Tokyo Weather

In temperate monsoon zone, Tokyo has four distinct seasons. In summer from June to August, the southeast monsoon from ocean brings rain to the city, making the weather muggy. In winter from December to February, it’s cold and a little dry. Spring from March to May and autumn from September to November are the optimal seasons to travel there for warm and peasant climate. It comes to plum rain season in June and July. It’s hottest in August, as the average high temperature may go up to 31℃ (87.8℉); while it’s coldest in January with the average low temperature of 2℃ (35.6℉). After thriving spring and summer, the typhoon season comes in September. Typhoons give rains but also bring temperature down before frosty winter.

 

The best time to visit Tokyo should be spring and autumn, or March to May and September to November as Tokyo weather is balmy and mild in the two seasons. In spring, the prosperous oriental cherry blossoms can’t be missed definitely. In autumn, red leaves everywhere is the most wonderful scenery. Visitors may sightsee the memorable scenes in Tokyo, while enjoy characteristic culture.

The temperature of Tokyo goes up to 14℃ (57.2℉) in spring. However, in early spring, it is still a little cold there. Thus, it’s vital to keep warm and bring a coat or woolen sweater when you go out. To May, Tokyo weather gets warmer, and short sleeves are wearable during the day for a comfortable tour. Spring is one of the best seasons for tours in Tokyo. It is perfect for outdoor activities or journey on a sunny day, to admire cherry blossoms.

Tokyo Spring, Shinjuku Gyoen Garden

Tokyo Summer, Nijubashi Bridge

  

In general, the temperature and humidity gradually drop, becoming comfortable and pleasant, although in September it may still be hot and typhoons sometimes attack the shore, which may affect your travel plans or outdoor activities. By late October, leaves change from green to red, yellow or orange, and red leaves is the well-known scene to see in Tokyo in autumn. The same as spring, it is recommended to wear a coat or jacket. Autumn is also a great season for outdoor activities.

Tokyo Autumn, Meiji Jingu Shrine

Tokyo Winter, Snow-covered Outskirts

 

In winter, the temperature in Tokyo occasionally drops below 0℃ (32℉); most of the time, it falls between 2℃ (35.6℉) and 10℃ (50℉). The sunshine duration is short and it may snows. Visitors can wear sweater, wool coat or down jacket; gloves, scarf, and hat are also necessaries. Heavy winter clothes are not required unless you go outdoors in the mountainous area of western Tokyo. Festival celebrations during Christmas, New Year and Saint Valentine's Day are brilliant, a hot spring bath and hot food such as Sukiyaki are also unmissable if you travel there in these cold days.