November - December Weather in Tokyo: What to Wear in 2024

Tokyo Weather in November-December and What to Wear

Rikugien Garden illumination. Photo by Pixta

November in Tokyo is the season of autumn foliage while December brings beautiful illuminations throughout the city. If you're planning a late autumn - early winter trip to Tokyo, read on to learn about the weather and what to wear.

In November 2023, the Tokyo area saw average temperatures of 14.4 degrees Celsius, with highs of 19.2 degrees Celsius and lows of 10.3 degrees Celsius.

In December 2022, the average temperature in the Tokyo area was 9.4 degrees Celsius, with highs of 14.3 degrees Celsius and lows of 5.2 degrees Celsius.

The information below can be used as a reference for the entire Kanto region (eastern Japan), which includes Tokyo and the prefectures Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa.

Tokyo's Weather in November and December

After Halloween, Japan gradually enters the late autumn and winter seasons. During this lovely season of red fall foliage and snowflakes, it is important to stay warm.

In November, there is a significant temperature difference between morning and evening. Although the sunlight during the day may be strong, the dry autumn wind can still feel chilly.

December is when winter officially begins in Japan. The temperatures go often below 10 degrees Celsius and there is always the possibility of snowfall or chilly winds. In other words, prepare warm clothes and accessories to withstand the cold weather.

November Clothing for Women: Light Sweater, Thick Trousers, Windproof Item

In the crisp and pleasant November weather, wear a light sweater paired with trousers.

One of the biggest concerns in autumn and winter is the cold wind blowing through the trouser fabric. For girls who easily get cold hands and feet, we recommend wearing thicker trousers and socks or leggings under the trousers.

A cute wool cap not only adds a sense of style but also protects you from the chilly wind.

November Clothing for Men: Casual Shirt and Trousers

For men, it's relatively simpler. You can wear a flannel shirt that not only has a casual vibe suitable for travel but also brings gentle warmth during the journey.

In addition, simple and classic khaki pants or jeans are also suitable as autumn and winter outfit choices.

December Clothing for Women: Sweater, Tights/Leggings, Long Coat, and Scarf

In December, the temperature suddenly drops, so if you plan to visit Japan, remember to bring a windproof, warm jacket, but avoid wearing overly heavy clothing. Most indoor places in Japan have heating systems, so layering is recommended because you can easily take something off if it's too hot.

Girls can choose to wear a sweater with tights or leggings, a combination that looks fashionable. Pairing it with a long coat ensures that you won't feel cold when going outside. You can also wear a scarf around your neck if necessary.

The thickness of tights or stockings is measured in denier units. The higher the denier, the thicker and tighter the material, but it may be less durable. Here is some reference information on denier for conventional tights/leggings:

- 40 denier to 60 denier: Suitable for early spring and autumn, providing a relatively slim appearance.

- Up to 80 denier: Suitable for late autumn and early winter; the tights/leggings are thicker, and when paired with long boots, they provide better insulation.

- 120 denier and above: Ideal for cold winter days, with considerable thickness for extra warmth.

December Clothing for Men: Casual Shirt, Windproof Trousers, and Warm Coat

A simple and versatile coat that can be worn for both formal and casual occasions is best. Stick to the layering principle and you won't have trouble indoors where it might feel too hot.

Enjoy Your Autumn - Winter Trip to Tokyo!

The above content is based on reference temperatures for the Tokyo area in 2022. It is specifically written for travelers planning to visit the Kanto region (Tokyo, Chiba, etc.).

If you are planning to go to Hokkaido or Okinawa, the temperature conditions will be different. we hope this article is helpful for those who are planning to visit Tokyo in autumn and winter.