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.
3. As a renowned winter resort, Shirakawa-go sees many visitors in this month.

Cold

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 not that cold, since high temperature ranges from 10℃ (50℉) to 15℃ (59℉). In warmer days, 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 temperature, there are twenty days or so seeing it below 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit).

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

Snowy Street Scene

A Lot of Snowfall

This month, the village has 225mm (8.9 in) of precipitation from over 22 days, rainy, sleet or snow. Among which, snowy days take up the majority - up to 18 days, and heavy snow is common. But it is often intermittent, as Shirakawa-go climate in December is very changeable: 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 as temperatures continuously drop, the snow accumulation remains thick and seldom melts away.  

Shortest Sunshine Hours & Daylight Hours of the Year

Myozenji Temple Museum

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

During this month, both sunshine and daylight hours are the shortest of the year. Because of the short daytime, some sites 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 the day, you’d better set off 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, especially the second half, is suitable to visit Shirakawa-go. Despite chilly temperatures, the 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 than in January and February when light-up events will be held.

What to Wear in Shirakawa-go in December

 Clothes: Keeping warm is a top priority, but don’t wear too many layers. Sweaters or thick hoodies and long down jackets are normally enough. If you’re sensitive to the cold, add highly-insulating base layers or leggings, which don’t restrict your movement and make you look bulky in photos.

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

 Footwear: Pack comfortable, thick, non-slip and waterproof shoes, such as Martin boots and long leather boots, and high-ankle woolen socks. If the shoes you wear are not water-resistant, it’s better to bring long shoe covers. 

 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 is not 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 and restaurants in advance. 
2. Some restaurants may close at the end of the month because of the New Year holiday.
3. Actually, the entire village is perfect for admiring snowy scenery, but the scenes vary among 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.
4. After spending much time outside, it’s necessary 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.
5. Clothes are prone to get wet on snowy and rainy days, so book hotels with a dryer, or at least with a hairdryer.

Full View of Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go Weather by Month