Last updated: August 21, 2025
In Niigata, Japan, December brings a chill with temperatures ranging from a maximum of 18°C (65°F) to a minimum of 0°C (33°F), averaging around 7°C (45°F). This month is marked by significant precipitation, totaling 226 mm (8.9 in) over 27 days, contributing to the region's high humidity, which sits at a cozy 86%. Visitors should prepare for a blend of wet weather and cool temperatures, making warm clothing and waterproof gear essential for enjoying the unique charm of Niigata during this time.
December in Niigata, Japan, marks a notable transition into winter, with temperatures averaging around 7°C (45°F). As the month begins, it showcases a slight chill with minimums dropping to 0°C (33°F), while daytime highs can reach a mild 18°C (65°F), offering a bittersweet blend of coolness. This month’s temperatures reflect a gradual decline from the previous month's warmer averages, emphasizing a shift from the mild autumn towards the colder, snow-laden months ahead. Though December is cooler compared to the colorful fall, an inviting atmosphere persists, encouraging festive celebrations and enjoying winter's serene beauty.
In December, Niigata experiences a significant uptick in precipitation, averaging 226 mm (8.9 in) over a recorded 27 days. This trend marks a continuation of the region's wet season, following November's average of 161 mm. With precipitation levels on the rise, December is not just one of the wetter months; it also stands out for its frequency of rainy days, making it a pivotal time for the region's winter weather patterns. The increased rainfall signals a transition as the year draws to a close, ensuring that Niigata's landscapes remain lush and vibrant despite the chill of winter.
As the year draws to a close, December in Niigata, Japan, showcases a typical embrace of winter humidity, settling at 86%. This figure is slightly elevated compared to the previous few months but mirrors the trend observed throughout the year, where humidity levels tend to hover in the high eighties and low nineties. January and February kick off with the peak humidity levels of 88% and 86%, respectively, setting a moist tone for the colder months ahead. Despite the biting chill of winter, Niigata's humidity remains a consistent companion, illustrating a pattern of resilience against the fluctuating seasonal climate. As we transition from November's 85% to December's 86%, the city’s atmosphere hints at the enduring moisture that characterizes the landscape, creating a unique and captivating environment.
As December rolls into Niigata, Japan, the UV Index returns to a moderate level of 3, mirroring the conditions seen in January and November. This consistency suggests a gentle reprieve from the peak sunshine of summer, where the UV Index soared to extreme levels of 11 in July and August. With a burn time of 30 minutes, residents can enjoy outdoor activities with a reduced risk of sunburn, making it an ideal time for winter strolls or indoor excursions without the looming intensity of UV rays. To stay informed about local UV levels throughout the year, check out Niigata UV Index.
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In December, Niigata, Japan, experiences a gentle decline in sunshine hours, totaling 173 hours. This marks a notable decrease from the bright and lively summer months, where August peaks at 311 hours, showcasing a vibrant contrast between seasons. As the year draws to a close, the transition from the sun-soaked days of early summer to the crisp winter air is evident; December's sunlight retreats in favor of the refreshing chill, yet it still offers a substantial amount to illuminate the scenic landscapes. This pattern reflects a broader trend in Niigata's climate, with sunshine hours steadily increasing from the quiet winter months of January and February to a lively spring and summer crescendo, before gracefully tapering off with the onset of winter again.
As December rolls in, the likelihood of sunny weather in Niigata, Japan, dips to 25%, making it one of the cloudier months of the year. This marks a continuation of the trend where, after a relatively brighter November with a 43% chance of sunshine, the days grow shorter and the skies often cloud over. Interestingly, the chance of sun in December is slightly lower than the earlier months, particularly when compared to the peak of July's 46% and the more moderate April’s 41%. As winter settles in, residents can expect more overcast days, hinting that sunshine may become a treasured rarity until the brighter days of spring return.
As December settles over Niigata, Japan, daylight diminishes to 9 hours, mirroring the shorter, cooler days of winter. This month marks a notable shift from the prolonged brightness of summer, where July and June enjoy 14 hours of daylight. Following a gradual decline from May's peak, the trend in sunlight reveals a rhythmic ebb and flow, with daylight receding from 14 hours in June to just 10 hours by November. The cycle then culminates in December's early sunsets, encouraging a cozy embrace of the season’s festivities and reflecting on the year’s transition. Each month illustrates the balance between light and dark, enriching Niigata's charm throughout the year.
In December, Niigata experiences a noticeable uptick in wind speed, averaging 6.8 m/s (15 mph), which is one of the highest marks of the year, surpassed only by February. This brisk wind adds a refreshing chill to the winter air, contrasting sharply with the calm of the summer months, where speeds plummet to a gentle 2.7 m/s (6 mph) in June and July. As the seasons transition, wind speeds rise gradually, with a steady increase from November's 5.3 m/s (12 mph) to December's heights. This pattern highlights a distinct seasonal shift, where the tranquil summer breezes give way to the invigorating gusts of winter, creating a dynamic atmosphere that's emblematic of Niigata's climate.
Weather in Niigata varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Niigata, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In December, the weather features a milder average temperature of 7°C (45°F), with highs reaching up to 18°C (65°F), while temperatures can drop to a minimum of 0°C (33°F). The month is quite wet, experiencing significant precipitation of 226 mm (8.9 in) over 27 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 86%.
Conversely, January brings cooler conditions with an average temperature of 5°C (41°F), where the maximum temperature is 13°C (55°F) and can dip to a low of -2°C (28°F). Although January is drier than December, it still sees considerable rainfall totaling 178 mm (7.0 in) across 23 days, coupled with slightly higher humidity at 88%. For more detailed insights, you can check Niigata weather in January.
In December, temperatures in Niigata range from a chilly minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a pleasant maximum of 18°C (65°F), with an average of 7°C (45°F). The month also sees significant precipitation, totaling 226 mm (8.9 in) over 27 days, while humidity remains high at 86%. In contrast, February experiences slightly colder temperatures, with a minimum of -1°C (31°F) and a maximum of 15°C (59°F), averaging around 5°C (41°F). Precipitation decreases to 131 mm (5.1 in) across 24 days, yet humidity stays consistent at 86%. This comparison highlights the transition from the relatively mild December to the cooler conditions of February. For more detailed information, visit Niigata weather in February.
In comparing the weather between December and March, December tends to be cooler, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F), while March shows a slight warming trend with average temperatures between 0°C (33°F) and 17°C (64°F). December is characterized by significantly higher precipitation, totaling 226 mm (8.9 in) over 27 days, compared to March's 112 mm (4.4 in) over just 16 days. Additionally, humidity levels are higher in December at 86%, compared to March's 81%. For more detailed insights about March weather, you can visit Niigata weather in March.
December and April present distinct contrasts in weather. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a comfortable maximum of 18°C (65°F), with an average of 7°C (45°F). This month also sees significant precipitation, totaling 226 mm (8.9 in) over 27 days and accompanied by high humidity at 86%. In contrast, April brings milder weather with minimum temperatures of 4°C (39°F) and maximums reaching 22°C (72°F), averaging 11°C (52°F). The precipitation in April drops to 111 mm (4.4 in) over just 14 days and humidity decreases to 78%. For a closer look at what to expect during April, check out Niigata weather in April.
When comparing the weather between December and May, there are striking contrasts in both temperature and precipitation. December experiences cooler temperatures, with averages ranging from a chilly 0°C (33°F) at night to a maximum of 18°C (65°F) during the day, while May brings more temperate conditions, with lows around 8°C (47°F) and highs reaching up to 26°C (79°F). Precipitation is significantly higher in December, with 226 mm (8.9 in) falling over 27 days, compared to May’s 108 mm (4.3 in) over just 12 days, resulting in a wetter winter month. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly higher in December at 86%, whereas May shows a moderate 81%. For more detailed insights into May's climate, visit Niigata weather in May.
In comparing the weather between December and June, it's evident that December is much cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F) and an average of 7°C (45°F). The month sees a significant amount of precipitation, totaling 226 mm (8.9 in) over 27 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 86%. In contrast, June experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 13°C (56°F), an average of 20°C (69°F), and a maximum of 28°C (83°F). Rainfall during June is considerably less, at 100 mm (4.0 in) over just 12 days, while humidity remains slightly elevated at 88%. For more detailed information about June weather, you can visit this link: Niigata weather in June.
December and July present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In December, temperatures range from a chilly 0°C (33°F) to a mild 18°C (65°F), with an average of 7°C (45°F). The month sees significant precipitation of 226 mm (8.9 in) spread over 27 days, alongside a high humidity level of 86%. Conversely, July boasts a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a comfortable 20°C (68°F) to a scorching 34°C (94°F), averaging 25°C (78°F). While July experiences more precipitation overall at 271 mm (10.7 in), it falls on fewer days, just 16, with humidity peaking at 92%. For more insights into July's conditions, check out Niigata weather in July.
December weather in Niigata is characterized by cooler temperatures, with daily averages ranging from a chilly 0°C (33°F) to a mild 18°C (65°F). This month experiences significant precipitation, with 226 mm (8.9 in) falling over 27 days, and humidity levels remain high at 86%. In contrast, August presents a much warmer climate, with temperatures fluctuating between a minimum of 20°C (68°F) and a maximum of 35°C (95°F), making it feel considerably more summery. Despite slightly higher rainfall of 247 mm (9.7 in) spread over just 15 days, the humidity rises to 92%, contributing to a muggy atmosphere. For more details on the August weather in Niigata, you can visit Niigata weather in August.
In comparing December and September weather, December presents a much cooler climate with average temperatures ranging from 0°C (33°F) to 18°C (65°F), significantly lower than September, which boasts a warmer range of 16°C (60°F) to 34°C (94°F) and an average of 23°C (74°F). Additionally, December experiences higher precipitation, totaling 226 mm (8.9 in) over 27 days, compared to September's 158 mm (6.2 in) over just 15 days. Despite the slightly lower humidity in September at 89%, it remains relatively high in both months, with December peaking at 86%. For more detailed weather information, you can check Niigata weather in September.
When comparing the weather in December to October, one can observe some notable differences. In December, temperatures drop significantly, with a minimum of 0°C (33°F) and an average of 7°C (45°F), while in October, temperatures are much warmer, ranging from a minimum of 12°C (53°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F). Additionally, December sees higher precipitation levels, with 226 mm (8.9 in) over 27 days, compared to October’s 170 mm (6.7 in) over 16 days. Humidity levels remain fairly similar, with December at 86% and October slightly higher at 87%. For a more detailed look at October weather, you can visit Niigata weather in October.
In December, the weather tends to be cooler than in November, with average temperatures dropping from 13°C (55°F) in November to 7°C (45°F) in December. The minimum temperature in December can fall as low as 0°C (33°F), while November sees a milder minimum of 4°C (39°F). Additionally, December experiences significantly more precipitation, totaling 226 mm (8.9 in) across 27 days compared to November's 161 mm (6.3 in) over 20 days. Humidity levels are quite similar, with December at 86% and November slightly lower at 85%. For more details, you can check Niigata weather in November.
December in Niigata ushers in a notable transition as temperatures dip, making it cooler and wetter compared to other months. With an average temperature well below the seasonal norm and high humidity levels hovering around 86%, the month often feels chillier than expected. Rainfall becomes a regular feature, with nearly the entire month seeing precipitation on numerous days, which adds to the winter's ambiance. This combination of cold, damp conditions sets December apart, inviting residents and visitors alike to embrace cozy indoor activities alongside the beautiful winter scenery. For a more in-depth look at how Niigata's climate evolves throughout the year, check out Niigata Climate.