December · Japan
Best time to visit Hokkaido in December Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Hokkaido in December
Average temperature -6°C, 49 mm of rain, about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 89% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
December score
2.6/10
Ranked #12 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- -6°C
- Rainfall
- 49 mm
- Humidity
- 89%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 0
- Crowd Density
- Quiet / Uncrowded
- Average Expenses
- $ · Budget Friendly ($)
December in Hokkaido scores 2.6/10 for nature and wildlife travel - ranked #12 of 12. Expect around -6°C, 49 mm of rain, and roughly 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Hokkaido is Japan's wild north-Sapporo snow festivals, lavender fields of Furano, and hot-spring towns after powder days. Best window: late spring through early autumn.
December in Hokkaido: expect compromises
December averages -6°C (21°F) — deep-winter cold that dictates the whole trip: short outdoor stints, indoor plans on standby, and no expectation of long walking days.
At 49 mm of water-equivalent precipitation this is a snowy month at resort level — that is snowpack, not lost days — with almost no days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 8.8 hours of daylight.
It scores 2.6/10 here, 12th of 12 months, against 8.8/10 in the destination's best month.
Pack insulated layers, a windproof shell, gloves and boots with grip, a packable rain layer, footwear you can get muddy.
Figure on low-season pricing, with crowds are light for this destination.
Flexible dates? May scores 6.2 points higher here — enough to change the trip.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Hokkaido in December?
- In December, Hokkaido averages -6°C, 49 mm of rain, and about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 2.6/10.
- Is December a good time to visit Hokkaido?
- December earns a 2.6/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Hokkaido in December?
- Expect about 49 mm of rain in December. Average humidity is 89% and there are about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Hokkaido
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Hokkaido
Hokkaido, Japan. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.