Tokyo Weather

Tokyo is a city which belongs to the subtropical marine monsoon climate zone with four distinct seasons. The hottest period is from June to August in summer and the coldest is from December to February in winter. The summer is influenced by the southeast monsoon, which brings a lot of rainfall, especially in the plum rainy season from June to mid-July. In plum rainy season, the rainfall can reach the peak in a year, which totals about 200mm averagely. In September, the typhoons usually hit the city. The annual average rainfall is 1,528mm. The weather in spring and autumn are mild and they are the best seasons to travel around in Tokyo.

High/Low Temperatures of Tokyo

Average Temperatures of Tokyo

Humidity Graph of Tokyo

Average Rainfall of Tokyo

Spring (March – May)

Weather: Mild & Warm

Average temperature: 11-18°C (51.8-64.4°F)

The temperature in spring is neither too high nor too low as a whole. But in early spring, it’s a little bit cold. It is advisable to wear a thick coat and scarf when travelling. In mid and late spring, light and long sleeves clothes like hoodies are recommended. But the temperature difference is large between day and night, so a woolen coat is necessary. In some days, a hat may also be needed. The sakura will be in full bloom during the spring and most of the days are suitable for outgoing. The pleasant weather and blooming sakura together contribute to the peak travel season in Tokyo. To ensure a smooth trip, please remember to book the hotels and tickets of transport in advance. 

Best things to do:
1. Appreciating the sakura in Ueno Park, and Showa Memorial Park and along Sumida River.
2. Enjoying the festive atmosphere of Kanda Festival.
3. Praying for good luck and prosperity in Sanja Festival.

Tokyo Spring Sakura

Summer (June – August)

From June to mid-July is the plum rainy season and the weather is wet and humid. Umbrellas are the musts during this time because of the obviously rising rainfall. After the plum rainy season, it enters the hottest time of the year and the weather gets stuffy. Even after the sunset, the average temperature is still above 25°C (77°F). In this hot weather, clothes should be more breathable. Girls can choose bright dresses and boys can choose shorts and T-shirt. Visitors should drink more water and use sun cream to prevent the heatstroke and sunburn. Parasol and sunglasses are also important. In hot summer, waterside places and indoors entertainments are more recommended.

Best things to do:
1. Experiencing the Japanese citizen life in Torikoe Festival.
2. Enjoying the fireworks show in the sky in summer nights.
3. Joining the various activities in Bon Festival.

• Read more: Everything You Need to Know about Rainy Season in Japan 

Tokyo Skytree in Summer

Autumn (September – November)

Weather: Cool & Pleasant
Average temperature: 16-21°C (60.8-69.8°F)

In early autumn, the weather is still hot and wet. As time goes on, the temperature gradually drops; the weather becomes cool and Tokyo embraces another good season for traveling around. In autumn you can appreciate the leaf color changing from green to red, yellow... Same as spring, woolen coat and hat are needed for colder night time. In daytime, hoodie, blouse and a regular overcoat are enough most of the time. In late autumn, thermal coat and jacket are better for you to protect yourself from the coldness; sweater pants and jeans are good, too.

Another thing should pay attention to is the typhoon. September is the peak period of typhoon; visitors should check the weather forecast before going there. 

Best things to do:
1. Watching excellent performances in Asakusa Samba Carnival.
2. Appreciating the red maple leaves and yellow ginkgo leaves in Meiji Jingu Gaien and Showa Memorial Park.
3. Praying for wealth and prosperity in Tori no Ichi Festival.

Red Leaves in Autumn

Winter (December – February)

The winter in Tokyo is pretty cold and the average temperature is often between 0-10°C (32-50°F). Sometimes it drops to below 0°C (32°F). The sunlight duration is short and there is a probability of snow. Visitors should wear as thick as they can, especially in the late winter. But most of the indoor places have radiator systems, so it is suitable to wear the thick overcoats which are easy to be taken off. Winter is the best season to experience the hot spring and it also has a lot of festivals and activities for visitors to enjoy.

Best things to do:
1. Enjoying different kinds of light shows in Tokyo streets in winter.
2. Making first shrine or temple visit in the New Year, called Hatsumode in Japanese.
3. Experiencing the hot spring in Hakone onsen, Ikaho onsen or Kusatsu onsen in winter.

Senso-ji Temple in Winter