Weather in Kyoto in December
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Book now, pay at pickup — compare Hertz, Avis, Budget, Sixt and 800+ rental companies for December in Kyoto.
Compare car hire prices → Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to youKyoto in December is cold — daytime temperatures average 10.6°C, dropping to 0.9°C at night. The month is moderately rainy (7 rainy days), with roughly 7.7 hours of sunshine a day. This is peak season for good reason — conditions are close to ideal. For the complete picture, see the best time to visit Kyoto — every month compared. Once you know when to go, find your Kyoto packing list at 247PackingList.
Get ready for Kyoto in December
Search flights to Kyoto
Compare 100+ airlines for December — one search, best price.
Search Flights →Thermal travel layers
Pack proper layers — winters are genuinely cold and evenings drop fast year-round.
Check Price →What to pack for Kyoto in December
- Warm layers
- Light jacket or fleece
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light waterproof layer
Compare all months in Kyoto
| Month | High | Rain | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8.4°C | 56.2mm | 10/10 |
| February | 9.4°C | 54.5mm | 10/10 |
| March | 14.9°C | 121.7mm | 9/10 |
| April | 18.4°C | 170.9mm | 9/10 |
| May | 23.0°C | 197.2mm | 9/10 |
| June | 26.8°C | 231.8mm | 8/10 |
| July | 30.0°C | 336.7mm | 8/10 |
| August | 32.1°C | 198.4mm | 9/10 |
| September | 28.3°C | 193.0mm | 9/10 |
| October | 21.7°C | 139.6mm | 9/10 |
| November | 16.9°C | 81.3mm | 10/10 |
| December | 10.6°C | 54.8mm | 10/10 |
Full month-by-month guide: best time to visit Kyoto →
For facts about Japan — currency, language and dialling code — see our Japan country guide at 247CountryInfo. Travellers also find it useful to keep a Kyoto travel guide to hand. Check clothing sizes in Japan before you shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Kyoto?
December rates 10/10 for visiting Kyoto — excellent time to visit. Expect average highs of 10.6°C, 54.8mm of rain across the month and about 7.7 hours of daily sunshine.
What is the temperature in Kyoto in December?
In December, Kyoto has average highs of 10.6°C (51.1°F) and average lows of 0.9°C (33.6°F).
Does it rain in Kyoto in December?
Not much. December averages just 54.8mm of rain in Kyoto — the odd shower is possible but most days stay dry.
What should I wear in Kyoto in December?
For Kyoto in December (10.6°C highs / 0.9°C lows), pack warm layers plus light jacket or fleece, comfortable walking shoes, light waterproof layer.
More essentials for Kyoto in December
Packing cubes
Keep the bag organised whatever the weather — compression cubes for every size.
Check Price →Travel first aid kit
Compact TSA-friendly kit for peace of mind wherever you travel.
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Climate data sourced from Open-Meteo (open source, open data licence). Monthly averages calculated from 2020–2023 historical data. Weather can be unpredictable — always check a live forecast before travelling.