What is the weather like in Tokyo throughout the year?

Get a month-by-month picture of Tokyo's temperatures and rainfall from official climate averages, plus what the four seasons mean for sightseeing and packing.

Published October 21, 2026 at 7:57 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Tokyo has four distinct seasons: mild, changeable spring, hot and humid summer, pleasant autumn and cold, dry, sunny winter. Official averages for 1991 to 2020 run from about 5 C in January to about 27 C in August, and the wettest months are typically September and October, with the rainy season in June.

The four seasons at a glance

Tokyo sits on the Pacific side of central Honshu, and its weather follows a clear four-season rhythm. Japan Meteorological Agency normals, which are 30-year averages for 1991 to 2020, show a monthly average temperature of 5.4 C in January, rising to 14.3 C in April, 25.7 C in July and 26.9 C in August before falling to 12.5 C in November. The annual average is about 15.8 C.

Spring is mild and changeable, summer is hot and humid with a rainy season at its start, autumn is comfortable once the early-September heat fades, and winter is cold but dry and often sunny. Because the shift between seasons is gradual, a visit in a shoulder month such as late March or early November can feel like parts of two seasons in the same week.

Month by month, step by step

Winter months have average daily highs of about 9.8 C in January, 10.9 C in February and 12.0 C in December, with lows near 1 to 4 C. The Tokyo tourism office describes winter as crisp, clear and mostly rain free. March is the start of spring at about 9.4 C on average, April climbs to 14.3 C, and May reaches 18.8 C with daily highs of about 23.6 C.

June averages 21.9 C and brings the rainy season. July and August are the hottest months: average highs are about 29.9 C and 31.3 C, and average lows stay above 22 C, so nights are warm. September averages 23.3 C, October 18.0 C and November 12.5 C. December returns to about 7.7 C. Remember these are averages; individual days can run several degrees warmer or colder.

Rainfall and the wettest months

Tokyo's annual precipitation is about 1,598 mm. The pattern is uneven. December to February are the driest, with normals of roughly 57 to 60 mm a month, while March to May rise from about 116 mm to 140 mm. June is about 168 mm, July and August about 155 mm, then September and October peak at about 225 mm and 235 mm, which makes them the wettest months of the year.

The June rainy season is called tsuyu, a monsoon-type period that typically runs from about early or mid-June to mid-July in much of Honshu. The Tokyo tourism office describes June as having many cloudy days with persistent light rain, and humidity that makes it feel warmer. September and October rain is partly linked to typhoons, tropical storms that most often pass near Japan from late summer into early autumn, so check forecasts before travel.

What the seasons mean for visitors

Spring draws many visitors for cherry blossoms, which in Tokyo typically bloom from late March to early April according to the tourism office. The weather is mild, though rainy or hot days can appear, and nights can feel cool. Autumn is popular for foliage: leaves usually turn red and yellow by mid-November, with some gardens peaking from late November into early December.

Summer suits travelers who enjoy fireworks, festivals and long evenings and who can handle strong heat; the tourism office suggests drinking water and avoiding midday sun, and indoor options such as museums and department stores can break up a hot afternoon. Winter suits those who like clear skies, illuminations and hot springs. Families with young children and older travelers often prefer the milder months, while photographers may value the sharp winter light and clear views of distant mountains.

Shoulder months deserve a mention too. Late April and May bring warm days that suit walking and parks, while early November often combines mild afternoons with cooler evenings. Because Tokyo is large and trains are frequent, most sightseeing can continue in light rain, and many indoor attractions such as museums, aquariums and department stores make a wet day easy to fill.

Common misunderstandings about Tokyo weather

One common idea is that Tokyo is snowy in winter. Snow is infrequent, mostly in January and February, and it rarely settles, according to the Tokyo tourism office. Snow gear is not usually needed in the city, although a warm coat is. Another misunderstanding is that the rainy season means constant downpours. In many years it brings frequent grey, damp days with light rain rather than all-day storms.

Travelers also sometimes assume that autumn is dry. The normals show that September and October are the wettest months, so a folding umbrella remains useful. Finally, summer nights do not cool off much. The average low in August is about 23.5 C, so lightweight sleepwear and a room with working air conditioning matter more than extra blankets.

Planning tips by season

For spring, pack layers and a light jacket, and book early, because the tourism office advises reserving accommodation ahead and notes that prices are higher during Golden Week in late April and early May. For summer, plan outdoor sightseeing early or late in the day, carry water and a fan, and have indoor options ready. For autumn, bring a jacket and scarf for evenings and a folding umbrella.

For winter, wear a warm coat, gloves and a scarf, and use indoor heating as a cue to dress in layers. Disposable heating pads are sold at convenience stores. In every season, a quick look at the Japan Meteorological Agency forecast a few days ahead helps fine-tune your plans, particularly if a typhoon or heavy snow is forecast.

Wrap-up and next steps

Tokyo can be visited all year, and the best season depends on what you want. Mild spring and autumn suit sightseeing and walking, summer suits festivals and fireworks if you plan around the heat, and winter suits clear skies and quieter sights. Use the monthly averages above to choose clothing, and keep a flexible plan for rain.

This guide shares general information; rules change, so confirm details with the official agency or provider before you act. For weather, the Japan Meteorological Agency is the official source, and its forecasts are updated frequently. As next steps, pick your dates, look up the climate normal for that month, and check the forecast and any transport advisories in the days before travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which month is the hottest in Tokyo?

August is typically the hottest month, with an average temperature of about 26.9 C and average daily highs of about 31.3 C, according to Japan Meteorological Agency normals for 1991 to 2020. July is close behind. Humidity makes the heat feel stronger, and individual afternoons can be hotter than the averages suggest.

Which month is the coldest in Tokyo?

January is typically the coldest month, averaging about 5.4 C, with average lows of about 1.2 C. February is similar at about 6.1 C. Winter days are often sunny and dry, but mornings, evenings and windy spots can feel much colder than the daytime average suggests.

Does Tokyo have a typhoon season?

Typhoons most often pass near Japan from late summer into early autumn, so September is a higher-risk month for heavy rain and wind in Tokyo. Most days are unaffected, but flights and trains can be disrupted when a storm approaches. Check the Japan Meteorological Agency forecast and operator notices, and allow flexibility.

Want to go deeper? Tokyo Paul's book Tokyo, Made Simple is available on Amazon.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: When is the best time to visit Tokyo?, When is the best time to visit Kyoto? and Japan in January: Weather, Crowds and What to Do.