Planning a trip to Yokohama around Christmas? You’ll want to be ready for cool but generally mild winter weather.
Daytime temperatures usually hover around 50°F (10°C). Nights dip into the upper 30s to low 40s (3–6°C).
Snow is pretty rare here, so you’ll find the city feels crisp and dry, not icy or harsh.
Rain chances stay low. December ranks as one of the driest months in Yokohama.
Skies often clear up toward the end of the month. That means you’ll likely get some bright winter days with a good amount of sunshine.
The air feels comfortable, with little humidity, so you can explore for hours and not feel weighed down.
With stable weather, calm winds, and festive lights everywhere, Christmas in Yokohama brings a nice blend of seasonal charm and reliable conditions.
That balance of cool temperatures, clear skies, and minimal rain creates a great vibe for sightseeing, shopping, or just soaking up the waterfront views.
Overview of Yokohama Weather in December
December in Yokohama marks the start of winter. You’ll notice cooler days and crisp nights, along with less rain than in the wetter months.
Daylight shrinks, and you’ll spot clearer skies with more sunny days than you got in autumn.
General Climate Conditions
December brings daytime highs of 11–13°C (52–55°F). Nighttime lows drop to around 6–7°C (43–45°F).
On colder days, temperatures can get close to 2–3°C (36–37°F), but frost and snow hardly ever show up.
Humidity averages about 60–65%, which feels much better than the muggy summer.
Rainfall is light, with about 40 mm spread over 9 days. December is the driest month here.
The air often feels crisp, and visibility is good. That really makes outdoor activities more enjoyable.
Winds average 15–16 km/h. It’s enough to add a bit of a chill, but rarely gets in your way.
Comparison to Other Months
Compared to November, December feels noticeably cooler. Highs drop from about 16–17°C to the low teens.
Nights get colder, too, edging toward single digits.
January gets colder still, with highs around 9°C and lows near 4°C. December feels like a step into Yokohama’s coldest season.
Snowfall stays rare in December but gets a bit more likely in January and February.
Rainfall drops a lot. October is the wettest month, with over 120 mm, while December only sees about a third of that.
You’ll get fewer rainy days than in June, which averages over 16 days of precipitation.
Sea temperatures cool down to about 19°C. That’s too cold for swimming, but still warmer than February and March, when the water drops near 16°C.
Daylight and Sunshine Hours
December has the shortest days of the year in Yokohama.
You’ll get about 9 hours and 45 minutes of daylight. Sunrise comes around 6:30–6:50 a.m., and sunset falls between 4:28–4:38 p.m.
Even with shorter days, sunshine holds steady. The city averages 6 hours of sun per day, with around 20 days of mostly clear skies.
February sees less sunshine, while August can reach over 10 hours.
Cloud cover sits at about 31%, which is lower than in autumn. You’ll often enjoy crisp blue skies, even when it’s chilly.
Average Temperatures During Christmas
Late December in Yokohama brings cool, but not harsh, winter weather.
Afternoons feel mild compared to the colder nights. The climate stays pretty stable, though you might get an occasional cold or warm spell.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During Christmas week, average daytime highs reach about 12–13°C (54–55°F).
Afternoons stay crisp but comfortable with a light or medium jacket. Sunshine is fairly common, so you might feel warmer outdoors in direct light.
At night, temperatures usually drop to around 5–6°C (41–43°F).
These cooler evenings call for heavier layers, especially if you’re walking by the bay where winds can bite a bit. Frost is rare, but it’s possible early in the morning.
This mix of cool days and colder nights pretty much sums up Christmas in Yokohama.
You’ll want to wear clothes you can layer and adjust easily.
Temperature Variations Around Christmas
From December 24–26, the pattern usually stays steady, but small changes happen.
Some years, daytime highs only reach 10°C (50°F). In milder years, they might climb up to 15°C (59°F).
Nighttime lows can range from 3°C (37°F) on colder nights to about 8°C (46°F) during milder spells.
These shifts often come from passing weather systems from the north or west.
Rain isn’t common in late December, but if it shows up, it can cool things off for a bit.
Clear nights often feel colder because heat escapes, while cloudy evenings stay a bit warmer.
You’ll want to expect a general range rather than a set number. Layering is definitely the way to go.
Historical Temperature Extremes
While averages are moderate, Yokohama has seen some unusual temperatures during Christmas week.
On the cold end, lows have dropped close to 0°C (32°F), though freezing is still uncommon. Snowfall is rare and usually light—never enough to mess up travel.
On the warm side, daytime highs have occasionally hit 16–17°C (61–63°F). These spells usually come with southerly winds bringing in warmer air.
These extremes don’t happen often, but it’s good to know the range.
If you’re planning to be outdoors, it’s smart to prep for both colder and a bit warmer days than average.
Rainfall and Rainy Days in December
December is one of the drier months in Yokohama.
Rainfall totals stay modest, and rainy days are few, though the odd light shower can still pop up near Christmas.
Average Rainfall Amounts
You can expect 40–60 mm of total rainfall in December.
Compared to the rest of the year—especially summer and early autumn with heavier downpours—this is quite low.
Most records put the monthly average near 50 mm, but some years see as little as 10–20 mm, while others reach up to 60 mm.
This rain usually spreads out over several days, not all at once.
Travelers probably won’t face long stretches of wet weather. Still, it’s smart to carry a compact umbrella just in case.
| Year | Rainfall (mm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 16.8 | Light, scattered showers |
| 2024 | 3.5 | Exceptionally dry |
| Typical | 40–55 | Long-term average |
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rain in Yokohama during December usually falls on 7 to 11 days.
Most of these are light showers, not heavy storms.
Some Decembers have seen as few as 2–4 rainy days, while others have had up to 14.
Even when it does rain, it’s often brief, and you might still catch some sunshine.
With lower humidity and cooler air, rain doesn’t feel as disruptive as in summer.
You can plan outdoor activities with a good amount of confidence, but it helps to keep your plans flexible in case of a little drizzle.
Rainfall Patterns Around Christmas
As Christmas nears, rain stays light but can be unpredictable.
In previous years, days around December 20–25 have mixed dry, sunny weather with the odd short shower.
For instance, in late December 2024, rain fell on December 20, 21, and 25, but totals stayed under 2 mm each time.
Other years have been completely dry during the holiday week.
So, your odds of a rainy Christmas in Yokohama are pretty low.
If it does rain, it’s usually just a quick shower, not a washout, so you can keep up with sightseeing or holiday fun.
Wind Speed and Atmospheric Conditions
December brings steady breezes and cool air, which really shapes how it feels outside in Yokohama.
You’ll notice moderate wind speeds and a bit of a chill, especially in the evenings.
Typical Wind Speed in December
Yokohama’s average wind speed in December ranges between 8 to 10 miles per hour (13–16 km/h).
That’s not extreme, but it’s enough to make the air feel colder than the numbers suggest.
The windier part of the year kicks off in late December and runs into spring.
You might notice more gusts during Christmas than you did in autumn.
These breezes usually come from the north or northwest, bringing in drier, colder air.
While the winds don’t usually get in your way, they can change how outdoor activities feel.
Walking by the waterfront or in open plazas can feel brisk, but sheltered streets are calmer.
| Measurement | Average in December |
|---|---|
| Wind Speed | 8–10 mph (13–16 km/h) |
| Direction | Predominantly N/NW |
| Duration | Consistent, not stormy |
Wind Chill Effects
Cool air and steady wind combine to lower the perceived temperature—that’s the wind chill.
Even if the thermometer says 5–10°C (41–50°F), the wind can make it feel several degrees colder.
This effect stands out most in the evenings and early mornings.
You’ll probably want heavier clothing than the temperature alone would suggest, especially if you’re near the bay or in open spaces.
Wind chill can really impact comfort during holiday events and nighttime illuminations.
A calm evening may feel fine, but a breezy night? That can feel a lot colder, so layering is key.
If you’re sensitive to cold, wind-resistant outerwear helps keep you warmer.
Gloves and scarves make a difference, too—exposed skin feels the chill first.
Humidity Levels and Comfort
Around Christmas, the air in Yokohama feels cool and a little moist, but not heavy like in summer.
You’ll notice a balance between crisp winter air and high humidity that shapes how comfortable it feels outside.
Relative Humidity Trends
In December, average relative humidity sits around 78%.
That’s lower than the sticky summer months, which often go over 90%, but higher than spring, which averages closer to 70%.
At Christmas, cooler air makes the humidity feel less oppressive.
Instead of sticky or muggy, you get a mild dampness that softens the chill.
That’s why winter days in Yokohama often feel crisp but not too dry.
Humidity also plays a part in how precipitation forms.
December usually brings about 64 mm of rainfall over 7 days, which is modest compared to October’s heavy rains.
The mix of moderate rainfall and steady humidity gives the city a fresh, comfortable winter vibe.
Impact on Outdoor Activities
The 78% humidity in December means the air feels cool and a bit moist, but rarely uncomfortable.
With average temperatures near 9°C (49°F), you can walk outside easily without the sticky feeling of summer.
For sightseeing, this humidity level helps prevent the skin and throat dryness you might notice in colder, drier places.
You may only need light moisturizing or a scarf for comfort.
If you’re heading to Yamashita Park, Chinatown, or the waterfront, the air will feel fresh and pleasant, even on cloudy days.
Rain is possible, but with only about a week of wet weather, most days are good for outdoor plans.
Christmas really is a favorable time for city walks and seasonal events in Yokohama.
Sea Temperature and Coastal Weather
When December rolls around, Yokohama’s coastal climate definitely feels cooler. The air stays mild, but the water’s still pretty cold.
You can still enjoy walking or sightseeing by the waterfront, though. The sea itself isn’t all that inviting for swimming or water sports right now.
Average Sea Temperature in December
The average sea temperature near Yokohama in December hovers around 17°C (63°F). That’s a few degrees down from autumn, and it keeps dropping as winter moves in.
Most swimmers will find the water cold at this point. Unless you’re wearing a wetsuit, staying in for long gets uncomfortable fast.
Back in summer, sea temperatures easily hit 24°C (75°F) or more, but December really kicks off the cooler season.
The colder water also changes the feel of the wind along the coast. Breezes can pick up a real chill, especially late in the day.
Daytime air temperatures average about 10°C (50°F), but the sea temperature lags behind, which keeps things crisp along the shore.
Suitability for Coastal Activities
Swimming’s pretty rare in December, but the coast still works for plenty of other things. A walk through Yamashita Park or a visit to Osanbashi Pier gives you clear views and fresh air, minus the sticky summer heat.
If you’re into boating or harbor cruises, you’ll usually find calm conditions, but you’ll want to bundle up against the wind.
Fishing is still an option, though you’ll probably want to wear layers to stay comfortable.
Water sports like paddleboarding or kayaking don’t draw many people in December because of the cold water. Still, if you’ve got the right gear—a drysuit, maybe—you can manage a short outing.
For most folks, the coastline feels best for sightseeing, snapping photos, or just strolling around. Not many people want to jump in the sea right now.
Unique Weather Features During Christmas in Yokohama
Christmas in Yokohama brings cool but manageable winter weather. Rain doesn’t show up much, skies often stay clear, and the air feels crisp, which actually makes outdoor holiday events pretty enjoyable.
Chance of Snowfall
Snow in Yokohama at Christmas? It’s rare, honestly. The city sits on the coast and has mild winter temperatures—highs around 13°C (55°F) and lows near 6°C (43°F)—so snow just doesn’t happen often.
If snow does fall, it’s usually light and melts right away. You might catch a quick flurry, but a snowy scene is unlikely. Most years, December passes without any snow you can measure.
If you’re hoping for a white Christmas, you’ll have to head inland or up to higher ground near Hakone or Nagano. In Yokohama, expect cold rain instead of snow.
Visibility and Air Quality
Visibility in December usually turns out great. The air’s cooler and drier, which means less haze, and humidity sits around 55–60%, so things stay pretty clear.
You can easily spot Minato Mirai’s skyline or, on a really clear day, even Mount Fuji.
Air quality usually holds steady. Winter winds sweep away pollutants, and the occasional rain helps keep dust down.
If you’re sensitive to air conditions, December in Yokohama will probably feel much more comfortable than the muggy summer months. Sunglasses might come in handy since the winter sun can still glare off buildings and the bay.
Weather Impact on Festive Events
Christmas in Yokohama brings illuminations, outdoor markets, and waterfront displays. The weather stays mild but cool, which really helps these events go smoothly.
Rain falls on only 9–10 days in December, and it’s usually nothing heavy. You’ll probably just need a warm jacket to wander around spots like Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse or Motomachi Shopping Street.
The dry air actually makes the lights pop and look even more vivid at night. Since snow doesn’t really show up, organizers almost never have to cancel or reschedule.
Still, you might want to toss an umbrella or a light raincoat in your bag, just in case a random shower sneaks up on you.