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‘What’s the weather going to be like in Tokyo when I visit?’ is one of the most common questions I get asked in my Japan Planning Facebook group. Now, if I knew the exact answer to that, I’d be rich, particularly as the weather seems to be changing in Japan, so even past averages might not be relevant today – but I can at least give you a rough idea of what to expect. So, here goes…
Article by Helen Foster. Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
January
Tokyo is cold and dry in January. In fact, January is usually the month with the lowest temperatures and the least rainfall! According to Accuweather, which is the service I check before my trip, the temperatures at night can get down to zero, while the top temperature at the ‘hottest’ part of the day might hit 16°C- but, on average, you’d be better off planning for around 10-13°C during the day.
If you’re hoping to see snow, you might get a few flurries, but it rarely settles in Tokyo itself. For that, you’ll need to travel to slightly higher altitudes like the nearby ski resort of Gala Yuzawa which is less than two hours away by train or Hakuba in Nagano.
If you’re wondering what to pack – think layers. Inside, the heating will be on, and if you’re too bundled up, you’ll overheat as soon as you head inside! The one thing I made sure I had when visiting Japan in winter was gloves – so long as my hands are warm, the rest of me can usually manage.
February
February temperatures can vary a lot – on average they should be around 10°C during the day and around 1°C at night but, I’m writing this in 2025, and, this year, the nights were cooler than in January, with some nights falling below zero, but the days were around the same low teen temperatures. In 2024, it was much warmer, so I think the moral here is to be flexible with your packing and, again, think layers – but trust me, you will need a thicker top coat.
I have (briefly) been to Tokyo in February, and it was definitely colder than Osaka, where I’d come from. There, I’d got away with layering with just my thin coat on top, but that wouldn’t have cut it for long in Tokyo.
If you do get caught out, stores like Daiso or Hands will sell warming packs for your hands. For extra clothing, visit Uniqlo to purchase their special heat tech range, which helps warm you up when needed without causing you to overheat.
March
Spring begins in March in Japan. The average temperature rises to around 14 °C during the day and 5 °C at night, but as the month goes on, you could start seeing days of 20°C and higher. Nights are cooler, so make sure to bring something light yet warm that you can carry during the day and put on at night if you don’t return to your hotel in between.
You might get a bit of rain in March. On average, about 10 days see some rain, but Spring is not Tokyo’s heaviest season for rainfall – that comes much later in the year. You’ll probably get away with buying an umbrella at a convenience store if you do get a rainy day on your trip, rather than wasting valuable suitcase space packing proper rain clothes.
April
April is one of Tokyo’s loveliest months. Historically, the average high has been 19°C, with lows around 10°C, but the last two years have seen some days reaching the mid twenties.
Unlike many countries where April showers inspire songs, rainfall in Tokyo is moderate, with about 11 days seeing some rain.
When Do The Cherry Blossoms Bloom in Tokyo?
March and April are the normal times for cherry blossoms to bloom in and around Tokyo, but exactly when varies year by year.
A good guide for the bloom dates in Tokyo is late March and early April for peak bloom, but the exact date depends on the weather. If the weather is mild beforehand, they bloom earlier; if it’s cold, they bloom a bit later.
The Japan Meteorological Office will start making predictions in January for when they think things might happen (you’ll find them here), but even they won’t know for sure until the first flowers start.
Related Read: Check our guide for good places to see the cherry blossoms.
May
This is when I normally go to Tokyo, as the weather is warm, the days are long enough for a decent amount of sightseeing, and the crowds lured in by the cherry blossoms have disappeared. The average high in May is 23 °C, while the evening low is around 15 °C.
I hate rain and never carry an umbrella if I can help it, but I’m generally fairly lucky during my trips (apart from one famous day in Nara where the rain was biblical) – but, according to the official weather apps, it’s normal for it to rain in Tokyo for about 13 days in May.
So, how should you pack? Well, my usual outfit for the Tokyo daytimes in May is a dress, a scarf, and a cardigan that ends up around my waist by mid-morning. I also pack tights in case I encounter cooler days and evenings at the beginning of the month. So, again, layer! Have something light as your base layer for when it gets cool, and bring a cover-up for mornings and evenings.
The picture below was taken on the 29th May so you can see what people are wearing in that – and it’s looking summery.
May also sees the start of typhoon season in Japan – but we’ll talk about that a bit more in later months.
June
June marks the beginning of tsuyu, the rainy (and humid) season. I’ve noticed a definite difference if I hang around into June as to the number of days I’ve wandered around swearing in either prolonged drizzle or heavy rain. Apparently, 13 days of rain are average for June in Tokyo.
It also gets noticeably warmer and muggier – the shop air conditioning starts to feel like a welcome relief as you walk past rather than an icy blast.
That air conditioning means you might still want to pack a light cardigan or jacket just in case you end up somewhere where it’s set to arctic!
I usually pack two pairs of shoes anyway – one on my feet, one in the case – but once the rainy season starts, I’d definitely have two pairs ready to alternate between wet and dry. Also carry extra socks in case you do get caught in a downpour. Wet feet are a recipe for blisters.
The other thing to pack during the rainy season is a protective cover for your passport. It’s the law to carry this at all times in Japan, and if you get caught in a really heavy downpour, it might get through your bag and damage it. I either use my passport case, or if I want to cut down on weight, a sealable, clear plastic bag.
July
In July, summer is in full swing. And it’s hot. The average daily temperature in Tokyo is 30 °C during the day with a 23 °C low at night, but last year saw a lot of July days hovering around 36°C.
However, it’s not so much the heat that makes Tokyo stifling; it’s the humidity and the sheer amount of concrete bouncing the heat around.
According to this fantastic site that provides a full picture of Tokyo’s weather in any given month via lots of fun graphs and diagrams, the number of oppressively hot days goes up from zero in May to 19 per cent of the month in July.
The general consensus is to avoid Tokyo during high summer, however if you have kids or work in an industry that makes you take your holiday during summer, that might not be possible, so, at least pack accordingly.
Think light, flowing, baggy clothing if that suits your style. Shorts are fine for both genders, as are sundresses (but you might want to pop some shorts under them to prevent chafing – or revealing more than you hoped in something like teamLab or climbing onto a ride in the theme parks).
Generally, the Japanese don’t show much cleavage or shoulders, so they won’t be wearing strappy tops without a cover-up, but they are also used to the heat, and so, wear what you feel comfortable in – and stay hydrated. Again, you’ll find products in Daiso and Hands that aim to cool you down, like misting sprays or even wearable fans!
Many Japanese women will carry UV protective umbrellas at this time of year to keep the heat – and sun’s rays – off their skin. It’s not a bad idea to follow suit.
Need Extra Planning Help?
Our Japan trip planners can help. You might like our First-Timers Japan Planner, which will help you plan your trip to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka step-by-step, including tips on everything from picking hotels to sightseeing and dining. Or our super-duper Tokyo Disney Planner makes arranging your park trip MUCH easier. Find them in our Planners store – printable and digital versions are available.
August
If July sounded fierce, say hi to August – Tokyo’s hottest month.
The average high is 31C with a low of 25C – but, in 2025, 19 of the days in August hit over 35C during the day – I’m part lizard and only get toasty at 30C, but that would be hot even for me – especially combined with high humidity and a gruelling sightseeing schedule.
The number of days judged to be oppressively hot in August doubles to 37 per cent.
If you come in August, in addition to the packing advice above, try to schedule your days with plenty of indoor breaks, especially in the middle of the day. Normally I’d suggest going to the teamLab sites first thing in the morning to reduce the amount of other people in there, but, in Summer, midday might not be a bad idea. Remember, you need to book these in advance.
Start early when temperatures are a bit lower and avoid long stretches in direct sunlight. Add some of Japan’s many electrolyte drinks to your daily liquid consumption – Pocari Sweat might not have an appealing name but it’s going to be better at hydrating you than plain water in these temperatures. Aquarius is another brand to look for. You’ll find them both stocked in vending machines during the summer months.
Take Japan’s summer temperatures seriously; heat stroke is a common issue even for people living here during the peak of summer, and they’re not trying to sightsee all day.
August is a peak typhoon month, but as this section is already quite long, I’m going to cover advice for those next…
September
And relax – well, kind of. September starts to see the temperatures start to cool in Tokyo – the average high is usually around 28C with a low of 21C at night, but the cooler temperatures do bring rain, with 13 rainy days, and it has one of the heaviest monthly falls as well.
This is because while typhoon season covers May to October in Japan, August and September are the most likely months for them. Generally, Tokyo is sheltered from direct hits by typhoons, but if one approaches while you’re in town, you’ll need rainwear. Pack something waterproof and definitely bring two pairs of shoes – or one good waterproof pair and plenty of socks.
As typhoons approach, trains and other transport can be disrupted, so always allow a bit of wiggle room with your plans if you’re travelling in typhoon season.
Plan some rainy-day activities in case you do have days with a few downpours – Odaiba is a great rainy-day destination, as there’s a lot to do indoors. Small Worlds Tokyo was a highlight of one of my Tokyo trips, and we only went there because it was raining.
If a typhoon is directly travelling across Tokyo, rather than just causing knock-on wet weather, you might be asked to stay in your hotel for a bit – listen to them as they don’t deliver these warnings lightly. Tokyo is used to typhoons, so if they’re suggesting you change your behaviour, there’s a reason for that.
October
For temperature, October is one of Tokyo’s most comfortable months. Daytime highs fall to around 21-22°C, night time lows are around 14-15°C – but it is also the rainiest month.
Again, pack for rain, and still allow a bit of leeway with travel plans, as even without an associated typhoon warning, heavy rains can mess with travel – it’s not Tokyo but I got stuck in Tottori on my last October trip as rains had stopped the trains and had to change all my plans (bye bye relaxing weekend at Kinosaki Onsen).
November
Another one of the best months to travel in Tokyo. The average daytime temperature is around 17°C, and it falls to 10°C at night. Rainfall is also relatively low, with just four rainy days on average this month.
I was in Tokyo in early November last year. During the day, the weather was pleasant, but I noticed a clear drop in temperature in the early mornings and at night, especially since I was at Tokyo Disney, which is near the sea. I was wearing tights, a cardigan and a scarf – and, by November 7th, when I left, I doubled up the cardigans in the evening – so, even though the days might feel pleasant, bring something warmer for evenings.
November sees the possibility of autumn colours around Tokyo. However, in 2025, a warmer-than-normal autumn is likely to cause the colours to appear later than usual, with 30th November predicted for Tokyo on the day I write this. While warm temperatures cause the cherry blossoms to bloom early, they delay the changes of the autumn leaves.
Good spots to see the autumn colours in Tokyo are Hamarikyu Gardens (one of local Jonelle Patrick’s favourite gardens – she took me there when I first visited). Another good option would be Shinjuku’s Gyoen Garden – an extra benefit of this is that it’s one of the best things to do in Tokyo in the morning when a lot of things are still closed.
The Meteorological Department release predictions on their news page for the best times to see the leaves around Japan. The first predictions come out in early October, and they update them until the leaves actually turn.
December
If you like cool weather, December is a fantastic month to travel to Tokyo.
It’s cool, the average temperature is around 12°C during the day and falls to 4°C at night, but rain is rare and it’s unlikely to snow.
Bring a coat and those all-important layers and enjoy blue skies and smaller crowds for most of the month.
The clear, cloudless days also make December peak Mount Fuji spotting season. The mountain isn’t visible every day, but the highest proportion of visible days is between November and February.
According to the website, Is Fuji Visible?, which has crunched the numbers, you have a 74 per cent chance of seeing the mountain in December – compared to 14 per cent during the rains in June.
If you’re planning on visiting, use the visibility calendar to try to work out the best day and time for your day trip from Tokyo.
And there it is. One year in the weather in Tokyo. As I said at the beginning of this piece, though, this can only ever be a rough guide. The weather is always variable, and it seems that patterns are changing dramatically right now. So, do check guides like Accuweather before your trip to get specific predictions for temperatures, rainfall and other weather-related issues.