Tokyo
Japan
Ancient temples meet neon streets
Weather in Tokyo
Monthly temperature ranges and rainfall patterns to help you pack right
When to Save Money
Monthly crowd levels and price indices for Tokyo
Pro Tip
Months marked with a star offer the best balance of low crowds and affordable prices. In Tokyo, consider visiting in January, February, June.
The Sweet Spot
Perfect balance of comfortable weather, manageable crowds, and great value in Tokyo
January
#1 recommended
December
#2 recommended
June
#3 recommended
August
#4 recommended
Best months to visit Tokyo:
January, December, June
What to Expect Each Month
Detailed month-by-month guide to help you plan the perfect trip to Tokyo
Weather
Cold and dry. Average 2-10°C. Clear skies common.
Highlights
- New Year celebrations
- Temple visits (hatsumode)
- Winter sales
- Clear Mt. Fuji views
Consider
- First week extremely busy
- Many businesses closed Jan 1-3
Packing
- Winter coat
- Layers
- Warm accessories
- Comfortable shoes
Weather
Cold but dry. Average 2-10°C. Plum blossoms begin.
Highlights
- Plum blossom season
- Setsubun festival
- Fewer tourists
- Winter illuminations ending
Consider
- Still cold
- Some attractions less crowded
Packing
- Winter coat
- Layers
- Warm accessories
Weather
Warming up. Average 5-14°C. Cherry blossom anticipation.
Highlights
- Early cherry blossoms (late March)
- Spring awakening
- Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day)
- Warmer weather
Consider
- Cherry blossom timing varies
- Book hotels early for hanami
Packing
- Light jacket
- Layers
- Umbrella
Weather
Beautiful spring. Average 10-19°C. Peak cherry blossom.
Highlights
- Peak cherry blossoms
- Hanami parties
- Perfect weather
- Spring festivals
Consider
- Most expensive/crowded time
- Book 3+ months ahead
Packing
- Light jacket
- Layers
- Comfortable shoes
- Camera
Weather
Warm and pleasant. Average 15-23°C. Before rainy season.
Highlights
- Golden Week holidays
- Perfect weather
- Wisteria and azaleas
- Outdoor activities
Consider
- Golden Week (late April-early May) very busy
- Book ahead
Packing
- Light layers
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable shoes
Weather
Rainy season (tsuyu). Average 19-26°C. Humid and wet.
Highlights
- Hydrangeas in bloom
- Fewer tourists
- Good museum weather
- Lower prices
Consider
- Frequent rain
- High humidity
- Umbrella essential
Packing
- Rain gear
- Umbrella
- Quick-dry clothes
- Light layers
Weather
Hot and humid. Average 23-30°C. Rainy season ends mid-month.
Highlights
- Summer festivals begin
- Tanabata celebrations
- Fireworks season starts
- Summer sales
Consider
- Very hot and humid
- Stay hydrated
- Typhoon season begins
Packing
- Light clothes
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Portable fan
- Water bottle
Weather
Peak summer heat. Average 24-31°C. Very hot and humid.
Highlights
- Obon festival
- Summer fireworks
- Bon Odori dancing
- Summer festivals peak
Consider
- Extreme heat
- Obon week crowded
- Typhoon risk
Packing
- Light clothes
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Portable fan
- Towel
Weather
Still warm. Average 20-27°C. Typhoon season continues.
Highlights
- Moon viewing
- Weather cooling
- Autumn festivals
- Sports events
Consider
- Typhoon risk highest
- Check weather forecasts
Packing
- Light layers
- Rain gear
- Umbrella
Weather
Beautiful autumn. Average 14-22°C. Perfect weather.
Highlights
- Perfect weather
- Halloween celebrations
- Autumn food festivals
- Sports events
Consider
- Some typhoon risk early October
- Book ahead for peak foliage
Packing
- Light jacket
- Layers
- Comfortable shoes
Weather
Cool autumn. Average 9-17°C. Peak foliage.
Highlights
- Peak autumn colors
- Shichi-Go-San festival
- Cultural events
- Beautiful gardens
Consider
- Popular season—book ahead
- Can be crowded at gardens
Packing
- Medium jacket
- Layers
- Camera
Weather
Cold winter. Average 4-12°C. Festive illuminations.
Highlights
- Winter illuminations
- Christmas atmosphere
- Year-end preparations
- New Year food
Consider
- End of December very busy
- Cold weather
Packing
- Winter coat
- Warm layers
- Gloves and scarf
What's Happening in Tokyo
Major events, festivals, and celebrations throughout the year
January
New Year (Shogatsu)
Jan 1-3Japan's most important holiday with temple visits and traditional foods.
holidayFebruary
Setsubun
Bean-throwing festival at temples to ward off evil spirits.
culturalMarch
Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day)
Display of ornate dolls for girls and special food celebrations.
culturalApril
Cherry Blossom Season
Late March-Early AprilHanami parties under cherry blossoms in parks across Tokyo.
festivalMay
Golden Week
Late April-Early MaySeries of national holidays with celebrations and travel.
holidaySanja Matsuri
3 daysTokyo's biggest festival at Asakusa Shrine with portable shrines.
festivalJuly
Tanabata
Star Festival with decorations and wishes written on paper.
festivalSumida River Fireworks
Tokyo's largest fireworks festival over the Sumida River.
festivalAugust
Obon
Mid-AugustBuddhist festival honoring ancestors with Bon Odori dancing.
culturalSeptember
Tokyo Game Show
4 daysMajor video game convention at Makuhari Messe.
culturalOctober
Halloween in Shibuya
Massive costume party crowds in Shibuya crossing area.
festivalNovember
Shichi-Go-San
Festival for children ages 3, 5, and 7 visiting shrines.
culturalDecember
Winter Illuminations
Nov-FebSpectacular light displays across Tokyo's shopping areas.
festivalLocal Tips
- 1Cherry blossom season (late March-early April) is magical but extremely crowded—book months ahead.
- 2June's rainy season is less popular but great for indoor attractions and lower prices.
- 3Golden Week (late April-early May) is when all Japan travels—expect crowds and high prices.
- 4Autumn foliage (November) rivals cherry blossoms in popularity but is slightly less hectic.
- 5Summer is hot and humid—carry a portable fan and towel like locals do.
Related Tools
More tools to help plan your perfect trip to Tokyo
Golden Hour Times
Perfect photography lighting
Discover the exact sunrise, sunset, golden hour, and blue hour times for Tokyo. Plan your photography sessions with precision timing data.
Travel Budget
Plan your expenses
Calculate your daily budget for Tokyo including accommodation, food, transport, and activities. Get realistic cost estimates for your trip.
Capture the Season in Tokyo
Thoughtful prompts to help you journal about how the season shaped your experience
Describe your experience of cherry blossom (sakura) season—the crowds, the beauty, the feeling.
Hanami culture
How did the humid Tokyo summer affect your energy and plans?
Tsuyu rainy season and heat
What was autumn color-viewing (koyo) like compared to your expectations?
Fall foliage
How did Tokyo transform for winter illuminations and New Year?
Year-end traditions
Describe seeking refuge in a cool or warm space during extreme weather.
Indoor/outdoor balance
What seasonal food defined your Tokyo experience?
Seasonal kaiseki culture
Perfect Photo Moments in Tokyo
Know exactly when to capture the best shots based on season and timing
Cherry blossoms at Meguro River
Evening for lantern-lit canal
Shibuya Crossing in the rain
Umbrella sea from above
Autumn leaves at Meiji Shrine
Ginkgo Avenue turns golden
Winter illuminations at Roppongi
Christmas through Valentine's
Morning light at Senso-ji Temple
Empty temple grounds
Mt. Fuji from Tokyo on clear winter days
Low humidity means clearer views
Hanami picnics under cherry trees
Blue tarps, pink petals, party atmosphere
Summer fireworks (hanabi) festivals
Sumida River fireworks most famous
New Year sunrise at Tokyo Tower
Hatsuhinode (first sunrise) tradition
Rainy day reflections in Ginza
Neon on wet streets
Golden hour at Tokyo Station
Brick building glows warmly
Snow on temple rooftops (rare)
Only heavy snowfall years
Pro tip: Save this list to your TripMemo journal for quick reference while exploring
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Data Source
Climate and weather data sourced from World Bank Climate Data. Historical climate data from weather stations and climate models
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