're prepared for snowy roads, for example with winter tires.
Good to Know
Good to Know
Some sights close over the New Year holidays
Some shops and facilities close over the year-end and New Year holidays. Check opening days in advance.
Transportation is crowded at year-end
At the end of the year, flights and the shinkansen are crowded with people heading home for the holidays. Book early.
Watch for snow and ice in the mountains
In higher areas such as Aso and Takachiho, roads can be closed due to snow or ice.
It's warmer down south
Miyazaki, Kagoshima and Yakushima are among the warmest places in Kyushu, with many comfortable days even in winter.
Events
December Events & Highlights
Takachiho Yokagura (Night Kagura)
TakachihoUsually mid-November to early February of the following yearA winter ritual in which about 20 communities around town turn private homes or community halls into kagura venues and perform 33 sacred kagura dances through the night.
Read the guide：Takachiho Yokagura (Night Kagura) →Tours & tickets for this eventPR
- PRKlookMiyazaki Day Tour: Takachiho Gorge & Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine (from Fukuoka)A day tour visiting Takachiho Gorge, Amano Iwato Shrine and more. Aso and boating options availableView on Klook
- PRKlookAso, Kusasenri & Takachiho Gorge Day Tour (from Hakata Station)Kusasenri and Takachiho Gorge in one day. Takachiho Gorge rowboat rental option availableView on Klook
The whole town is lit up, and in December it's especially dazzling, with Christmas events on top.
Read the guide：Huis Ten Bosch Winter Illumination →Tours & tickets for this eventPR
Takachiho Kagura
Takachiho (Takachiho Shrine)Nightly from 8 p.m.Even if the Yokagura dates don't fit your plans, you can see kagura for about an hour every night at the kagura hall of Takachiho Shrine.
Dates change every year. Please check the official websites before you go.
FAQ
FAQ
Q. What's the temperature in Fukuoka in December?＋
On average, the high is 12.6°C and the low is 5.8°C. A winter coat, gloves and a scarf will keep you comfortable.
Q. When can I see Takachiho's Yokagura?＋
It's usually held in communities around town from mid-November to early February of the following year. Check the schedule with the Takachiho Town Tourism Association.
Q. What should I wear in Kyushu in December?＋
A winter coat is the basics. Miyazaki and Kagoshima are relatively warm, but mountain areas such as Aso and Takachiho get cold, so bundle up well.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Kyushu TripPR
Other Months
Kyushu 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.