December · Japan
Best time to visit Nozawa Onsen in December Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Nozawa Onsen in December
Average temperature 0°C, 238 mm of rain, about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 97% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
December score
7.5/10
Ranked #3 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 0°C
- Rainfall
- 238 mm
- Humidity
- 97%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 0
- Crowd Density
- Moderate Crowds
- Average Expenses
- $$$ · Peak Season Rates ($$$)
December in Nozawa Onsen scores 7.5/10 for snow and ski travel - one of the top 12-month picks (#3). Expect around 0°C, 238 mm of rain, and roughly 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Nozawa Onsen is a historic ski village with communal bathhouses, wooden lanes, and consistent Nagano powder. Best window: the core winter snow season, with shoulder weeks for quieter slopes.
December in Nozawa Onsen: strong conditions, 3rd of 12
December averages 0°C (32°F), cold enough that sightseeing works in bursts rather than in one long day on foot.
At 238 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 9.5 hours of daylight.
It scores 7.5/10 here, 3rd of 12 months, against 9.4/10 in the destination's best month.
Pack insulated layers, a windproof shell, gloves and boots with grip, a waterproof shell rather than an umbrella, goggles and a helmet if you are not renting.
Plan for peak pricing, with crowds are moderate. You are paying the year's highest rates for the year's best conditions — book early or shift a few weeks either side.
Flexible dates? February scores 1.9 points higher here — enough to change the trip.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Nozawa Onsen in December?
- In December, Nozawa Onsen averages 0°C, 238 mm of rain, and about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 7.5/10.
- Is December a good time to visit Nozawa Onsen?
- December earns a 7.5/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Nozawa Onsen in December?
- Expect about 238 mm of rain in December. Average humidity is 97% and there are about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Nozawa Onsen
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Nozawa Onsen, Japan. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.