Winter in Yokohama feels pretty mild when you compare it to many other parts of Japan. You won’t see heavy snow or extreme cold here, but you’ll notice those crisp mornings and cool afternoons.
Daytime highs usually hover near 10°C (50°F), while nights drop to around 4°C (39°F), so it’s honestly one of the more comfortable winter climates in the country.
Most days bring clear skies, and it doesn’t rain much in winter. Snow almost never sticks around, and when it does fall, it melts fast.
These calm conditions create a different vibe than the humid summers or rainy autumns. You’ll have more opportunities to get outside and actually enjoy the city.
If you’re planning to explore during winter, you’ll notice how the shorter days and cooler air change the city’s mood. December through February brings shifting daylight, the coastal influence, and seasonal events that layer on something special, making winter in Yokohama stand out from the rest of the year.
Overview of Winter Weather in Yokohama
Yokohama’s winters are mild compared to much of Japan. You’ll get cool temperatures, lower rainfall, and just the occasional dusting of snow, with more sunny days than you might expect.
The city sits on the coast and has a humid subtropical climate, which keeps things pretty comfortable overall.
Typical Winter Temperatures
From December to February, daytime highs usually fall between 48°F and 54°F (9°C to 12°C). Nights are chillier, often dropping to 42°F to 45°F (6°C to 7°C).
January brings the coldest stretch, with daytime averages around 49°F (9°C).
The nearby sea helps keep the cold air in check, so freezing conditions almost never happen here. You get about 10 hours of daylight in mid-winter, with days a little shorter in December and a bit longer by February.
Snowfall barely happens because temperatures stay above freezing most of the time. You’ll wake up to crisp mornings and cool evenings, but afternoons can feel nice enough for a stroll if you’ve got a light jacket.
Humidity and Atmospheric Conditions
Winter air in Yokohama feels much drier than the sticky summer months. Humidity drops and usually stays in the 50–60% range.
You’ll see clearer skies and more sun, especially in December and January.
Cloudy days do happen, but not as often as during the rainy season. On average, you’ll get 11 to 16 sunny days per month in winter.
That’s a lot brighter than the summer, when rain and clouds take over.
Winds blow in from the northwest, usually at a light or moderate pace. Those breezes can make mornings feel colder, especially if you’re walking near the water.
Air pressure stays pretty steady, which helps keep the weather calm and settled.
Rainfall and Snowfall Patterns
Winter brings less rain than any other season. December and January average only 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while February bumps up a little to about 2.5 inches (65 mm).
You’ll see just 3 to 4 rainy days per month, making it the driest time of year.
Snow almost never happens in Yokohama. If it does, it melts quickly and doesn’t pile up.
That’s a huge difference from northern Japan, where snow can get pretty wild.
Because rain and snow barely show up, getting around the city is easier in winter. Roads and public transport rarely get disrupted by weather, so exploring Yokohama is usually hassle-free this time of year.
Monthly Breakdown: December to February
Winter in Yokohama means cool days, less rain, and shorter daylight hours. Expect mild but crisp weather, a few showers, and maybe a chance of light snow, especially in February.
December Weather Highlights
December kicks off winter with cooler but not harsh conditions. Daytime highs reach about 12°C (54°F), while nights dip to around 6°C (43°F).
You’ll notice a bigger gap between day and night temps, so wearing layers is a smart move.
Rainfall drops off compared to autumn, averaging 50–60 mm. Skies stay clear more often, and lower humidity makes the air feel drier.
You’ll also get more sunshine than in the rainy months, so outdoor activities are a little more inviting.
Winds pick up just a bit, adding a chill, especially near the waterfront. Even so, freezing temperatures rarely show up, so December is still a good month for sightseeing.
If you want to visit places like Yamashita Park, you’ll find crisp air and clear views. Bring a medium-weight coat—nights can feel colder than you’d expect.
January Climate Details
January is Yokohama’s coldest month. Daytime highs usually stick around 9–10°C (48–50°F), and nights often fall to 4°C (39°F).
You might see frost in the mornings, but snow is rare and usually light.
Rainfall drops to its lowest, about 40 mm. Most days are dry, though you could get a light shower now and then.
With low humidity, the air feels sharper, especially after sunset.
Clouds show up a bit more than in December, and the days are shorter. Winds can feel brisk along the bay, so gloves and scarves are helpful.
Tourist spots are less crowded, and the cooler air makes city walks more pleasant than in sticky months. Dress warmly, but you usually won’t need heavy winter gear.
February Seasonal Changes
February keeps the winter pattern but hints at the coming spring. Daytime highs climb a little to 10–11°C (50–52°F), and nights stay near 4–5°C (39–41°F).
If you’re going to see snow, February is the most likely month, though it’s still pretty rare and usually less than 25 mm (1 inch).
Rain stays low, averaging 45–55 mm. Cloudy days become more common, and the sky can look a bit more overcast.
Humidity remains low, and winds still have a bite, especially near the port. You’ll start to notice daylight stretching out as February moves along.
By late February, afternoons feel a little milder, but mornings stay cold. The slow warming hints that spring isn’t far off, but it’s still a chilly month in Yokohama.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine in Winter
Yokohama’s winter days are shorter, and sunlight is moderate compared to other times of year. You can expect a decent number of clear days, though clouds and the occasional rain cut down on total sunshine.
Average Day Length
Daylight in Yokohama slowly increases from December to February. December, the shortest month, brings sunrise around 6:45 AM and sunset close to 4:30 PM, so you get about 10 hours of daylight.
By January, days stretch a bit, averaging about 10 hours and 5 minutes. February brings even longer days, with sunset after 5:30 PM and almost 11 hours of daylight.
This means outdoor plans get easier as winter goes on. Even though mornings and evenings stay cool, the middle of the day gives you enough light for sightseeing, waterfront walks, or checking out parks.
Here’s a quick average daylight snapshot:
| Month | Average Day Length |
|---|---|
| December | ~10 hours |
| January | ~10 hrs 5 min |
| February | ~10 hrs 55 min |
Number of Sunny Days
Yokohama gets a fair amount of sunshine in winter, especially compared to its wetter seasons. You’ll get about 6 hours of sun per day in December and January, with a bit less in February since clouds show up more.
That’s about 55–62% of daylight hours being sunny, which is pretty high for a coastal city that deals with monsoons. Rain is also rare in winter, with just 6 days of rain per month, so clear skies are common.
Snow almost never interrupts the sunshine, so you get plenty of bright winter days. If you like crisp, dry air and clear blue skies, winter really delivers in Yokohama.
Sea Temperatures and Coastal Influence
Winter brings cooler sea conditions to Yokohama, and the city’s spot along Tokyo Bay really shapes how cold it feels. The nearby Pacific Ocean helps moderate the air, which influences the city’s humid subtropical climate.
Winter Sea Surface Temperatures
The sea around Yokohama cools from December through February. Surface temperatures drop from about 60°F (15.5°C) in December to around 55°F (12.7°C) in February.
That’s still milder than inland areas at the same latitude, since the ocean holds onto heat longer than land.
Swimming isn’t really on the table in winter, but the sea temperature still matters for how the coast feels. The relatively warm water helps keep nighttime lows from getting too extreme, especially compared to places farther inland.
The gap between sea and air temperatures also affects humidity. With air temps usually in the upper 40s °F (8–10°C), the cooler water slows down evaporation, making the winter air drier and clearer than in summer.
Impact of Coastal Location
Yokohama’s spot on Tokyo Bay protects it from harsher winter weather. Cold winds from the northwest lose some of their sting after crossing the water, so you get milder conditions here than inland.
The bay also keeps daily temperature swings in check. Daytime highs in winter usually stay in the upper 40s to low 50s °F (8–12°C), and nighttime lows rarely drop below the low 40s °F (5–6°C).
This moderation makes walking or being outside a lot more comfortable.
The coast also affects cloud cover and sunshine. With less snow than inland Japan, you’ll often see bright, sunny days in winter.
This mix of mild air, almost no snowfall, and the coastal effect really defines Yokohama’s distinct winter climate.
How Yokohama’s Winter Compares to Other Seasons
Yokohama’s winter stands out for its mild temperatures, lower rainfall, and clearer skies compared to the rest of the year.
Other seasons bring more humidity, heavier rain, and stronger weather patterns that really change how the city feels.
Contrast With Spring and Autumn
Spring warms up quickly from winter’s average of about 6–7 °C (43–45 °F) in January to around 15–19 °C (59–66 °F) by May. You’ll notice longer days and more rain, especially in March and April, when monthly rainfall often doubles compared to winter.
Humidity rises to 60–70%, so the air loses that crisp winter feel. While winter skies are often clear with 6 hours of sunshine daily, spring tends to be cloudier as weather systems roll through.
Autumn brings similar patterns, with October and November offering mild daytime highs of 17–22 °C (63–72 °F). But September and October get really wet, with rainfall totals often over 200 mm per month.
Typhoons can also mess with travel plans in early autumn.
Compared to these seasons, winter feels drier, calmer, and a bit more predictable. You get fewer storms and more stable weather for outdoor plans.
Differences From Summer Weather
Summer in Yokohama is a whole different experience. Highs jump to 29–31 °C (84–88 °F) in July and August, and humidity shoots past 75%.
That creates a muggy, sticky atmosphere—nothing like the crisp, cool winter air.
Rain picks up too. June and July mark the rainy season, with 180–190 mm of precipitation each month. August is a little drier but still hot and humid.
Thunderstorms and typhoons are more likely, especially from late summer to early autumn.
Sunshine takes a hit in summer. While winter brings clear skies, summer clouds and rain mean you only get about 5–5.5 hours of sun per day.
Nights stay warm, rarely dipping below 23 °C (73 °F), unlike winter nights that can get close to freezing.
If you like mild, dry weather, winter is definitely more comfortable. Summer means dealing with heat, humidity, and frequent rain, making it feel much more intense than the calm of winter.
Travel Tips for Visiting Yokohama in Winter
Winter in Yokohama brings cool days, crisp air, and mostly clear skies. If you plan ahead with the right clothes and ideas for what to do, you’ll probably stay comfortable and enjoy your trip a lot more.
What to Pack for Winter
During the day, Yokohama usually sits between 32°F and 47°F (0°C to 9°C). That doesn’t sound too harsh, but honestly, mornings and evenings can sting a bit, especially if you’re near the water.
Bring layers so you can adjust as the weather shifts. I’d recommend a medium-weight coat or down jacket, and don’t forget a sweater or fleece top. If you think you’ll be outside for a while, a light thermal base layer really helps.
Gloves, a hat, and a scarf? Absolutely, especially if the wind picks up.
You’ll probably end up walking a lot, especially around Minato Mirai or Chinatown. Go for comfortable shoes with good grip because sidewalks sometimes get slick after it rains.
A small umbrella can come in handy too. Sure, winter showers don’t happen every day, but you never know.
Here’s a simple packing list to make things easier:
- Warm coat or jacket
- Thermal top and leggings
- Sweaters or fleece layers
- Gloves, hat, and scarf
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Compact umbrella
Recommended Activities in Cold Weather
Winter usually brings clear skies and dry air, so it’s honestly a pretty great time to check out outdoor attractions. You might catch some amazing views from the Yokohama Landmark Tower Sky Garden. Or maybe you’d rather wander along the waterfront at Yamashita Park, which feels so much calmer without the summer crowds.
Chinatown really stands out in winter. The cool air makes it surprisingly nice to walk those narrow streets and grab some hot steamed buns or a bowl of noodle soup. At night, the seasonal illuminations light up the whole district and give it a cozy vibe.
When you need to warm up, you can duck into a museum or another indoor spot. The Cup Noodles Museum offers a fun cultural experience in a comfortable setting. The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is another good pick if you want to explore and stay out of the cold.
If you’re more into nature, Sankeien Garden stays open through winter and feels even more peaceful with fewer people around. You could also hop on a train for a quick trip to the hot springs in Kanagawa Prefecture. That’s a classic way to relax when it’s chilly out, right?