Weather overview
Tokyo’s weather shifts clearly through the seasons, offering something distinct in every part of the year. Winters in Токио are mild but chilly, with January and February bringing crisp air and occasional frost. Spring arrives in March, warming gradually until April and May paint the city in cherry blossoms under pleasant skies.
Summer in Токио starts in June with humidity building up, followed by hot and sticky July and August, when temperatures often climb above 30 °C. Autumn cools things down from September, with October and November offering comfortable days before winter returns in December.
Rainfall varies, with the wettest months in Токио falling between June and October, while the driest stretch runs from December to February. The city rarely sees extreme weather, but typhoon season in late summer can bring heavy downpours.
Temperature
Winter in Токио is cool but not harsh, with daytime highs around 10 °C in January and nights dipping to 2.4 °C. By March, temperatures rise to 10.9 °C on average, signaling the start of spring. April and May bring mild warmth, with highs reaching 20–24 °C and evenings staying comfortable.
Summer heat in Токио peaks in August, when average highs hit 32.6 °C and nights remain warm at 25 °C. June and July are slightly cooler but far more humid, making the air feel heavier. Autumn arrives in September, with temperatures dropping from 28.2 °C to a pleasant 18.5 °C by October.
By November, Токио cools further to 13.4 °C, and December sees a return to winter’s chill, with highs around 12.4 °C and lows near 4.4 °C. The city’s temperature range stays moderate, avoiding the extremes found in other parts of Japan.
| Month | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2.4 | 10.3 |
| February | 2.9 | 11.7 |
| March | 6.6 | 15.6 |
| April | 10.8 | 20 |
| May | 15.6 | 24.2 |
| June | 19.7 | 27 |
| July | 23.9 | 31 |
| August | 25 | 32.6 |
| September | 21.3 | 28.2 |
| October | 15.3 | 22.3 |
| November | 10.3 | 17.6 |
| December | 4.4 | 12.4 |
Precipitation
Rainfall in Токио is spread unevenly across the year, with the driest months in winter. January and February see around 40–50 mm of precipitation, often in the form of light rain or occasional snow flurries. March brings a sharp increase to 147.7 mm, marking the start of a wetter period.
The rainy season in Токио begins in June, with 183.3 mm of rainfall, followed by July and August, which see 160–177 mm. The heaviest downpours occur in September, when typhoons can bring 226.8 mm of rain. October remains wet with 207.6 mm, but by November, precipitation drops to 88.6 mm, leading into the dry winter months.
If you prefer drier weather, Токио is most comfortable from December to February, though even then, brief showers can occur. The city’s rainfall is rarely disruptive, but an umbrella is useful year-round, especially during the summer and early autumn.
| Month | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| January | 51.1 |
| February | 39.5 |
| March | 147.7 |
| April | 143.2 |
| May | 139.4 |
| June | 183.3 |
| July | 160.2 |
| August | 176.8 |
| September | 226.8 |
| October | 207.6 |
| November | 88.6 |
| December | 45.1 |
What to pack
For winter visits to Токио, pack layers to handle the cool but variable temperatures. A warm coat is useful for January and February, when mornings can be near freezing, while lighter sweaters work for December and March. Waterproof shoes are a good idea, as occasional rain or slush can appear.
Spring in Токио calls for light jackets and breathable fabrics, especially in April and May, when temperatures range from 10 °C to 24 °C. A compact umbrella is handy for sudden showers, though the season is generally dry. Summer demands loose, moisture-wicking clothing to cope with June to August heat and humidity, along with a hat and sunscreen.
Autumn in Токио is mild, so a mix of long sleeves and light layers works well from September to November. September can still feel summer-like, while November brings cooler evenings. A waterproof jacket is useful for the occasional downpour, especially in October, when rainfall peaks.
| Month | Wind speed |
|---|---|
| January | 2.5 |
| February | 2.8 |
| March | 2.9 |
| April | 3.1 |
| May | 3.1 |
| June | 2.8 |
| July | 2.9 |
| August | 3.1 |
| September | 2.8 |
| October | 2.5 |
| November | 2.3 |
| December | 2.3 |