December · Japan
Best time to visit Matsumoto in December Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Matsumoto in December
Average temperature -1°C, 17 mm of rain, about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 85% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
December score
4.7/10
Ranked #10 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- -1°C
- Rainfall
- 17 mm
- Humidity
- 85%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 0
- Crowd Density
- Quiet / Uncrowded
- Average Expenses
- $$ · Moderate Cost ($$)
December in Matsumoto scores 4.7/10 for sightseeing and cultural travel - ranked #10 of 12. Expect around -1°C, 17 mm of rain, and roughly 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Matsumoto's black-walled castle and the Japanese Alps make it a gateway to the northern highlands.
December in Matsumoto — the hardest end of the year
At -1°C (30°F) this is proper winter weather in December: layer up and split the day between outdoor highlights and indoor stops.
Only 17 mm of water-equivalent precipitation is expected (snow at altitude), leaving almost no days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 9.5 hours of daylight.
That is 4.7/10 on the same scale — 10th of 12 months, versus 6.7/10 for the best month here.
Pack insulated layers, a windproof shell, gloves and boots with grip.
Budget for mid-season pricing, and crowds are light for this destination.
If your dates are flexible, May is materially better in Matsumoto — 2 points higher on the same scale.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Matsumoto in December?
- In December, Matsumoto averages -1°C, 17 mm of rain, and about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 4.7/10.
- Is December a good time to visit Matsumoto?
- December earns a 4.7/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Matsumoto in December?
- Expect about 17 mm of rain in December. Average humidity is 85% and there are about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Matsumoto
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Matsumoto
Matsumoto, Japan. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.