Shirakawa-go Weather in December

 Season: Winter
 Summary:

1. In December, it is cold and there is a huge day-night temperature swing.
2. The snowfall is abundant, mostly in the form of heavy snow.
3. As a renowned winter resort, Shirakawa-go see many visitors in this month.

Cold Weather

Shirakawa-go weather in December is cold, with the average temperature of -2 - 6℃ (35.6 - 42.8℉), signaling the arrival of winter. In the first few days of the month, it is somewhat chilly, since high temperatures range from 10℃ (50℉) to 15℃ (59℉). In warmer years, when the sun is at its strongest, the high can reach up to nearly 18℃ (64.4℉). In the rest of the month, the temperature drops, and hardly exceeds 10℃ (50℉) during the day. For low temperatures, there are twenty days or so seeing below 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit).

From the aforementioned data, December brings a considerable day-night temperature swing, as high as 14℃ (57.2℉). Thus, onion-like dressing is highly recommended.

Snow Goose Feather

The village has 225mm (8.9 in) average precipitation over 22 days of rain, sleet or snow. Among which, snowy days are the most frequent - up to 18 days, and most of them are heavy snow. But it is often intermittent, as Shirakawa-go in December experiences very changeable climate: a single day may see cloudy, sleety, rainy, and snowy conditions. 

Early in the month when temperatures are higher, the snow may melt away after a couple of days. Even if some snow remains, it’s not very deep. By the end of the month with cold temperatures, it snows more frequently, so the snow accumulation is thick and slow to melt. 

Shortest Sunshine Hours & Daylight Hours 

Sunrise Time: 6:46 - 7:05
Sunset Time: 16:39 - 16:49
Sunshine Hours: around 4 hours per day
Daylight Hours: 9 hours 44 minutes - 9 hours 53 minutes

During this month, both sunshine and daylight hours are the shortest of the year. Meanwhile, some sights shorten their opening hours. For instance, Gasshozukuri Minkaen Outdoor Museum adjusts its business hours from 8:40 - 17:00 to 9:00 - 16:00, while Myozenji Temple Museum does the same from 8:30 - 17:00 to 9:00 - 16:00. To make the most of time, you’d better get up early and place main attractions at the top of your travel schedule. 

UV Index is only 3, but you still need to pack sunglasses, particularly when you play in the snow for a long time, because the snow reflects a great deal of ultraviolet rays, causing discomfort of your eyes.

Is December a Recommended Month to Visit Shirakawa-go?

Yes, December is suitable to visit Shirakawa-go. Despite chilly temperatures, an idyllic village cloaked in white snow is hard to forget. Besides, though Shirakawa-go in December receives many tourists, the numbers tend to be lower without the light-up events in January and February.

What to Wear in Shirakawa-go in December

 Clothes: Sweaters or thick hoodies, topped with long down jackets. Wearing too much restricts your movement, and makes you look bulky in photos, so close-fitting thermal clothes are better options.

 Pants: Snow pants or plush sweatpants are enough, but they shouldn’t be too long, as ones are more likely to get wet when you walk through the snow-covered area.

 Footwear: Pack comfortable, non-slip and waterproof shoes, such as Martin boots and long leather boots, and high-ankle woolen socks. As alternatives, water-resistant spray or long shoe covers are also okay. 

 Others: 
1. Thick scarves, gloves, beanies and earmuffs are essential items to keep warm.
2. Raingear is a must, but raincoats are more recommended than umbrellas, as they free your hands and help you keep balance on icy and slippery roads.
3. Lightweight and practical heating pads are indispensable in winter.

Travel Suggestions and Tips

1. Though December doesn’t reach the busiest time in Shirakawa-go, there are still many tourists. So, if you would like to visit Shirakawa-go in this month of 2025, remember to reserve hotels, flights and restaurants in advance. Plus, some restaurants may close at the end of the month, so it’s better to carry some food with you.
2. Actually, the entire village is perfect for admiring snowy scenery, but the scenes vary from locations. For example, Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck and Shiroyama Tenshukaku Observation Deck and Deai Bridge provides the ideal panorama of Shirakawa-go. Three Small Houses and the window on the second floor of Wada House are great sites to see the well-arranged farmhouse layouts and snow-blanketed mountains respectively.
3. After spending much time outside, it’s inevitable to warm up indoors. Local café Ochiudo is a good destination, where you can not only observe the internal structure of the gassho-style house, but also drink hot coffee or red bean soup around a roaring furnace.
4. Clothes are prone to get wet on snowy and rainy days, so book hotels with a dryer. If unavailable, a hairdryer is acceptable.

Shirakawa-go Weather by Month