Tokyo · Japan
December
Illuminations season — Tokyo goes all-in on Christmas lights despite not celebrating Christmas.
Best match
#7 of 12 months
There are better months for Tokyo — see the full ranking below.
See when to go instead →Climate
High
12°C
Low
4.1°C
Rain
51mm
Sun
6.3hrs/day
30-year climate normals · Open Meteo ERA5
How December scores in Tokyo
Weather
Above average
Value
Very good
Crowds
Good
Events
Good
Atmosphere
Very good
What you gain in December
- ↑Roppongi Hills and Midtown illuminations: genuinely excellent winter light installations
- ↑Year-end ōmisoka atmosphere: a contemplative, distinctly Japanese close to the year
- ↑Low humidity and clear skies: Mt. Fuji visible from observation decks on crisp days
What you sacrifice
- ↓Prices spike sharply around Christmas and New Year's Eve (31 Dec–1 Jan)
- ↓Countdown to New Year at Shibuya very crowded — public transport overwhelmed
- ↓Cold evenings (4°C) — outdoor activities require proper winter clothing
How December compares to November (best month)
| Factor | December | November ★ |
|---|---|---|
| Weather | 5 | 8 |
| Value | 7 | 5 |
| Crowds | 6 | 4 |
December in other destinations
Climate data: 30-year normals (1991–2020) from Open Meteo ERA5 reanalysis. Scores compare months within Tokyo, not across destinations. Methodology →