Tokyo Guide · Weather Guide

When to Visit Tokyo

Month-by-month breakdown of temperatures, rainfall, crowds and what's actually worth coming for — so you can plan around the season, not despite it.

Spring — March to May

Cherry blossoms, mild days, perfect conditions

Best

March

12°C/5°C

Rainfall

117mm

Crowds

High

Late March brings cherry blossoms — typically around March 20–28. Parks like Shinjuku Gyoen, Ueno and Chidorigafuchi fill with hanami parties. Book accommodation months in advance.

Best

April

18°C/10°C

Rainfall

125mm

Crowds

Peak

Peak cherry blossom early April, then full green. Golden Week (Apr 29 – May 5) means huge domestic crowds and higher prices. Avoid or book very far ahead.

Good

May

23°C/15°C

Rainfall

128mm

Crowds

Moderate

Post-Golden Week is a hidden gem — warm, green, manageable crowds. Ideal for walking neighbourhoods. Humidity starts creeping in late May.

Summer — June to August

Hot, sticky, rainy season — then intense heat

Avoid

June

26°C/19°C

Rainfall

168mm

Crowds

Low

Rainy season (tsuyu) — expect daily drizzle and high humidity. Not ideal for outdoor sightseeing. Fewer tourists means cheaper hotels, but the weather makes it hard going.

Avoid

July

30°C/23°C

Rainfall

154mm

Crowds

Moderate

Rainy season ends mid-July, replaced by intense heat and humidity. Feels like 38–40°C with heat index. Great for festivals (Sumida fireworks), rough for walking. Carry a hand fan and hydrate constantly.

Avoid

August

32°C/25°C

Rainfall

154mm

Crowds

High

Peak summer. Obon week (mid-August) means massive domestic travel. Air-con is everywhere — museums and malls are pleasant escapes. Budget travellers find surprisingly low hotel prices outside Obon.

Autumn — September to November

Cooler air, red maples, the second-best season

Good

September

28°C/21°C

Rainfall

210mm

Crowds

Low

Still warm and typhoon risk (check forecasts). Fewer tourists though. Late September starts feeling more comfortable. Good for budget deals.

Best

October

22°C/14°C

Rainfall

165mm

Moderate

Near-perfect weather — clear skies, comfortable temperatures, low humidity. Autumn festivals (matsuri) happening across the city. Early autumn colours in parks by late October.

Best

November

17°C/9°C

Rainfall

97mm

Crowds

High

Peak autumn foliage (koyo) — Shinjuku Gyoen, Rikugien, and Hamarikyu gardens turn blazing red and gold. One of Tokyo's most photogenic periods. Book ahead.

Winter — December to February

Cold but dry — Tokyo winters are manageable

Good

December

12°C/5°C

Rainfall

57mm

Crowds

Moderate

Winter illuminations everywhere — Omotesando, Midtown, Shinjuku Terrace City. Christmas markets. Cold but mostly dry and sunny. Good shopping deals mid-December.

Avoid

January

9°C/2°C

Rainfall

52mm

Crowds

High

New Year (Oshōgatsu) — Jan 1–3 temples packed, many shops closed. After that, the city quiets down significantly. Coldest month — near-freezing nights. Occasionally a dusting of snow.

Good

February

10°C/2°C

Rainfall

56mm

Crowds

Low

Cheapest month for hotels — low demand, low prices. Dry and clear. Plum blossoms (ume) in parks mid-February are stunning. Great for budget trips with short queues at attractions.

Packing tips

What to bring for each season

🌸

Spring (Mar–May)

Light layers — mornings are cool, afternoons warm. A compact umbrella is essential. Comfortable walking shoes. Book hanami parks early — Shinjuku Gyoen charges entry (¥500) but is worth it.

☀️

Summer (Jun–Aug)

Breathable, light clothing. Hand fan (sensu) — buy one at any 100-yen shop. High-SPF sunscreen. Electrolyte drinks. Start sightseeing early (7–10am) before peak heat. Afternoon: museums, malls, indoor attractions.

🍂

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

Light jacket from October. Layering works well — warm afternoons, cooler evenings. Perfect for walking days. No special gear needed; just comfortable shoes for all that pavement.

❄️

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Warm coat, hat and gloves for nights. Most buildings are well-heated so layering helps. Tokyo rarely gets heavy snow but it's possible in January. Hand warmers (kairo) from any konbini — a revelation.