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Planning a trip to Japan in December, what kind of clothes should I pack?
How much does the temperature and weather vary by region?
I’m here to answer those questions!
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
☑ Japan’s December weather and average temperatures in major travel destinations.
☑ What to wear in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hakata (Fukuoka), Sapporo (Hokkaido) & Okinawa in December.
☑ Clothing tips for a comfortable domestic trip in Japan in December.
The Writer & Trustworthiness of this Article
☑ I’m Japanese, and my name is Hiroyuki.
☑ I lived in Tokyo for 6 years and now live in Osaka.
☑ I stayed in Dallas, Texas for several months.
☑ I use reliable weather data from
・The Japan Meteorological Agency
・The Japan Weather Association
This guide covers December weather and temperature trends and What to Wear in six destinations—Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hakata, Sapporo, and Okinawa. It also provides outfit tips and Climate comparisons with California, New York, Texas in the U.S.
The following three people let you know the perceived temperature!
■ California
I’m a university student and from San Francisco, California!
I love Japanese pop culture and I’m traveling around Japan alone!
■ New York
I’m from New York City, traveling in Japan with my family to enjoy Japanese culture!
■ Texas
I’m from Dallas, Texas, visiting Japan with my wife to enjoy Japanese food!
Get ready for your Japan trip with this essential December clothing guide!
- What to Wear in Japan 6 Major Cities in December?
- What to Wear in Tokyo in December?
- What to Wear in Osaka in December?
- What to Wear in Kyoto in December?
- What to Wear in Hakata, Fukuoka in December?
- What to Wear in Sapporo, Hokkaido in December?
- What to Wear in Okinawa in December?
- Travel Tips for Domestic Travel in Japan
- Summary / Key Takeaways
What to Wear in Japan 6 Major Cities in December?
December in Japan marks the beginning of winter, bringing colder temperatures across the country. A warm coat, layered clothing, and winter accessories like gloves and scarves are essential for staying comfortable.
What to Wear in Tokyo in December?
Weather trends over the last 5 years
Average temperature over the last 5 years
Tokyo’s late autumn and early winter are mostly sunny but can get quite cold, especially in the mornings and nights. For your Tokyo winter travel, wearing a warm coat or a down jacket is essential to stay comfortable. Don’t forget to keep your skin moisturized as the dry air can be harsh during this season!
| Outerwear | warm coat / down coat |
| Tops | warm long-sleeve T-shirt / sweater / knitwear |
| Bottoms | warm trousers / pants |
| Item | – |
Check the Tokyo annual weather and outfits.
Check details on Tokyo December’s weather and outfits.
Climate comparisons with California, New York and Texas
Tokyo’s winter is much colder than LA, about as cold as San Francisco’s chilliest days.
Dress warmly!
Tokyo’s winter is much milder than New York’s.
It feels more like late November in NYC, with little to no snow, but you’ll still need a coat!
Tokyo’s winter is about as cold as January in Dallas!
It’s definitely colder than December in Dallas, where you still get warm days.
What to Wear in Osaka in December?
Weather trends over the last 5 years
Average temperature over the last 5 years
December in Osaka brings the true arrival of winter, with increasingly cold temperatures. Mornings and evenings feel especially chilly, while daytime remains crisp and clear. Sunny days are common, and rain and cloudy weather are rare, with very little precipitation. However, humidity levels drop, making the air dry—so moisturizing is recommended. For a comfortable outfit, wear a thick coat or down jacket, along with a scarf and gloves. Layering is the best way to adjust to temperature changes, keeping you warm in the morning while staying comfortable throughout the day. If you’re visiting Osaka in December, expect crisp winter air, clear skies, and chilly mornings and nights!
| Outerwear | warm coat |
| Tops | warm long-sleeve T-shirt / sweater / knitwear |
| Bottoms | warm trousers / pants |
| Item | – |
Check the Osaka annual weather and outfits.
Check details on Osaka December’s weather and outfits.
Climate comparisons with California, New York and Texas
About as cold as a chilly day in San Francisco, but with stronger winds that make it feel even colder!
Osaka’s winter is much milder than New York’s, feeling more like late November in NYC.
Osaka’s winter is about as cold as January in Dallas! Much colder than Houston or San Antonio, but snow is very rare.
What to Wear in Kyoto in December?
Weather trends over the last 5 years
Average temperature over the last 5 years
December in Kyoto features many sunny days and marks the arrival of winter with cold temperatures. Precipitation is minimal, and while humidity is slightly higher, the season is still quite dry. Warm clothing is crucial, so layering with thick coats and sweaters is recommended. Don’t forget accessories like gloves and scarves to stay warm. As the dry air can lead to skin dryness, it’s a good idea to incorporate moisturizing products to keep your skin hydrated during your stay in Kyoto.
| Outerwear | warm coat |
| Tops | warm long-sleeve T-shirt / sweater / knitwear |
| Bottoms | warm trousers / pants |
| Item | – |
Check the Kyoto annual weather and outfits.
Check details on Kyoto December’s weather and outfits.
Climate comparisons with California, New York and Texas
Winter is in full force—nothing like San Francisco! Think of a cold day in California’s mountain regions. The combination of cold temperatures, humidity, and wind makes it feel even chillier. If you’re used to Los Angeles or San Diego weather, this will feel really cold!
Cold, but still milder than NYC! Think of a cold December day in NYC, but slightly warmer. It’s nowhere near the freezing cold of NYC’s January or February. The humidity and wind can make it feel cold, but NYC is objectively colder in winter.
Colder than Dallas, but not extreme! Kyoto’s December is more like late December in Dallas. It’s colder than Austin or Houston but never gets as icy as a Texas winter storm.
What to Wear in Hakata, Fukuoka in December?
Weather trends over the last 5 years
Average temperature over the last 5 years
December in Hakata, Fukuoka brings true winter weather, with chilly mornings and evenings. While sunny days are common, the humidity is low, making the air dry and crisp. To stay warm, wear a coat or down jacket. Cold winds can make temperatures feel even lower, so a scarf and gloves are recommended for added warmth. Proper winter layering is essential for staying comfortable in the cold.
| Outerwear | warm coat |
| Tops | warm long-sleeve T-shirt / sweater / knitwear |
| Bottoms | warm trousers / pants |
| Item | – |
Check the Hakata, Fukuoka annual weather and outfits.
Check details on Hakata, Fukuoka December’s weather and outfits.
Climate comparisons with California, New York and Texas
Feels like January in Fresno!
Colder than Los Angeles or San Diego—warm clothing is a must.
Feels like early December in NYC!
Winter is setting in, but it never reaches the deep cold of January or February.
As cold as January in Dallas! It’s often colder than December in Dallas, so warm clothing is necessary.
What to Wear in Sapporo, Hokkaido in December?
Weather trends over the last 5 years
Average temperature over the last 5 years
December in Sapporo, Hokkaido is cold and snowy, with freezing temperatures and frequent snowfall. A warm, insulated coat or down jacket is a must, along with gloves, a hat, and a scarf. Wear waterproof, insulated shoes to stay warm and prevent slipping on icy roads.
| Outerwear | warm coat / down coat |
| Tops | warm long-sleeve T-shirt / sweater / knitwear |
| Bottoms | warm trousers / pants |
| Item | – |
Check the Sapporo, Hokkaido annual weather and outfits.
Check details on Sapporo, Hokkaido December’s weather and outfits.
Climate comparisons with California, New York and Texas
Winter in Sapporo is like being in a California ski resort! Imagine being at Mammoth or Tahoe in December—snowy, freezing, and definitely requiring a heavy coat, gloves, and a beanie!
Feels like upstate New York in December! Freezing temperatures and regular snowfall make it feel like Rochester or Syracuse, rather than the milder winters NYC gets. Bundle up—this is real winter!
Sapporo’s December is way colder than the coldest winter days in Dallas. Every day is below freezing, making it an experience Texans—especially those from Houston—would find shocking!
What to Wear in Okinawa in December?
Weather trends over the last 5 years
Average temperature over the last 5 years
December in Okinawa is mild and comfortable, with warm days and cooler mornings and evenings. A light jacket or cardigan is useful, but heavy winter clothing isn’t needed.
| Outerwear | jacket / cardigan |
| Tops | long-sleeve T-shirt / light sweater |
| Bottoms | trousers / pants |
| Item | – |
Check the Okinawa annual weather and outfits.
Check details on Okinawa December’s weather and outfits.
Climate comparisons with California, New York and Texas
Winter in Okinawa is warmer than winter in San Diego and feels more like November in Los Angeles. It never gets truly cold, and the extra humidity helps prevent the air from feeling too crisp or dry!
December in Okinawa feels like early May in NYC—no real winter chill at all! Unlike New York’s cold, dry air, Okinawa stays mild and humid, so even at night, it never feels truly cold.
Winter in Okinawa feels like November in Houston—nothing like winter in Dallas! It never really gets cold, and with the humidity, it actually feels even warmer, so you might not even need a jacket.
Travel Tips for Domestic Travel in Japan
- Hokkaido & Tohoku (Northern Japan) – Winter is in full swing, with daytime highs around 32–41°F (0–5°C) and sub-zero temperatures at night. Expect snowfall and icy conditions. A down jacket, thermal layers, gloves, scarf, and hat are essential.
- Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka (Central & Southern Japan) – Cool but not freezing, with daytime highs of 50–59°F (10–15°C) and nighttime lows below 41°F (5°C). A warm coat and layering with sweaters or thermal wear will keep you comfortable.
- Okinawa – Still relatively mild, with daytime highs of around 68°F (20°C), but mornings and evenings can feel cooler. A light jacket or sweater is useful.
- December marks the start of the Christmas and New Year travel season, with increased domestic travel.
- December 29–January 3 is Japan’s busiest travel period, making flights, Shinkansen, and hotels harder to book.
- Popular winter destinations like Hokkaido, Karuizawa, Hakone, and Shirakawa-go become extremely crowded.
- Tips to Avoid Crowds & Travel Smoothly
- Travel on weekdays to avoid peak congestion.
- Book Shinkansen and flights at least a month in advance.
- Reserve hotels early to avoid price surges and availability issues.
Travel Comfortably Between Cities
With a Japan Rail Pass, you can enjoy smooth and hassle-free travel on bullet trains and local trains. Don’t let crowding during New Year travel season slow you down—stay comfortable and explore with JAPAN RAIL PASS!
- December is cold across Japan, requiring proper winter clothing, especially in the north.
- Central Japan requires a warm coat, thermal layers, and accessories like scarves and gloves.
- Okinawa stays mild, but a light jacket is recommended for cooler evenings.
- For Hokkaido or Tohoku, pack warm winter gear, including a thick coat and thermal accessories.
- For Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, bring a warm coat, but layering will help adjust to changing temperatures.
- For Okinawa, pack light, breathable clothing but bring a sweater or jacket for cooler nights.
- If traveling to snowy areas, consider waterproof boots or non-slip footwear to avoid icy conditions.
- If traveling from Hokkaido to Central/Southern Japan, pack lighter layers to adjust for warmer temperatures.
- If traveling to Hokkaido, prepare for winter conditions, including gloves, scarves, and a thick coat.
- New Year’s holiday travel (December 29–January 3) is extremely busy, so book flights and Shinkansen tickets early.
- Consider doing laundry locally to minimize how much you need to pack!
- If visiting Japan in late December, check the “January Clothing Guide” to prepare accordingly.
Summary / Key Takeaways
- Significant temperature differences by region – Hokkaido & Tohoku require winter coats, Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto need layering with jackets, and Okinawa remains mild but benefits from a jacket.
- Peak holiday travel from December 29–January 3, causing crowded trains, airports, and fully booked hotels—reserve in advance.
- Winter gear is necessary in Hokkaido & Tohoku, including down jackets, gloves, scarves, and waterproof boots.
- If traveling from Hokkaido to Central/Southern Japan, adjust for warmer temperatures by layering strategically.
- If visiting snowy areas, pack non-slip or waterproof footwear to navigate icy conditions safely.
With the right preparation, you can enjoy Japan’s winter landscapes, holiday illuminations, and seasonal festivities while staying warm and comfortable!
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