Tokyo Weather
Tokyo is located in the subtropical marine monsoon climate zone. Under the control of monsoons, it has rich precipitation and four distinct seasons – mild and warm spring, hot and humid summer, cool and pleasant autumn, and cold and dry winter. It is free of severe cold or extreme heat from the historical data. August to September is the peak period for typhoons. Charming cherry blossoms from March to April and fall foliage from October to November attract many tourists every year.
Temperature
The temperature in Tokyo varies greatly within a year, with average high temperatures ranging between 28 – 30 degrees Celsius (82.4 – 86 degrees Fahrenheit) and low values between 1 – 7℃ (33.8 – 44.6℉). But the transition between seasons is gentle, without many drastic fluctuations. It means that people don’t need to deal with sudden cold or heat.
Which month is the coldest in Tokyo?
January is the coldest month in Tokyo, when the low temperature fluctuates between 1 - 5℃ (33.8 - 41℉). It seldom drops below 0℃ (32℉), so the weather of Tokyo is considered cold instead of chilly. When the sun shines, the cold feeling weakens a little. But sometimes, the wind can be strong, lowering the perceived temperature.
Which month is the hottest in Tokyo?
August is the hottest month in Tokyo, with a high temperature of 31 - 35℃ (87.8 - 95℉) and low value of 26 - 29℃ (78.8 – 84.2℉). Visitors need to be mentally prepared for the heat all day long. Although the extremely high value over 35℃ (95℉) hardly appears, Tokyo’s climate often feels muggy in the month due to high humidity. It’s not an exaggeration to say that people cannot sleep at night without air conditioning.
What is the rainy season in Tokyo?
June to October is the rainy season in Tokyo. The annual precipitation of the city reaches a high 1,500 – 1,700 mm (59 – 67 in), distributed over 100 rainy and snowy days.
Specifically, June to July serves as the plum rainy season under the influence of the southeast monsoon. Although heavy rainfall can hardly be seen, continuous light rains and showers always occur. There are a total of 20 - 30 rainy days during this period. Occasionally, the sun appears but is covered by thick clouds in a blink of an eye. In August to October, frequent typhoons bring a lot of short-term rainstorms.
It snows but not heavily in December to February in Tokyo. Mostly, they are light snowfall or sleet, and it’s hard to form a thick cover on the ground. The main reason lies in the non-frigid weather and wet snowflakes.
Read more: Everything You Need to Know about Rainy Season in Japan
Sunlight Hours
Tokyo enjoys plenty of sunshine, the total amount of which is 1,800 – 2,000 hours. About 170 days are sunny throughout the year; winter boasts the most, while plum rainy season sees the least when it is common to have less than 3 hours of sunshine per day for more than 10 consecutive days. The UV index reaches its highest in summer. Overall, its sunshine mode is similar to that of Washington.
When is the typhoon season in Tokyo?
The typhoon season in Tokyo starts in July and ends in October, with August to September serving as the peak period. Every year, 1 - 3 typhoons directly hit this city, and 3 - 5 typhoons just pass by, but they also disturb outdoor travel to some extent. In addition to strong winds, heavy rainfall also occurs at the same time.
During typhoon visits, planes, bullet trains, trams, and buses are delayed or cancelled, and some attractions close temporarily or shorten their open hours. So, be sure to check the typhoon warning information before departure, and reduce or even avoid outdoor sightseeing on typhoon days.
When it leaves, the sky in Tokyo is completely “cleaned”. Standing at high-altitude Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower, you can even see the full view of Mount Fuji clearly.
For shopping enthusiasts, the best times include January with New Year sales, February with winter clearance sales, and September with summer clearance. Ginza, Akihabara, and shopping malls in Shinjuku, Odaiba, and Shibuya all offer great discounts for all kinds of goods.
Read more: Best Time to Visit Japan & Japan Weather
Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
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Spring (March – May)
Weather
Average Temperature: 7 - 22℃ (45 - 72℉)
Rainfall: 379 mm (15 in) from 32 days
In early spring, the weather is a little bit cold. As time goes by, it gradually warms up. The high temperature climbs to over 20℃ (68℉) by May from a moderate 13 – 17℃ (55.4 – 62.6℉) in March. Day-night temperature difference is relatively large all the time, remaining at 7 – 10℃ (12.6 - 18℉). There is not much rainfall in the season, and sunny or cloudy days account for the most. It sometimes drizzles, but the air humidity remains not low.
What to wear
In early spring: Besides a sweater for daytime sightseeing in the sun, it is advisable to prepare a thick coat to deal with the cooling weather in early morning and evening. For the bottom, thick sweatpants or jeans can be a good choice.
In mid to late spring: Replace the thick jacket with a trench coat, and choose long-sleeve T-shirt as the inner layer. T-shirt is acceptable at the end of the season. Normal jeans are proper.
Shoes: Both comfortable sneakers and casual shoes are suitable for spring outings.
Best things to do
1. Appreciate cherry blossoms in late March to early April like most travelers do. You can also admire other blooming flowers like azalea at Meiji Jingu Shrine, rape flowers along Edo River, and tulips at Showa Memorial Park.
2. Enjoy the festive atmosphere of Kanda Festival in mid-May in odd-numbered years.
3. Pray for good luck and prosperity in Sanja Matsuri on the third Friday to Sunday in May (May 15 - 17th, 2026).
See Also: Best Places for Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
Tips
1. Check the accurate blooming periods of cherry blossoms before you go. For Mount Fuji and the suburbs of Tokyo like Mt. Takao and Lake Okutama, it is about one week later than in the downtown, which lasts to mid-April.
2. To ensure a smooth trip, remember to book flights and hotels in advance as the cherry blossom season attracts crowds in Tokyo.
3. Late April to early May is the Golden Week, when another travel peak season appears. Leave more time for transportation and catering in the face of numerous tourists anywhere.
4. Wear a mask when visiting blooming flowers if you are sensitive to pollens.
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Tokyo Spring Sakura
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Summer (June – August)
Weather
Average Temperature: 21 - 30℃ (70 - 86℉)Rainfall: 508 mm (20 in) from 31 days
In summer, the temperature remains above 30℃ (86℉) during the day; even after sunset, it seldom drops below 25℃ (77℉). The high temperatures rarely exceed 35℃ (95℉), but the high air humidity of over 70% makes the weather stuffy and hot.
The reason lies in that summer has the most precipitation in a year. In the former two months, that is, the plum rainy season, continuous rainfall takes place, covering almost every day. Entering August, it always suddenly rains heavily, especially in the afternoon to evening. Fortunately, it often doesn’t last long. Once you encounter a rainstorm during travel, it is recommended that you find a safe place for shelter until it stops.
Meanwhile, typhoon comes to visit, especially in August.
What to pack
Clothes: Breathable summer clothes are proper, such as chiffon T-shirt and shorts. Girls can also choose skirts or summer dress. When appreciating the firework shows, a must-do in Tokyo in summer, you can also experience cool yukata like local young people.Shoes: Sandals and water shoes work well in rainy and hot summer.
Necessities:
1. Umbrellas or raincoats are a must in the rainy season.
2. Visitors should pack sun cream, parasol, and sunglasses to prevent heatstroke and sunburn. If you cannot stand the heat, carry a portable fan with you during outings.
Travel recommendations
1. Join in well-known Sumida River Fireworks Festival, which offers wonderful fireworks performances on the last Saturday of July.2. Climb onto Mount Fuji. The trekking to its summit is allowed in July to early September only.
3. Watch the grand mikoshi parade in Torikoe Matsuri at Torikoe (aka Torigoe) Shrine in early June.
4. Join various activities in Bon Festival in mid-August, like watching the traditional festival dances and visiting a temple/shrine.
5. Waterside places like Odaiba & Tokyo Bay and indoor entertainments like Tokyo National Museum are more recommended in hot weather.
Tips
1. Reduce or avoid outdoor activities during the hottest period within a day. You can set off early and have a break at your hotel at noon. When it’s not that hot, go out again.2. Pay attention to typhoon warnings in advance.
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Tokyo Skytree in Summer
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Autumn (September – November)
Weather
Average Temperature: 12 - 27℃ (54 - 81℉)
Rainfall: 496 mm (20 in) from 29 days
In early autumn, the weather is still hot and wet, and high temperatures of over 30℃ (86℉) can be seen. Later, the temperature gradually drops to a cool 19 – 24℃ (66.2 – 75.2℉) during the day, and the humidity also gets to a moderate level. However, a big temperature difference exists between day and night, remaining 7 - 9℃ (12.6 – 16.2℉) often.
Another thing you should pay attention to is the typhoon, which can affect your itinerary a lot. September is the peak period. Other than strong winds, they also bring short rainstorms, making it the rainiest month. In the latter two months, sunny days dominate.
What to wear
Up: T-shirt is acceptable in the early season, but remember to change it to a long-sleeve one later on. Besides, prepare a trench coat or windbreaker for morning and evening trips.
Bottom: Either jeans or sweatpants are a good choice.
Shoes: Choose from sneakers and casual shoes without much pressure on your feet.
Travel recommendations
1. Visit popular red leaf destinations and appreciate yellow ginkgo leaves in Meiji Jingu Gaien and Showa Memorial Park.
2. Taste autumn food at the Sanma (Pacific Saury) Festival in Meguro in October.
3. Pray for wealth and prosperity of business on Tori no Ichi Festival, or Torinoichi Fair, held around Juzaisan Chokokuji Temple and Otori Jinja Shrine in Asakusa in November.
4. Participate in the Halloween-themed events at Tokyo Disneyland.
Tips
1. Confirm the weather conditions before setting off and try to avoid typhoon days.
2. Raingear is needed in September.
3. A travel peak season starts in October, so make prior reservations for flights, trains, and hotels, and get ready for longer queues at popular attractions.
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Red Leaves in Autumn
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Winter (December – February)
Weather
Average Temperature: 4 - 12℃ (39 - 57℉)Rainfall: 159 mm (6.3 in) from 13 days
The winter in Tokyo is cold but not frigid. The high temperature changes between 3 - 13°C (37.4 – 55.4°F); even in the coldest period, it hardly drops to below 0°C (32°F). But sometimes, blowing wind decreases the perceived temperature. The heating system works efficiently, creating a temperature difference between indoors and outdoors. Although the sunlight duration is short, plenty of sunny weather makes it convenient to travel around.
There is a probability of a few snowfalls, but it doesn’t snow heavily in normal circumstances, particularly in downtown areas. Snow cover is not common because the snowflakes melt quickly. As a result, air humidity remains around 45%, which feels a little dry.
What to wear
Inner layer: You don’t need to wear too much. A bottoming shirt with thin sweater is enough for warm indoor places. For the bottom, long johns and jeans are advised. If you don’t want to wear layers, single fleece pants also work.Outer layer: It is suitable to wear a padded jacket or down coat that is easy to put on and take off.
Shoes: Non-slip sneakers with thick socks are a good match for traveling outside for a long time. Snow boots are not needed, actually.
Travel recommendations
1. Visiting Tokyo in the winter of 2025, don’t miss famous hot springs of Japan. You can experience in Hakone or Ikaho, the onsen towns near Tokyo.2. If you don’t enjoy yourself fully during the day, admire colorful light shows on Tokyo streets, Marunouchi, Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Skytree, etc. when the night falls.
3. During the New Year, you can go out to feel the strong festive atmosphere at Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Jingu Shrine, and other shrines and temples.
4. It’s a nice option to taste warm sukiyaki and oden after a day trip in the cold climate.
Tips
1. Although the daylight is not long, you don’t need to make a tight plan, as it belongs to a low travel season, except for Christmas and New Year holidays.2. Some local restaurants or stores are in suspension during the New Year.
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Senso-ji Temple in Winter
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