December · Japan
Best time to visit Kyoto in December Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Kyoto in December
Average temperature 5°C, 60 mm of rain, about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 83% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
December score
5.0/10
Ranked #8 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 5°C
- Rainfall
- 60 mm
- Humidity
- 83%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 0
- Crowd Density
- Moderate Crowds
- Average Expenses
- $$ · Moderate Cost ($$)
December in Kyoto scores 5.0/10 for sightseeing and cultural travel - ranked #8 of 12. Expect around 5°C, 60 mm of rain, and roughly 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Kyoto reveals its quiet soul before the tour buses stir: temple bells drift through the air, moss gardens glisten, and lantern-lit lanes reward those who rise early and wander without rush.
December in Kyoto: mixed conditions, plan around the weather
December averages 5°C (40°F) — jacket weather. Comfortable for walking and museums, too cool for anything water-based.
Rainfall runs 60 mm, so plan one flexible day in three; you still get almost no days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 9.7 hours of daylight.
It scores 5/10 here, 8th of 12 months, against 6.6/10 in the destination's best month.
Pack a mid-weight jacket, long sleeves and shoes you can walk 15 km in, a packable rain layer.
Plan for mid-season pricing, with crowds are moderate.
Flexible dates? May scores 1.6 points higher here — enough to change the trip.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Kyoto in December?
- In December, Kyoto averages 5°C, 60 mm of rain, and about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 5.0/10.
- Is December a good time to visit Kyoto?
- December earns a 5.0/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Kyoto in December?
- Expect about 60 mm of rain in December. Average humidity is 83% and there are about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Kyoto
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.