Matsuyama Weather in December 2026: what to expect (4.2/10)

The month in detail

What to expect in December

In December, Matsuyama sees 12.0°F during the day with 4.2h of sunshine per day. Expect rain on 30.0% of days — a light raincoat in the bag is recommended.

December ranks 10 out of 12 months in Matsuyama. Compared to November: −11°F daytime, −0.6h of sun per day.

This month's conditions

What it's like in December

UV index

3 · moderate

protect during midday hours

Feels like

dry air

3°

Sea

17°C

cold, for the brave

Daylight

9.8h of daylight

Air quality

good

AQI 27

Compare

Is December the right month?

The best month in Matsuyama is September (7.9/10), 3.7 pts higher than December.

See September →See all 12 months →

Context

Our verdict

Matsuyama, capital of Shikoku (the smallest of the 4 main islands of Japan ) on the Seto Inland Sea: 510,000 inhabitants. Largest city in Shikoku , cultural capital of the island 4 times on the list of the most beautiful castles in Japan.

Read Gilles' full review →

Book

Plan your trip

Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.

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Stay

Hotels & rentals · Matsuyama

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Activities

Tours, tickets, experiences

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Flights

Multi-airline comparator

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🎟️ Activities & tours · Matsuyama

GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation

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Practical info

What you need to know before you go

Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach trip.

Country · Japan

🗣️LanguageJapanese

💶CurrencyYen japonais (¥)

🚗DrivingLeft-hand

🛡️Safety ⓘSafe · 2/5

💰Cost of living ⓘModerate · 3/5

🌡️ Climate

🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic

📈Climate trend ⓘStable

🔥Hottest monthAugust · 86°F

❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 50°F

🌧️Rainiest month ⓘJuly · 52%

🏖️ Beach trip

📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept

🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée

Explore

Other destinations in December

If December doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.

Similar climate

Nearby

BusanSouth Korea369 km

Other top picks

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Location

Where is Matsuyama ?

Global position + regional geographic context.

🌍 World

🔍 Geographic context

Japan

Temperate oceanic climate with a 7.9 → 4.1 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.

33.84°N · 132.77°E

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Matsuyama?

May is the best month with 72°F highs, 59°F lows, 6.6h of sunshine and 33.0% rainy days. The months of May & September offer comparable conditions.

How many hours of sunshine does Matsuyama get in May?

Matsuyama averages 6.6 sunshine hours per day in May. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.3/10.

What is the rainiest month in Matsuyama?

January is the most unfavourable month with January has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.

What are the temperatures at night in Matsuyama in May?

In May, overnight lows reach 59°F, while afternoon highs average 72°F.

Is Matsuyama good in winter?

In winter (December-February), Matsuyama scores 4.0/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains May with a score of 7.3/10.

When should you avoid Matsuyama?

January is the most difficult month to visit Matsuyama, with January has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.

Can you swim in Matsuyama in December?

In December, the sea averages 63°F in Matsuyama: cold, for the brave. Best left to hardened swimmers or those with a wetsuit.

Do you need sun protection in Matsuyama in December?

The average UV index reaches 3 in December in Matsuyama (moderate), with about 9.8h of daylight. Protect during midday hours.