Sendai & Matsushima→
Station: SendaiSendai, Matsushima, Zuihoden, Akiu Onsen
High
8.3℃
Low
0.9℃
- Precip.
- 44.1mm
- Sunshine
- 136h
- Sunset
- 16:17
Highs around 8°C. The Pageant of Starlight on Jozenji-dori
Tohoku Weather Guide
Tohoku Weather in December: What to Wear & Expect
December marks the real start of winter in Tohoku. Sendai's high is 8.3°C and mornings are at 0.9°C. Sendai, on the Pacific side, has lots of sunny days, while on the Sea of Japan side and inland, in places like Aomori, Hirosaki, Kakunodate and Ginzan Onsen, snowy days increase and snowscape season begins. Sendai's streets sparkle with the Pageant of Starlight, and from late December Zao's snow monsters enter their best viewing period.
- Sendai high
- 8.3℃
- Sendai low
- 0.9℃
- Sendai rainfall
- 44.1mm
- Sendai sunset
- 16:17
Overview
Tohoku in December: Key Points
- ✓Sendai's high is 8.3°C, with mornings at 0.9°C. You'll need a winter coat and gloves
- ✓Snow season begins in Aomori, Kakunodate, Ginzan Onsen and similar places
- ✓The Pageant of Starlight on Jozenji-dori in Sendai (usually in December)
- ✓Zao's snow monsters are usually at their best from late December
By Area
December Weather by Area
Temperature, precipitation, snow and sunshine are climate normals (1991-2020). Sunset is for December 15.
Hiraizumi & Ichinoseki→
Station: IchinosekiHiraizumi, Chusonji, Motsuji, Geibikei Gorge
High
6.1℃
Low
−1.4℃
- Precip.
- 58.7mm
- Max snow depth
- 14cm
- Sunset
- 16:14
Highs around 6°C, mornings around -1°C. You may see Chusonji in the snow
Morioka & Koiwai→
Station: MoriokaMorioka, Koiwai Farm, Mt. Iwate, Tsunagi Onsen
High
4.5℃
Low
−2.5℃
- Precip.
- 70.2mm
- Max snow depth
- 19cm
- Sunset
- 16:12
Highs of 4.5°C, mornings at -2.5°C. Wear shoes ready for snowy roads
Aomori & Hakkoda→
Station: AomoriAomori, Hakkoda, Sukayu Onsen, Sannai-Maruyama Site
High
4.5℃
Low
−1.4℃
- Precip.
- 155.2mm
- Max snow depth
- 51cm
- Sunset
- 16:10
Average snowfall is 143 cm. Winter in snow country begins
Hirosaki→
Station: HirosakiHirosaki, Hirosaki Castle, Mt. Iwaki, Hirosaki Park
High
4.4℃
Low
−2.4℃
- Precip.
- 130.1mm
- Max snow depth
- 37cm
- Sunset
- 16:12
Highs around 4°C, mornings around -2°C. You may see Hirosaki Castle in the snow
Lake Towada & Oirase→
Station: YasumiyaOirase Stream, Lake Towada, Yasumiya, Yakeyama
High
1.5℃
Low
−4.2℃
- Precip.
- 94.8mm
- Sunshine
- 51h
- Sunset
- 16:11
Highs of 1.5°C, mornings around -4°C. You'll need midwinter clothing
Kakunodate, Lake Tazawa & Nyuto Onsen→
Station: KakunodateKakunodate, Samurai District, Lake Tazawa, Nyuto Onsen
High
4.1℃
Low
−2.1℃
- Precip.
- 197.8mm
- Max snow depth
- 45cm
- Sunset
- 16:15
Highs around 4°C. Time for the snowy samurai district and snow-view baths at Nyuto Onsen
Yamagata, Zao & Yamadera→
Station: YamagataYamagata, Zao, Yamadera, Zao Onsen
High
6.1℃
Low
−0.7℃
- Precip.
- 97.2mm
- Max snow depth
- 26cm
- Sunset
- 16:20
Zao's snow monsters enter their best period from late December. Mornings in Yamagata City around -1°C
Ginzan Onsen & Obanazawa→
Station: ObanazawaGinzan Onsen, Obanazawa, Oishida
High
4.2℃
Low
−1.5℃
- Precip.
- 197.1mm
- Max snow depth
- 76cm
- Sunset
- 16:18
Average snowfall is 216 cm. The season when you can see the snowy hot spring town
Aizu-Wakamatsu & Ouchi-juku→
Station: WakamatsuAizu-Wakamatsu, Tsuruga Castle, Ouchi-juku, Higashiyama Onsen
High
5.7℃
Low
−0.9℃
- Precip.
- 108.7mm
- Max snow depth
- 34cm
- Sunset
- 16:23
Highs around 6°C, mornings around -1°C. Tsuruga Castle and Ouchi-juku in the snow, too
What to Wear
What to Wear in Tohoku 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
Waterproof boots with non-slip soles
Accessories
Gloves, a scarf, a knit hat and kairo (disposable heat packs)
At Lake Towada, mornings drop to around -4°C. If you're heading into the mountains to see Zao's snow monsters or Hakkoda, you'll need cold-weather gear like ski wear.
Good to Know
Good to Know
How to walk on snowy roads
On icy or snowy roads, take small steps and put your whole sole down at once. Shoes with non-slip soles will keep you safe.
Winter tires are a must
In snowy areas, driving without winter tires is extremely dangerous. Choose a rental car with winter tires, and if you're not used to snowy roads, use trains and buses.
The weather differs between the Pacific and Sea of Japan sides
The Pacific side, including Sendai, has lots of sunny days, while Aomori and inland Akita and Yamagata have more snowy days. Check the weather forecast for each destination.
Some places close over New Year
From around December 29 to around January 3, museums and some shops are closed. Shinkansen also get crowded at the end of the year, so book early.
Events
December Events & Highlights
Sendai's signature winter illumination, in which the zelkova trees lining Jozenji-dori are decorated with countless light bulbs.
Read the guide：SENDAI Pageant of Starlight →Tours & tickets for this eventPR
- PRKlookMatsushima Bay Sightseeing Cruise (Matsushima, One of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views)Tour the islands of Matsushima Bay on an approx. 50-minute sightseeing boatView on Klook
- PRKlookShiogama Shrine, Matsushima & Chusonji Day Tour from SendaiA Matsushima Bay cruise and the World Heritage Chusonji Konjikido in one dayView on Klook
A winter landscape of trees coated in snow and ice. Also known as snow monsters, they can be reached by ropeway. The best time depends on weather conditions.
Read the guide：Zao Snow Monsters Light-up →Tours & tickets for this eventPR
- PRKlookGinzan Onsen & Zao Ropeway Snow Monsters Day Tour from SendaiA winter-only plan to see the snow monsters from the Zao Ropeway and stroll around Ginzan OnsenView on Klook
- PRKlookZao Snow Monsters, Ginzan Onsen & Fox Village Tour from SendaiA bus tour from Sendai with options including a Zao snow monster day plan (ropeway fare paid on site)View on Klook
Hot Springs in the Snow
Ginzan Onsen, Nyuto Onsen and moreFrom DecemberAs the snow begins to fall, the season arrives for snow-covered hot spring towns and outdoor baths with snow views.
Dates change every year. Please check the official websites before you go.
FAQ
FAQ
Q. What's the temperature in Sendai in December?＋
On average, the high is 8.3°C and the low is 0.9°C. You'll need a winter coat, gloves and a scarf.
Q. Can I see Zao's snow monsters in December?＋
Zao's snow monsters are usually at their best from late December to late February. The best time depends on weather conditions.
Q. When is the SENDAI Pageant of Starlight?＋
It's usually held in December on Jozenji-dori. Check the official website for the dates and lighting hours.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Tohoku TripPR
Other Months
Tohoku 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.