Weather Comparison
Kyoto vs Tokyo
Side-by-side weather comparison for December
December Weather: Kyoto vs Tokyo
| Metric | Kyoto | Tokyo | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 10°C (50°F) | 11°C (52°F)▲ | Tokyo |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 2°C (36°F) | 3°C (37°F)▲ | Tokyo |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 8 days | 7 days▲ | Tokyo |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 66 mm | 59 mm▲ | Tokyo |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 7h/day | 7h/day | Tie |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 2 | 2 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 15 km/h▲ | 20 km/h | Kyoto |
Which City is Better in December?
Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Tokyo edges ahead as the better destination in December. Tokyo offers 7 hours of daily sunshine with only 7 rain days, while Kyoto sees 7 sunshine hours and 8 rain days.
Kyoto is on the cooler side at 10°C, requiring warmer clothing. Tokyo is cooler at 11°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Tokyo is the stronger choice in December.
Temperature Comparison in December
Kyoto reaches an average high of 10°C (50°F) and drops to 2°C (36°F) at night during December. The daily temperature range is 8°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.
Tokyo averages 11°C (52°F) for the high and 3°C (37°F) for the low, with a daily range of 8°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.
Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in December.
Rainfall Comparison in December
Kyoto receives approximately 66 mm of rainfall across 8 rain days during December. You can expect rain roughly every other day.
Tokyo sees 59 mm over 7 rain days. That makes Tokyo the drier option by 1 rain day and 7 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.
What to Pack: Kyoto vs Tokyo
Packing for Kyoto in December
Highs of 10°C, lows of 2°C, 8 rain days
- ✓warm layers
- ✓a mid-weight jacket
- ✓long trousers
- ✓a packable rain jacket
- ✓an umbrella
- ✓a warm scarf
Packing for Tokyo in December
Highs of 11°C, lows of 3°C, 7 rain days
- ✓warm layers
- ✓a mid-weight jacket
- ✓long trousers
- ✓a packable rain jacket
- ✓an umbrella
- ✓a warm scarf
Pack for both: warm layers, a mid-weight jacket, long trousers, a packable rain jacket, an umbrella, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during December.
Year-Round Comparison: Kyoto vs Tokyo
The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.December is highlighted for quick reference.
| Month | Kyoto | Tokyo | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 8°C | 8d | 8°C | 6d |
| Feb | 8°C | 10d | 9°C | 8d |
| Mar | 12°C | 13d | 12°C | 12d |
| Apr | 18°C | 12d | 17°C | 11d |
| May | 23°C | 11d | 22°C | 11d |
| Jun | 26°C | 15d | 25°C | 15d |
| Jul | 29°C | 17d | 28°C | 13d |
| Aug | 31°C | 13d | 30°C | 11d |
| Sep | 27°C | 13d | 26°C | 14d |
| Oct | 21°C | 10d | 21°C | 13d |
| Nov | 16°C | 8d | 16°C | 9d |
| Dec | 10°C | 8d | 11°C | 7d |
Kyoto Weather in December
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Tokyo Weather in December
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities