Kyoto Weather in December 2026
“A steady middle month — well worth visiting with the right expectations.”
Roughly 7 rainy days across the month, on average.
December returns Kyoto to winter thresholds with 10.6C/51.1F highs, 1.8C/35.2F lows, 61mm rain across 7.1 wet days, and 7.3 sunshine hours daily. Early December still catches late momiji at protected valleys like Ruriko-in until December 8-10, then the calendar shifts to winter proper: bare trees, frost mornings, and the first realistic snow-window opening December 20 onward.
On the ground December pivots to oshogatsu New Year preparation: Nishiki Market's covered arcade runs osechi ryori order pickup starting December 28 with kobumaki kelp rolls and kuromame black beans, Kyoto's coffee culture rivals Vienna at % Arabica Higashiyama and Weekenders Tominokoji which shift to hot pour-over rituals, and Chion-in temple rehearses joya-no-kane bell striking for December 31's 108-strike midnight ceremony.
Ten-year records show December warming 0.8C with snow-day count dropping from eight to four per month; 2026 forecast includes moderate La Nina influence pushing at least one 3-day cold snap into the third week, with Kinkaku-ji snow probability rising to 35% across the month.
For 2026 travelers December splits into two products: December 1-15 catches tail-end autumn color at Ruriko-in and Enko-ji at hotel rates 50% below November, and December 28-January 3 delivers Kyoto's most authentic ritual week with joya-no-kane bells, hatsumode shrine visits, and osechi cuisine that 2026 traveler numbers finally allow booking without six-month lead time.
Gion geisha spotting has become tourist harassment; the city banned photos on Hanamikoji since 2019 with 10,000 yen fines. Real Kyoto food is obanzai vegetable-focused; Menami in Kiyamachi serves it home-style. Kyoto's coffee culture rivals Vienna; % Arabica at Higashiyama and Weekenders in Tominokoji are pilgrimages. Nishiki Market's covered arcade closes 6pm sharp. Buses beat trains for temple loops.
What to pack for Kyoto in December
Full winter kit; basin cold sits sharper than temperature readings suggest. Bring:
- Insulated waterproof coat rated to -3C
- Merino base layers top and bottom
- Beanie, gloves, and warm scarf
- Waterproof leather boots with grip for possible snow
- Thermal socks and hand warmers for joya-no-kane midnight bells
What to pack for Kyoto in December
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Where to stay in Kyoto
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Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated December trip to Kyoto
Peak season prices — book early or shift by 2–3 weeks to save. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
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Delayed flight to Kyoto?
Flights to Kyoto in December can be delayed by storms. Claim up to €600 if yours is 3+ hours late. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
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Things worth doing
Ruriko-in late momiji December 1-8, oshogatsu osechi pickup at Nishiki late December, Chion-in joya-no-kane bell midnight Dec 31, hatsumode at Fushimi Inari January 1, hot pour-over at Weekenders Tominokoji.
December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Kyoto. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Kyoto
While December has its own character in Kyoto, the data-backed best months to visit Kyoto are November. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across an 11-year climate record (2015–2025).
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for KyotoOther places with a similar climate right now
Read more about Kyoto
Where to travel in November 2026: Kyoto peak momiji, Lapland aurora, Malta warm winter, Rovaniemi Santa season, and Nuremberg pre-market week.
The best October travel destinations for 2026: Iceland aurora, Kyoto autumn colours, Cappadocia balloons, Colorado foliage, Munich Oktoberfest.
Kyoto in December — FAQ
Q01Should I visit Kyoto in December?
Should I visit Kyoto in December?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In December, Kyoto averages a high of 11°C (51°F) and a low of 2°C (35°F), with 61mm of rainfall across roughly 7 rainy days. Late March-early April cherry blossom at Philosopher's Path; November 20-30 momiji red maples at Tofuku-ji peak with evening light-ups.
Q02What temperatures should I expect in Kyoto during December?
What temperatures should I expect in Kyoto during December?
The average high temperature in Kyoto during December is 11°C (51°F), with an average low of 2°C (35°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). January 3C with occasional Kinkaku-ji snow; tourist numbers halve, kaiseki restaurants push nabe hot pot menus, and Arashiyama bamboo empties.
Q03Is December a rainy month in Kyoto?
Is December a rainy month in Kyoto?
Kyoto averages approximately 7 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 61mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04How should I dress for Kyoto in December?
How should I dress for Kyoto in December?
For Kyoto in December, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. Slip-on shoes because you'll remove them 8-15 times daily at temples; laced hiking boots are hell.
Q05Is December a busy travel month for Kyoto?
Is December a busy travel month for Kyoto?
Tourist crowds in Kyoto during December are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. Gion geisha spotting has become tourist harassment; the city banned photos on Hanamikoji since 2019 with 10,000 yen fines. Real Kyoto food is obanzai vegetable-focused; Menami in Kiyamachi serves it home-style. Kyoto's coffee culture rivals Vienna; % Arabica at Higashiyama and Weekenders in Tominokoji are pilgrimages. Nishiki Market's covered arcade closes 6pm sharp. Buses beat trains for temple loops.