Nagoya Weather in December

Season: winter

In short: cold, low rainfall, sunny and cloudy, sometimes windy

Toyota Cars in Toyota Commemorative Museum

Temperature: Nagoya enters winter in December. Its temperature lies between 3-11℃ (37.4-51.8℉) averagely, which is cold and not suitable for outdoor activities. But it is not the lowest of the year yet. It is windy sometimes, making people feel even colder than usual. Intensifying temperature variation between day and night is notable.
Precipitation: December is the month with the lowest rainfall of the year, at 45mm (1.8in) on average, bringing humidity of 65%. According to historical records, there are about 6 rainy days, while the rest majority are sunny and cloudy days. Besides, the snow possibility is low in Nagoya in December.

Sunlight: As the sun rises late and sets early, Nagoya has the shortest daily hours in December, averaging at 9 hours and 48 minutes. Meanwhile, it is the month with the weakest UV rays of the year.

Recommended Clothes to Wear in December

Top: Sweaters or fleece hoodies with padded jackets are good matches for December. Compared with the cold outdoors, the indoor places can be quite warm thanks to the heating system, so the overcoat should be easy to be taken off or put on. For colder nights, a light down coat can be more useful to keep warm.
Bottom: Both thick sweatpants and winter pants are suitable for keeping out coldness and ensuring flexible moves at the same time.
Shoes: In cold weather, a pair of warm walking boots are essential. You can also pack sneakers to reduce fatigue during the long journey.
Tip: If you want to wear a kimono when appreciating the red maple leaves, it is highly recommended to do so at sunny noon, and you need to wear a thermal shirt inside and a long padded overcoat or down coat outside in case of catching a cold.

Best Things to Do in Nagoya in December

Tourism Rate:

Visiting Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

Considering the cold weather in December, visiting indoor attractions with heating can be a good idea. You can have a mobile tour in Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. Entering the Textile Machinery Pavilion, you can witness the steps of textile production, some of which allow you to join to experience. The development of Toyota is presented by videos in the Automobile Pavilion. You can also see many representative cars from Toyota Group. There is a car production line still running to demonstrate the production process of Toyota cars. Children visiting here can assemble a Toyota car model and take it home for free.

Weaving Machine in Toyota Commemorative Museum

Enjoying Red Autumnal Leaves

Although Nagoya enters winter in December, you still have the chance to appreciate red autumnal leaves early in this month, which can be the best viewing time in many spots. Tokugawaen is the first choice. It is a representative of traditional Japanese gardens, with over 300 maple trees planted, presenting a brilliant red color in early December. Paired with red leaves, all the rockeries, lakes, bridges, pavilions, and waterfalls inside the garden look more beautiful. You will encounter the Tokugawaen Momichi Festival this month when there is lightning activity in the evening. You can appreciate the maple leaves beautifully decorated by light, a scenery completely different from that during the day.

Bathing in Onsen

If feeling tired after a long journey, getting relaxed in onsen can be a good choice. Nagoya boasts abundant hot spring hotels and resorts. Ryusenji Onsen at the Ryusenji Temple where natural hot springs gush out from 1,800 meters underground is an example. It offers 12 types of baths and 2 types of saunas for leisurely soaking. When night falls, lights around the open-air bath are lit up, looking like countless fireflies dancing in darkness. While soaking in the hot springs, you can overlook the whole Nagoya.

Onsen Hotel in Nagoya

Having a Special Christmas

Traveling to Nagoya around Christmas in 2024, you will have a unique holiday experience. Nagoya people celebrate the festival in their own ways. As Christmas approaches, a wonderful winter fireworks show themed around Christmas Day is held at the Nagoya Port. You will see brilliant fireworks blooming with music. In the famous Osu shopping district, almost all shops are renovated to welcome visitors. Unlike in Europe and America, the shops in Japan stays open for customers on Christmas Day.

Osu Shopping District in December

December Weather for Other Cities in Japan:

7-Day Nagoya Weather Forecast