Japan Fukuoka Weather in December — Climate Guide
December in Fukuoka is moderate
Fukuoka Weather in December — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 12° / 5°
- Rainfall
- 75mm · 9 days
- Crowds
- Moderate
As of 2026, Fukuoka in December averages a high of 12°C and low of 5°C with 75mm of rain over about 9 days. Cold. Warm coat + sweater + scarf + gloves. Korean winter clothing transfers directly. Thermal base layer for outdoor mornings under 5°C. Camera for illumination + onsen photography.
December is moderate for Fukuoka.
December is winter + festive — Hakata Christmas Market (German-style, late November to December 25), Tenjin + Canal City + Hakata Station illumination running through early January, motsunabe + mizutaki season at peak, Itoshima winter oyster huts at peak. Hotels at mid-shoulder pricing through December 19, then Korean year-end (Dec 20-Jan 5) drives rates 2x baseline. Christmas Day (Dec 25) in Japan is a couple's date (not a public holiday) — restaurant reservations recommended. New Year (Jan 1-3) Hatsumode first-shrine-visit season starts Dec 31; some restaurants close Dec 29-Jan 3. December 1-19 is the smart-money window — same winter weather, 60% of holiday-week pricing.
Travel score
Winter + illuminations + Korean year-end surge
December Weather at a Glance
December averages 54°F / 12°C highs and 41°F / 5°C lows — proper winter starts. 9 rainy days, 75mm. Tenjin + Hakata Station + Canal City Christmas illuminations span late November through early January. Sunshine 5 hours.
December Travel Advice
Heavy puffer + scarf + gloves. Japanese New Year (Jan 1) is the Hatsumode (first shrine visit) season. December 30 through January 3 sees many restaurants closed. Tenjin illumination (late Nov - early Jan) + Canal City fountain Christmas version + Hakata Christmas Market at Hakata Station.
Flying In from Overseas
Korean year-end holiday (Dec 20 - Jan 5) drives 2x baseline — Asia-Fukuoka $350-700 round-trip. First 2 weeks of December are the last value window $130-280. Korean year-end + family + Japanese illumination simultaneous peak.
December Pricing Trends
Year-end hotels 2x — Hakata Station 4-star $210-410/night Dec 20-Jan 5. December 27-31 is the year's highest $280-490. Tenjin/Canal City $280-490 year-end. December 1-19 $90-160 (smart-money window).
Fukuoka December Weather Stats
Avg High
12°C
Avg Low
5°C
Rainy Days
9
75mm total
Sunshine
5h
Daily avg
Humidity
65%
moderate
UV Index
2
Low
Wind
10 km/h
Gusts 25
Sea Temp
16°C
no swimming
Crowds
Moderate
At attractions
December Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
18 μg/m³
PM10
30 μg/m³
Status
good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
10°C
Nighttime
3°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
10 km/h
Max gust 25 km/h
Activities Recommended for December
December Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Hakata Christmas Market authentic German feel
- Onsen + motsunabe + mizutaki at peak
- Pre-Korean-year-end value window (Dec 1-19)
- Clear cold skies — illumination photography crisp
Cons
- 5-12°C cold (winter wear necessary)
- Daylight 9.5h (sunset 5:15 PM)
- Korean year-end (Dec 20-Jan 5) hotels 2x baseline
- Some restaurants close Dec 29-Jan 3
December Events & Festivals
- Hakata Christmas Market at Hakata Station (late November to December 25, German-style)
- Tenjin + Canal City Christmas illumination (late November to early January)
- Korean year-end holiday surge (Dec 20-Jan 5)
- New Year preparation (some restaurants close Dec 29-Jan 3)
Fukuoka in December — Full Picture
December is winter + festive — Hakata Christmas Market (German-style, late November to December 25), Tenjin + Canal City + Hakata Station illumination running through early January, motsunabe + mizutaki season at peak, Itoshima winter oyster huts at peak. Hotels at mid-shoulder pricing through December 19, then Korean year-end (Dec 20-Jan 5) drives rates 2x baseline. Christmas Day (Dec 25) in Japan is a couple's date (not a public holiday) — restaurant reservations recommended. New Year (Jan 1-3) Hatsumode first-shrine-visit season starts Dec 31; some restaurants close Dec 29-Jan 3. December 1-19 is the smart-money window — same winter weather, 60% of holiday-week pricing.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Cold. Warm coat + sweater + scarf + gloves. Korean winter clothing transfers directly. Thermal base layer for outdoor mornings under 5°C. Camera for illumination + onsen photography.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
19°C
11°C
10/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
29.7°C
22.7°C
12.3/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
22.7°C
15.7°C
8.7/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current11°C
4°C
8.7/mo
Fukuoka Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10° | 3° | 9d·75mm | 4h | 65% | 2 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 11° | 4° | 8d·70mm | 5h | 65% | 3 | Quiet | Low season | |
| March (Best) | 15° | 7° | 10d·110mm | 6h | 65% | 4 | Busy | Peak |
| April (Best) | 19° | 11° | 10d·110mm | 7h | 65% | 5 | Very busy | Peak |
| 23° | 15° | 10d·130mm | 7h | 68% | 6 | Busy | Peak | |
| 26° | 19° | 14d·280mm | 5h | 75% | 7 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 31° | 24° | 14d·320mm | 5h | 75% | 9 | Very busy | Peak | |
| 32° | 25° | 9d·175mm | 6h | 73% | 9 | Busy | Peak | |
| 28° | 21° | 11d·175mm | 6h | 70% | 7 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| October (Best) | 23° | 16° | 7d·80mm | 7h | 65% | 5 | Busy | Peak |
| November (Best) | 17° | 10° | 8d·90mm | 5h | 65% | 3 | Busy | Peak |
| 12° | 5° | 9d·75mm | 5h | 65% | 2 | Moderate | Shoulder |
View Other Months
Fukuoka December Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Fukuoka?
Fukuoka in December is moderate. Tourist crowds are moderate and flight/hotel prices are shoulder.
What's the average temperature in Fukuoka in December?
Fukuoka December averages a high of 12°C and a low of 5°C.
Does it rain much in Fukuoka in December?
Fukuoka December averages 75mm of rainfall over about 9 rainy days.
What should I wear in Fukuoka in December?
Cold. Warm coat + sweater + scarf + gloves. Korean winter clothing transfers directly. Thermal base layer for outdoor mornings under 5°C. Camera for illumination + onsen photography.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Fukuoka in December?
Fukuoka December sunrise is 07:20 and sunset is 17:15, with 9h 55min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Fukuoka in December?
Fukuoka December air quality (AQI) averages 50, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 18μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Fukuoka in December?
In December, Fukuoka is great for Hakata Christmas Market (Hakata Station), Tenjin + Canal City illumination, Yufuin onsen day trip.
Is December peak season in Fukuoka?
Fukuoka December crowds are moderate and prices are shoulder. You can travel relatively comfortably without long queues.
Best Months to Visit Fukuoka
View Other Months
Planning a December trip to Fukuoka?
You've checked the weather — next come the budget and the route.
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.