Weather in Tokyo by Month and What to Wear

Weather and Average Temperatures in Tokyo

Checking the weather before traveling to Japan is essential, especially when wondering what clothing to pack.

This article explains the monthly temperature variations in Tokyo and offers tips on appropriate clothing for each season.

Climate and Weather in Tokyo by Month

1. From January to March: Keep Yourself Warm
2. April through June: The Most Comfortable Months
3. From July to September: Hot and Humid Summer
4. October to December: Temperatures Drop!

1. From 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!

If you feel especially cold, you could always 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)

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)

Though the daytime temperatures are quite refreshing in March, you might find yourself undressed come sunset. Having a medium-weight jacket (or a spring jacket with a liner) would be a good idea during this month. You should keep your feet warm as well in this season.

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 through 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)

It is comfortably warm, so you can wear light clothes, like T-shirts with jeans, long-sleeve shirts and pants, and thin cardigans.

Late April is the time when the beautiful wisterias go into bloom.

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)

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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From 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 you wear shirt sleeves, skirts, shorts and dresses. There are many fireworks events in Tokyo at this time of the year, so you will often see people wearing the Japanese casual kimono known as yukata. If you have the chance, you should give it a try!

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

Light, breezy clothes are the best for July. Try to avoid darker colors as the sun is quite strong. Put on a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the strong sunlight.

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

August is the hottest time of the year in Tokyo, especially during the afternoons. We recommend wearing something light such as summer dresses, T-shirts, and shorts in the morning because it is humid and hot. Limit outdoor activities to the morning and evening when possible.

Just like July, the lighter the better when it comes to clothing in August. Don't forget your sunscreen either!

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

Photo by Pixta
It remains very warm through most of September, with temperatures dropping by the end of the month. Stick to the light clothing you wear in the summer months or wear yukata when you can. At the end of the month, you will be comfortable wearing long pants and 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)

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)

The days in November tend to get colder so we recommend wearing a jacket or a sweater. Depending on the weather, there may be days when you will also need a coat and maybe even a scarf too. November's weather can change drastically throughout the day, so it's a good idea to be a bit over-prepared when visiting during this month.

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

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 colder late in the month, so bring layers, like thin, long, T-shirts, sweaters, and coats. A hat and scarf will help keep you warm against cold gales and wind, which can blow in strong between the skyscrapers in Tokyo.

For December-January trips to Tokyo, you should bring a good winter jacket and warm shoes because the average temperature often falls below 10℃ (50°F).

Check the Local Weather Before Coming to Japan

The weather in Japan and Tokyo is very different throughout the year, with stark differences between the four seasons. If you are not used to this type of weather it can be difficult. With preparation with your clothing and checking the weather, you will have a fun and comfortable trip.

Reference: Japan Meteorological Agency

Main image by Pixta