Winter in Japan generally lasts from December to February. The season officially begins in December, ushering in cold and dry weather with occasional snowfall, especially in northern and mountainous regions. January is typically the coldest month, with temperatures dropping significantly, while February remains cold but often brings clearer skies. In summary:

• Winter months: December, January, February
• Coldest month: January
• Snowfall: Frequent in northern Japan like Hokkaido and mountainous areas
• Southern areas like Okinawa stay milder with less snow.