Best Time to Visit Tokyo: Weather and Temperature by Season

Tokyo is a massive metropolis and the capital of Japan, ranking among the world's leading cities. It is the top destination for anyone visiting Japan, a paradise for shoppers and food lovers, with an extensive, convenient, and fast transportation system.

Tokyo's overall climate and temperature is semi-humid, with clear differences between all four seasons. Winter may bring some snow, though not much, while summer is hot and humid. Spring and autumn are the mildest and most pleasant times to visit, though Tokyo is worth visiting year-round. There may be occasional rainstorms in summer or snowstorms in winter, while in other seasons rain tends to be just light drizzle during the day.

The lowest temperature ever recorded in Tokyo was -9°C in January, and the highest was 39.5°C in July.

The coldest month is January.

The hottest month is August.

The months with the highest rainfall in Tokyo are June and September.

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Tokyo in Winter

Winter Weather and Temperature in Tokyo: December, January, and February

In winter, Tokyo's weather is cold, with snow in some years but not others. Average monthly temperatures are similar: 8°C in December, 5°C in January (the coldest month of the year), and a slightly warmer 6°C in February. Days are shortest and nights are longest during winter, though the difference from other seasons is not dramatic. Nighttime temperatures can drop to around 2°C, but usually stay above 0°C.

What to wear in Tokyo in winter: Choose clothing that blocks wind well and keeps you warm in case temperatures drop below zero, such as a coat or down jacket, a scarf, and gloves. It's also worth packing thermal underlayers — better to have too much than too little.

Major Festivals in Tokyo in Winter

• New Year Celebrations: December 31 to January 1, at Meiji Shrine and Zojo-ji Temple. Includes Hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the year) to pray for good fortune.
• Setagaya Boro-Ichi Market: mid-January, in Setagaya. A historic market over 400 years old, selling antiques, food, and traditional crafts.
• Tokyo Christmas Market: December, at Hibiya Park. A festival market inspired by German Christmas markets, selling decorations, gifts, and seasonal food.

Tokyo in Spring

Spring Weather and Temperature in Tokyo: March, April, and May

In spring, Tokyo's temperatures are pleasantly cool. March averages 9°C, warming up to 14°C in April and 18°C in May, with rainfall gradually increasing as well. From late March to early April, cherry blossoms bloom across almost every part of Tokyo, making this one of the busiest times of year for visitors.

What to wear in Tokyo in spring: Temperatures range from about 10-20°C. Long sleeves, long pants, and a light jacket are enough.

Major Festivals in Tokyo in Spring

• Cherry Blossom Festival (Hanami): late March to early April, at Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Sumida Park. People picnic under the blooming cherry trees and enjoy traditional celebrations.
• Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival: early April, along the Sumida River. This festival features beautiful cherry blossoms and nighttime illuminations, along with food stalls and traditional performances.
• Sanja Matsuri, Asakusa: mid-May, at Asakusa Shrine. One of Tokyo's biggest and liveliest festivals, featuring processions of portable shrines (mikoshi), along with traditional music and dance.

Tokyo in Summer

Summer Weather and Temperature in Tokyo: June, July, and August

In summer, Tokyo is at its hottest and most humid, with the longest daylight hours and the heaviest rainfall of the year, making this the season most prone to rainstorms. Temperatures climb from an average of 21°C in June to 25°C in July and 26°C in August, with some days exceeding 30°C. June is also one of the rainiest months. Even so, summer has the most fireworks festivals of any season.

What to wear in Tokyo in summer: Shorts and T-shirts are fine, but the sun can be strong, so bring a hat and rain gear.

Major Festivals in Tokyo in Summer

• Sumida River Fireworks Festival: last Saturday of July, along the Sumida River. Tokyo's biggest fireworks display, drawing millions of spectators.
• Koenji Awa Odori Dance Festival: late August, in Koenji. A festival where thousands of dancers in colorful costumes perform the traditional Awa Odori.
• Mitama Matsuri: mid-July, at Yasukuni Shrine. A festival featuring over 30,000 lanterns, along with traditional music and dance performances.

Tokyo in Autumn

Autumn Weather and Temperature in Tokyo: September, October, and November

In autumn, Tokyo gradually becomes cooler and drier. However, September is one of the rainiest months of the year alongside June, and also the month most prone to rainstorms, with an average temperature of 23°C. October averages 18°C and November 12°C. The autumn leaves are at their best from late November to early December.

What to wear in Tokyo in autumn: Temperatures are as pleasant as in spring, but rain is more frequent. Long sleeves with a jacket are enough, or bring an extra inner layer just in case.

Major Festivals in Tokyo in Autumn

• Tokyo International Film Festival: late October, in the Hibiya, Yurakucho, and Ginza area. An annual film festival screening films from around the world, including premieres and retrospectives.
• Tori-no-Ichi, Asakusa: November, at Otori Shrine. An outdoor market selling decorative rakes (kumade) for good luck and prosperity.
• Shichi-Go-San Festival: November 15, at various shrines. A religious ceremony in which children aged 3, 5, and 7 visit shrines in traditional dress to pray for health and growth.

Indoor Things to Do in Tokyo on Rainy Days

On days when the weather turns bad and it rains all day, there's no need to worry — Tokyo has plenty to offer that keeps you out of the rain.

1. Mori Art Museum:

Located on the 53rd floor of Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, this museum showcases contemporary art from artists around the world. It also offers a beautiful view of Tokyo from its observation deck.

2. National Museum of Nature and Science:

Located in Ueno Park, this museum has a wide range of exhibits on natural science and technology. You can easily spend a whole day here learning and having fun.

3. Tokyo Dome City:

This indoor amusement park and shopping complex lets you enjoy rides and shopping even on a rainy day.

4. Ikebukuro Sunshine City:

This shopping complex includes department stores, an aquarium, museums, and an indoor amusement park. You can spend a whole day here without getting bored.

5. Underground Shopping Areas:

If you're looking for a place to shop without worrying about the rain, we recommend Shinjuku Station and Tokyo Station. Both stations have extensive underground areas that connect to each other and to many nearby department stores.

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