Best time to visit
Best Time to Visit Tokyo
A vast, layered metropolis where ultramodern districts, quiet shrines, and dense neighbourhood streets sit within the same efficient train network. Despite its size, it's known as one of the safest and most orderly major cities in the world.
Best time to visit: March to May for cherry blossoms, or September to November for mild temperatures and autumn colour.
Local tip: Get an IC card (Suica or Pasmo) on arrival — it works across nearly all trains, subways, and buses, and at many convenience stores.
Getting around: Tokyo's train and subway network is extensive, punctual, and the default way to get around — most visitors rarely need a taxi except late at night.
Good to know: Eating or drinking while walking on the street is generally considered poor etiquette — most people eat standing near a stall or vending machine, or wait until seated.
What to plan your trip around
- Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo's oldest temple, in the historic Asakusa district, approached through a lively market street.
- Shibuya Crossing
One of the world's busiest pedestrian crossings, a symbol of the city's scale and energy.
- Meiji Shrine
A forested Shinto shrine near Harajuku, a calm contrast to the surrounding city.
- Shinjuku Gyoen
A large, landscaped park blending Japanese, French, and English garden styles near Shinjuku station.
Tokyo weather by month
Tokyo weather by month
Average temperatures and rainfall Tokyo gets in each month (2011–2020). Tap a month for the full breakdown.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C | -2°C | 55 mm | 76% |
| February | 9°C | -1°C | 66 mm | 77% |
| March | 13°C | 2°C | 112 mm | 77% |
| April | 18°C | 7°C | 134 mm | 77% |
| May | 23°C | 12°C | 132 mm | 78% |
| June | 25°C | 17°C | 197 mm | 83% |
| July | 29°C | 21°C | 183 mm | 84% |
| August | 31°C | 23°C | 130 mm | 82% |
| September | 27°C | 19°C | 239 mm | 84% |
| October | 21°C | 12°C | 214 mm | 83% |
| November | 16°C | 6°C | 91 mm | 82% |
| December | 11°C | 1°C | 59 mm | 78% |
Tokyo through the year
January · 8° / -2°C · 55 mm
- Skies are at their clearest this time of year.
- Mornings start cold: the average low is -2°C, and frost is common.
April · 18° / 7°C · 134 mm
- Keep a flexible plan: if showers roll in, shift Shibuya Crossing to a drier part of the day.
- In Tokyo, April is mid-spring.
July · 29° / 21°C · 183 mm
- Humidity near 84% makes 29°C feel stickier than it sounds.
- Only one month is warmer in Tokyo than July.
October · 21° / 12°C · 214 mm
- Keep a flexible plan: if showers roll in, shift Shinjuku Gyoen to a drier part of the day.
- It's wetter than a typical month in Tokyo — roughly 59% more rain than average.
The best time to visit Tokyo is April, May and November, when average highs are 16–23°C and rainfall is around 119 mm a month.
At a glance
When to go to Tokyo, season by season
December – February
Cold9° / -1°C · 60 mm
Cool to cold days. Fine for museums and city breaks, less so for the beach.
March – May
Best time18° / 7°C · 126 mm
Pleasant temperatures and relatively little rain: the best window for sightseeing and time outdoors.
June – August
Rainy28° / 20°C · 170 mm
The wettest part of the year. Showers are likely, so pack a rain jacket and keep plans flexible.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the best time to visit Tokyo?
- For pleasant, fairly dry weather, go to Tokyo in April, May and November. Average highs are then 16–23°C.
- Why is April a good time to visit Tokyo?
- In April, Tokyo averages 18°C by day and 7°C at night, with about 134 mm of rain and 64% cloud cover: warm enough to be outdoors without the peak heat or the wettest weather.
- What is the warmest month in Tokyo?
- August is the warmest month in Tokyo, with average highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C.
- What is the coldest month in Tokyo?
- January is the coldest month in Tokyo: average highs of 8°C, dropping to -2°C at night.
- When does it rain the most in Tokyo?
- September is the wettest month in Tokyo with about 239 mm of rain. The driest is January, with around 55 mm.
- When is the worst time to visit Tokyo?
- September is the least reliable month in Tokyo, with around 239 mm of rain. Bring a rain jacket and keep a flexible plan.
- How can I check the weather in Tokyo before I travel?
- Compare the live forecast for Tokyo from three independent weather services on WeatherCompare. When they agree, the forecast is more reliable.
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Best time to visit Tokyo. WeatherCompare, 2026 (climate averages: NASA POWER / ERA5, 2011–2020). https://weathercompare.eu/guides/best-time-to-visit/japan/tokyo
<a href="https://weathercompare.eu/guides/best-time-to-visit/japan/tokyo">Best time to visit Tokyo</a> (WeatherCompare)
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