The climate of Tokyo
Perched on the eastern coast of
Japan's largest island, Honshu,
Tokyo boasts a subtropical climate according to the Köppen classification. The city experiences humid subtropical conditions defined by humidity, heat, and rainfall across all months. Within the annual weather cycle, diverse climate parameters manifest variations as months elapse.
Throughout Tokyo's weather patterns, temperature highs range from 8.9°C (48°F) in
January to a peak of 31°C (87.8°F) in
August. Meanwhile, lows fluctuate from a minimum of 2.8°C (37°F) in January to the highest of 25.1°C (77.2°F) in August. A constant presence, relative humidity occupies a space between 59% and 77%, reflecting the city's humid subtropical climate.
Rainfall patterns span from 22mm (0.87") in
February to 51mm (2.01") in
October, while snowfall decreases from 21mm (0.83") in February to zero from
April to
December. Where sunlight is concerned, Tokyo enjoys daylight ranging from 9.8 hours in December to 14.5 hours in
June. At the same time, the sea temperature entirely depends on the time of year, oscillating from 14°C (57.2°F) in February to 25.7°C (78.3°F) in August.
Fascinatingly, wind speeds vary, with significant changes observed between 12.2km/h (7.6mph) during June and a maximum of 15.3km/h (9.5mph) in April. Alongside these variations, the city encounters a moderate UV index, predominantly within the category of three to seven, warranting protective measures during outdoor activities.
The best time to visit Tokyo
Based on an assessment of climate parameters, the most favorable period to visit
Tokyo emerges between
March and
May. During these spring months, tourists can appreciate the cherry blossom season under the glowing sun, which shines between 12 hours to 14 hours daily. Meanwhile, temperatures remain enjoyable, gracefully transitioning from highs of 13°C (55.4°F) in March to 22.8°C (73°F) in May and lows between 6.2°C (43.2°F) to 16.1°C (61°F).
The worst time to visit Tokyo
On the contrary,
July through
September tends to be the least enticing period for a
Tokyo visit. These months mark the city's summer season, characterized by intense temperatures that touch a scorching high of 31°C (87.8°F) in
August and highs of 29.3°C (84.7°F) and 26.8°C (80.2°F) in July and September, respectively. Along with the heat, these months bring relative humidity of up to 77%, thereby increasing the overall discomfort.
Spring weather in Tokyo
During the spring season from
March to
May,
Tokyo enjoys mild weather. An increase in daylight hours from 12 in March to 14.5 in
June heralds the warm sunshine, providing a splendid backdrop for the cherry blossom spectacle. Temperatures begin to ascend, with highs swinging between 13°C (55.4°F) and 22.8°C (73°F) and lows moving from 6.2°C (43.2°F) to 16.1°C (61°F).
Summer weather in Tokyo
Home to high temperatures and humidity,
Tokyo's summer spans
June to
September. June commences the warm months with a high of 25.1°C (77.2°F), which stretches to a fiery 31°C (87.8°F) in
August. Correspondingly, the rise in temperature is mirrored by an increase in humidity levels, which peak at 77% in
July. Despite the heat and humidity, Tokyo also experiences the most rainfall during these months, with totals landing at 49mm (1.93") in June and 48mm (1.89") in July.
Autumn weather in Tokyo
Autumn graces
Tokyo between
October and
December, bringing a reduction in temperature and humidity. This period experiences comfortable highs from 21.6°C (70.9°F) in October to 11.2°C (52.2°F) in December, while lows occur within a bracket extending from 16.3°C (61.3°F) to 5.9°C (42.6°F). This season receives rainfall measuring from 51mm (2.01") in October to 21mm (0.83") in December.
Winter weather in Tokyo
Winter descends upon
Tokyo from
January to
February, filling the city with cold temperatures and snowfall. While January witnesses a high of 8.9°C (48°F) and a low of 2.8°C (37°F), February warms up slightly with a high temperature of 9.8°C (49.6°F) and a low of 3.5°C (38.3°F). The city also encounters snowfall during these months, receiving 5mm (0.2") and 21mm (0.83") in January and February, respectively.
Weather in January
January weather offers a chilly start to the year in
Tokyo,
Japan. It can be characterized by a high relative humidity of 59% and low average temperatures dropping to 2.8°C (37°F), which can lead to snowfall, but in minimal quantities of 5mm (0.2") spread across 1.3 days.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
February,
Tokyo experiences a slight increase in temperature, though cold winter conditions persist. Comparing February to
January, the city registers a 26% increase in snowfall, to a total of 21mm (0.83"). As February progresses, the days start getting longer, allowing the sun to penetrate the wintery veil of the city.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The first month of the spring,
March, is a moderate month in
Tokyo,
Japan, with temperature in the range of an average high of 13°C (55.4°F) and an average low of 6.2°C (43.2°F). Tokyo observes a slight uplift in the average high-temperature with the onset of March, adjusting from
February's frosty 9.8°C (49.6°F) to a moderate 13°C (55.4°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Continuing the graceful transition from spring,
April brings in warmer weather in
Tokyo. Compared to
March, the city records a decrease in rainfall, making the waning spring a delightful experience. Mild temperatures enhance outdoor activities, while the charming spring flora continues to bloom.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Expect
May in
Tokyo to showcase moderate temperatures, but mark the city’s transition into early summer. The heat begins to escalate this month, with average high temperatures surging to a significant 22.8°C (73°F). Pleasant May afternoons lend itself well for leisurely pursuits, such as strolling in parks and exploring outdoor food festivals.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June brings the onset of monsoon in
Tokyo with an accompanying increase in humidity. Contrasting June with
May, the humidity rises from 69% to 76%, marking the highest jump in the year. Despite increased rain and cloud cover, the month is characterized by warm temperatures throughout.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the peak of summer in
Tokyo, bringing the city's highest temperatures. With the temperature soaring to a high of 29.3°C (84.7°F), the days can get pretty hot in the sprawling urban landscape. However, as July rolls on, the frequency of rain gradually decreases, providing respite from the hot weather.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues with the high summer heat in
Tokyo, although there's a slight dip in temperature from
July. An exceptionally warm sea temperature at 25.7°C (78.3°F) makes beach excursions enjoyable activities for August. Evenings bring a comforting breeze as the city prepares to bid goodbye to high summer temperatures.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September signifies the onset of autumn in
Tokyo, bringing with it a noticeable drop in temperature. It's a rain-filled month, with a significant 46mm (1.81") rainfall experienced across 12.5 days. The city starts cooling down, painting a picturesque backdrop as leaves turn to vibrant shades of red and orange.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings a further drop in temperatures, intensifying the autumn's allure in
Tokyo. Compared with
September, rainfall increases to its highest point at 51mm (2.01"), with precipitation spread across 13.2 days. The city is dressed in shades of crimson and gold, creating a vibrant autumn scenery.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November witnesses
Tokyo’s transition into the cold winter season. The winter chill starts to set in with temperatures falling down to a cooler average low of 10.9°C (51.6°F). Autumn continues unabated, albeit with a palpable hint of the oncoming winter.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December is the harbinger of winter in
Tokyo, bringing to the city its coldest days. The city braces for winter with the minimum temperature dropping to 5.9°C (42.6°F) during the month. Despite being a winter month, December sees a reduction in rainfall, causing the city stress to lighten up in preparation for the end-of-year festivities.
Weather in December »