Weather in Tokyo by Month and What to Wear

Weather and Average Temperatures in Tokyo

Tokyo has a humid subtropical climate characterized by four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cool winters. Here’s an overview:

Spring (March to May)

The temperatures are mild, gradually warming from around 10°C (50°F) in March to about 20°C (68°F) in May. It's generally dry and comfortable, with increasing sunshine.

Summer (June to August)

Summer in Tokyo is hot, humid, and often rainy, especially during June and early July due to the rainy season (tsuyu). Temperatures frequently rise above 30°C (86°F), especially in August, which can be very hot and humid.

Autumn (September to November)

The weather cools down, with temperatures dropping from around 25°C (77°F) in September to 10°C (50°F) in November. Humidity decreases, and the air becomes crisp.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Tokyo brings cool to cold temperatures, generally ranging from 0°C (32°F) to 10°C (50°F). Snow is rare but possible, mainly in January and February.

Rainfall in Tokyo

The total annual rainfall is moderate to high, with the rainy season in early summer. Typhoons occasionally affect Tokyo from August to October, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.

Read on to learn the average temperatures by month in Tokyo, with tips on what to wear for each month.

Weather in Tokyo by Month and Clothing Tips

1. January to March
- January: Coldest Time of the Year
- February: Still Very Cold
- March: Be Prepared for Chilly Weather
2. April to June
- April: Lovely Spring Weather
- May: Pleasant Average of 20℃
- June: Relatively Hot and Rainy Season
3. July to September
- July: Very Hot During Daytime
- August: Dangerous to Be Under Direct Sunlight
- September: Still Very Hot at Daytime
4. October to December
- October: Pleasant Temperatures, Frequent Typhoons
- November: Chilly Weather, Wear a Light Jacket
- December: Time to Put on a Warm Coat

1. January to March: Keep Yourself Warm

Tokyo Station under the snow. Photo by Pixta

The average temperature tends to stay below 10℃ (50°F) from January to March. It sometimes will even fall below 0℃ (32°F), so you will definitely need a thick coat at the very least to keep yourself warm.

Even if it's cold, you can show your trendy side by wearing a stylish scarf, knit cap, and mittens as accessories.

January: High 9.6℃ (49.2°F)/ Low 1.8℃ (35.1°F)

Photo by Pixta

January is a very cold month, so come prepared with winter-appropriate clothing.

Long pants, warm, thin layers, a coat, and warm accessories (gloves, a hat, and a scarf) are recommended.

February: High 10.3℃ (50.3°F)/ Low 2.7℃ (36.9°F)

Photo by Pixta

In February, we strongly recommend wearing a down jacket or a coat. You will definitely need gloves and a scarf too.

Some say that February feels colder than January or December, but the temperature isn't too different.

March: High 16.4℃ (61.3°F)/ Low 7.9℃ (46.1°F)

Photo by Pixta

Though the daytime temperatures are quite refreshing in March, it might feel chilly come sunset.

Having a medium-weight jacket (or a spring jacket with a liner) would be a good idea in March. You should keep your feet warm as well.

Tokyo's cherry blossoms start blooming from around March 20. In spite of the still quite chilly weather, it's a great time of the year to visit Japan's capital.

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April to June: The Most Comfortable Months

Photo by Pixta

From April to May, the weather in Tokyo is very comfortable as average daily temperatures rise to around 20℃ (68°F). However, the gap between the morning low and daytime high is larger in April.

Since it will get cold during the morning and evening, you should take a thin jacket or hoodie along with you just in case. May and June are typically the mildest months in Tokyo.

Starting with cherry blossoms, which reach full bloom in early April, during these three months various types of flowers bloom all around Japan. Tokyo boasts splendid locations for spring flower viewing, such as the Showa Kinen Park. This is a great time of the year to capture the lovely spring scenery in amazing photos!

April: High 19.2℃ (66.8°F)/ Low 10.8℃ (51.2°F)

Photo by Pixta

Early April can still be chilly. If you go cherry blossom viewing, be sure to wear long-sleeved clothing. We recommend carrying a light jacket and a scarf in case it becomes cold in the evening.

By late April, the weather is comfortably warm, so you can wear light clothing such as T-shirts with jeans, or long-sleeve shirts and pants. Thin cardigans are also suitable.

This is the season when beautiful wisterias and nemophila blooms appear, so try to spend time outdoors and enjoy the scenery.

May: High 24.1℃ (75.2°F)/ Low 16℃ (60.9°F)

May is another month with very pleasant, moderate temperatures. You will be comfortable wearing long skirts, dresses, and short-sleeved shirts. Bring a lightweight cardigan or sweater for the mornings and evenings.

One of our recommended places to visit in Tokyo in May is Showa Kinen Park, a vast facility with various types of flower fields.

June: High 26.5℃ (79.4°F)/ Low 20℃ (68°F)

Photo by Pixta

This period is the rainy season in Japan, so you are more likely to feel the humidity rather than heat during this month. It rains quite heavily at times in June, so bringing or purchasing a light raincoat or waterproof shoes would be a good idea.

June is the time when hydrangeas bloom around Tokyo. These gorgeous blooms that love rain are the highlight of the season.

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July to September: Hot and Humid Summer

Lotus flowers at Shinobazu Pond in Ueno, blooming in early July. Photo by Pixta

The morning low in July and August tends to be just below 30℃ (86°F), which means that every single day the temperatures will be above 30℃.

We recommend wearing short sleeves, skirts, shorts, or dresses. During this time of year, Tokyo hosts many fireworks festivals, and you'll often see people wearing the casual Japanese kimono called yukata. If you have the chance, definitely give it a try!

July: High 31.4℃ (88.3°F)/ Low 24.2℃ (75.8°F)

Photo by Pixta

July is a hot month in Tokyo, marking the start of summer. To protect yourself from heatstroke, be sure to stay hydrated and avoid spending extended periods in direct sunlight.

Light, breezy clothes are ideal for July. Try to avoid dark colors, as the sun is quite strong. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat can help protect you from the intense sunlight.

August: High 33.2℃ (91.9°F)/ Low 26℃ (78.9°F)

Photo by Pixta

August is the hottest time of the year in Tokyo, especially during the afternoons.

We recommend wearing light clothing, such as summer dresses, T-shirts, and shorts, in the morning, as it tends to be humid and hot. If possible, try to limit outdoor activities to the cooler mornings and evenings.

As in July, the lighter your clothing in August, the more comfortable you'll be. Don't forget to apply sunscreen to protect your skin!

September: High 28.8℃ (83.9°F)/ Low 21.8℃ (71.1°F)

Photo by Pixta
September remains quite warm for most of the month, with temperatures dropping toward the end.

Choose light clothing with short sleeves. As the month progresses, you may find it comfortable to switch to long pants and slightly thicker fabrics.

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October to December: Temperatures Drop

Autumn Foliage in Mohri Garden, Tokyo. Photo by Pixta

The average daytime high between October and December is 23℃ (73.4°F), while the morning low is 17℃ (62.5°F). Fall is another nice season to visit Japan, as the weather is once again quite comfortable and there are amazing bright red and yellow leaves everywhere.

Even though Kyoto is the most famous destination when it comes to autumn foliage, you can still enjoy beautifully colored leaves throughout Japan, including Tokyo's gardens and parks. You may need to carry a thin jacket or sweater with you.

October: High 23℃ (73.2°F)/ Low 17℃ (62.8°F)

Photo by Pixta

October is one of the mildest months of the year. It is an ideal time when you can wear a variety of outfits, like long pants, tops of all types, and dresses. Bring a sweater just in case, though, as it can become a little chilly.

November: High 17.4℃ (63.2°F)/ Low 9.8℃ (49.4°F)

Photo by Pixta

In November, the weather tends to get colder, so we recommend wearing a jacket or sweater. Depending on the day, you might also need a coat and perhaps a scarf.

Since November’s weather can change significantly throughout the day, it's a good idea to be slightly over-prepared when visiting during this month.

December: High 12.1℃ (53.9°F)/ Low 4.9℃ (40.9°F)

Photo by Pixta

December is one of the coldest months of the year in Tokyo, with temperatures sometimes falling below 1.8℃ (35.1°F) in the morning.

It gets especially cold later in the month, so be sure to bring layers such as thin, long-sleeved T-shirts, sweaters, and coats. A hat and scarf will help keep you warm against the cold gales and wind, which can blow strongly between Tokyo’s skyscrapers.

For trips to Tokyo in December and January, it’s advisable to bring a good winter jacket and warm shoes, as the average temperature often drops below 10°C (50°F).

Check the Local Weather Before Coming to Japan

The weather in Japan and Tokyo varies greatly throughout the year, with distinct differences between the four seasons. If you're not accustomed to this type of climate, it can be challenging.

However, by preparing your clothing and checking the weather forecast in advance, you can ensure a fun and comfortable trip.

Reference: Japan Meteorological Agency

Main image by Pixta