Tokyo Weather in May

Season: Late Spring
In Short: Warm and pleasant, best time to travel in Tokyo

With warm and pleasant weather, May is one of the best time to travel around and sightsee in Tokyo. Although the weather is generally mild, the difference between early month and late month is big. In early May, the daily temperature difference is large so an overcoat is needed if you have a trip that starts early and ends late. In late May it gets a little bit stuffy because of the climbing temperature and increasing rainfall. With the increasing rainfall, the humidity becomes higher, too.
See also: Japan Weather in May

Imperial Palace in May

Temperature

The average temperature is around 20℃ (68℉). But visitors need to pay attention to the temperature difference between daytime and nighttime. Towards evening, it is still a little bit cool, with the average low temperature of about 17℃ (62.6℉). Visitors can take a thin coat with you if necessary.
Average High Temperature: 22°C / 71.6°F
Average Low Temperature: 17°C / 62.6°F

Rainfall

May is the rainiest month in spring. It has about 11 rainy days in this month and the humidity increases to 68%. The monthly average rainfall is about 140mm which increases a lot compared to before. Coupled with rising temperature, the weather in late month is a little bit stuffy.
Average Rainy Days: 11 days
Average Humidity: 68%

Sunrise & Sunset

In May, the sun rises at around 04:36 and falls at about 18:14, which means the duration of daylight is about 14h. In 14h of daylight, there are about 9.5 hours of sunshine. The UV rays are relatively strong in May so sun cream should be prepared in your luggage.
Daylight hours: about 14h
Sunshine hours: around 9.5h

Recommended Clothes to Wear in May

Considering the weather condition in May, you can take some comfortable and breathable clothes to reduce the stuffy feeling. Also, clothes in light colors are recommended too.

Girls

Tops: For tops, girls can choose some sun-proof clothing, shirt and blouse. If you want more convenience, you can also choose to wear a dress with long sleeve. But when the temperature drops, a thin overcoat is necessary.
Bottoms & shoes: Long skirt with a pair of casual shoes can be a good match. Besides, girls can choose to wear a pair of simple jeans or thin sweatpants.

Boys

Tops: Boys can choose shirt and a thin overcoat to adapt to the weather in cooler time. In warm time, a hoodie in bright color can be great.
Bottoms & shoes: Light pants and jeans are suitable for lower parts. For shoes, boys can choose comfortable sneakers to make your trip more comfortable.

Accessories: In some sunny days, visitors can wear a pair of sunglasses or a sunhat to protect against dazzling sunlight.
Special Recommendation: In pleasant May, visitors can experience the traditional Japanese clothing, called kimono, if you want to be more integrated into the local culture. It’s not difficult to find a kimono rental shop in Tokyo.

Top Festivals to Enjoy in Tokyo in May

Travel Recommendation:  

The beginning of May is a Golden Week of tourism in Japan because there are a lot of festivals and celebration activities. If you plan to have your trip to Tokyo in the Golden Week, it is wise that you buy your flight and train tickets and book your hotel in advance. Golden Week means numerous people go outdoors and have fun. Please take care of yourself when it’s crowded around and check the traffic conditions before you travel.

1. Carp Streamer Art Festival

Tokyo Tower at Night

The first is Carp Streamer Art Festival, which is the Children’s Day in Japan. Carp streamer refers to the flag made in the shape of a carp. On May 5, people hang the carp streamers to drive away evil spirits and pray for their children to be healthy. The colorful carp streamers are in various sizes and they become a great scene for Children’s Day. At this time, the Tokyo Tower hangs 333 carp streamers and a huge saury flag shaped like a saury. The Tokyo Skytree hangs more than 1,000 carp streamers in the same time. Visitors who travel in Tokyo during this period can see the carp streamers fluttering in the wind almost everywhere.

2. Kanda Festival

The second is Kanda Festival which is held on the Saturday around May 15th every year. It is one of the biggest festivals in Tokyo and one of the three major festivals in Japan. Since the founding of Kanda Shrine, the Kanda Festival has a history of more than 1,300 years. During this festival, visitors can see people in Kanda Shrine hold more than 200 mikoshi to parade and walk through the main streets in Tokyo. The Kanda Festival lasts for about a week and the featured festive food are sold all over Japan. Because it is said that the Kanda Shrine can bless people with prosperity and good luck, so every year it attracts many people to join the festival. 

Tip: During the one-week Kanda Festival, the liveliest events take place the weekend before May 15th and the parade is usually in the weekend. Please choose the time to attend the festival according to your preference.  

3. Sanja Festival

The third is Sanja Festival which is held in Asakusa Shrine. Sanja Festival lasts for three days every year on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the third week of May. On Friday afternoon, people who wearing Edo period (1603-1868AD) clothing hold Daigyoretsu Parade, marking the beginning of the Sanja Festival and hold a ceremony to pray for prosperity. On Saturday, people hold a blessing ceremony for nearly a hundred mikoshi and after the blessing ceremony, people who carry the mikoshi parade in Sensoji Temple and Asakusa Shrine. On Sunday, people carry the gold-covered mikoshi and walk through the decorated streets of Asakusa until the festival is over. During the Sanja Festival, visitors can appreciate the music, lively parade and experience the traditional food in Asakusa. It is an absolutely good chance to experience the Japanese customs.

May Weather for Other Cities in Japan:

• Kyoto Weather in May
• Osaka Weather in May
• Nara Weather in May

Tokyo Weather by Month