What to pack for Kyoto in December
- a warm coat, hat and gloves
- a packable rain layer
Humidity averages 77%; max daily wind around 15 km/h.
How December compares
Best months in Kyoto: April–June & October–November. See the full best time to visit Kyoto guide.
Kyoto in December: the details
In December, Kyoto sees average daytime highs of 11°C (51°F) and overnight lows of 1°C (34°F). Rainfall totals roughly 52 mm across 6.2 rainy days, and the sun shines about 7.6 hours per day with 9.7 hours of daylight mid-month. Relative humidity averages 77%.
In context: December is the 10th-warmest month and the driest in Kyoto. The sunniest month is August (10.1 h/day).
| Metric | December average |
|---|---|
| Daytime high | 11°C / 51°F |
| Overnight low | 1°C / 34°F |
| Rainfall | 52 mm over 6.2 rainy days |
| Sunshine | 7.6 h/day (9.7 h daylight) |
| Humidity | 77% |
| Travel score | 5.7 / 10 |
These figures are climate normals computed from the ERA5 weather reanalysis (2019–2024) for Kyoto, Japan (35.02, 135.75) — see our methodology. Actual conditions vary year to year.
Not set on Kyoto? Browse the best places to visit in December ranked by travel score.
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Kyoto in December?
Daytime highs in Kyoto in December average 11°C (51°F); nights drop to about 1°C.
Does it rain in Kyoto in December?
Expect around 6.2 rainy days and 52 mm of rainfall in December.
Is December a good time to visit Kyoto?
December is a fair shoulder-season month in Kyoto — decent conditions with some trade-offs. Overall travel score: 5.7/10. The best months are April–June & October–November.
Where should you go next month?
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