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Weather Comparison

Kyoto vs Tokyo

Side-by-side weather comparison for December

Kyoto: 10°CTokyo: 11°C360 km apart

December Weather: Kyoto vs Tokyo

MetricKyotoTokyoBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer10°C (50°F)11°C (52°F)Tokyo
Average LowHigher is milder2°C (36°F)3°C (37°F)Tokyo
Rain DaysFewer is drier8 days7 daysTokyo
PrecipitationLess is drier66 mm59 mmTokyo
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier7h/day7h/dayTie
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer22Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better15 km/h20 km/hKyoto

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.

MonthKyotoTokyo
HighRainHighRain
Jan8°C8d8°C6d
Feb8°C10d9°C8d
Mar12°C13d12°C12d
Apr18°C12d17°C11d
May23°C11d22°C11d
Jun26°C15d25°C15d
Jul29°C17d28°C13d
Aug31°C13d30°C11d
Sep27°C13d26°C14d
Oct21°C10d21°C13d
Nov16°C8d16°C9d
Dec10°C8d11°C7d
10°

Kyoto Weather in December

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

11°

Tokyo Weather in December

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kyoto warmer than Tokyo in December?
No. In December, Tokyo is warmer with an average high of 11°C (52°F) compared to Kyoto at 10°C (50°F), a difference of 1°C.
Which city gets more rain in December, Kyoto or Tokyo?
Kyoto gets more rain in December with 8 rain days and 66 mm of precipitation. Tokyo is the drier option with 7 rain days.
Is it better to visit Kyoto or Tokyo in December?
It depends on your preferences. Kyoto averages 10°C and 7 hours of daily sunshine with 8 rain days. Tokyo averages 11°C with 7 sunshine hours and 7 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Tokyo. For fewer rain days, Tokyo is the better pick.
How far apart are Kyoto and Tokyo?
Kyoto and Tokyo are approximately 360 km (224 miles) apart. Kyoto is located in Japan (Asia) while Tokyo is in Japan (Asia).
What is the best month to visit Kyoto and Tokyo?
For Kyoto, August tends to be the best month with 10 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 31°C. For Tokyo, April is typically ideal with 9 sunshine hours and 17°C highs.

Compare Kyoto and Tokyo in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Kyoto coordinates: 35.01°N, 135.77°E | Tokyo coordinates: 35.68°N, 139.65°E