Tokyo has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, warm to hot summers, and mild winters. Summer temperatures regularly reach 32°C (90°F) or higher with heavy humidity, while winter days hover around 5–10°C (41–50°F) with dry, sunny skies. The city receives roughly 1,600 mm (63 inches) of rain per year, with the wettest stretch falling between June and October.
Four Seasons, Four Different Cities
What makes Tokyo’s climate distinctive is how dramatically conditions shift from one season to the next. Spring runs from March to May, with temperatures climbing from around 5°C to 23°C (41–73°F). Cherry blossoms typically peak in late March or early April, and the weather is generally mild and pleasant, though early March mornings can still feel like winter.
Summer, from June through August, is the most intense season. Daytime highs routinely hit 35°C (95°F), and humidity in July averages 76%. That combination makes the air feel substantially hotter than the thermometer reads. In recent years, Tokyo has seen record-breaking heat streaks: in 2024, the city logged nine consecutive days above 35°C, tying its longest heat wave on record. Central Tokyo recorded 37.3°C (99°F) that August. These “extremely hot” days (above 35°C) have become more frequent, with 22 such days recorded in both 2023 and 2024.
Autumn brings relief. September starts warm, around 27°C (81°F), and temperatures drop steadily through November to about 8°C (46°F). The first half of fall still feels like a mild summer; the second half requires layers. October is one of the rainiest months at nearly 235 mm, so autumn is not as dry as many visitors expect.
Winter, from December through February, is Tokyo’s driest and clearest season. Monthly rainfall drops to just 56–60 mm. Temperatures range from about 2°C to 10°C (36–50°F), cold enough for coats and scarves but rarely bitter. Snow falls occasionally, though it rarely accumulates more than a light dusting in central Tokyo. Daylight hours shrink noticeably: on January 1, the sun rises around 6:51 and sets by 4:38 PM, giving you fewer than 10 hours of daylight.
The Rainy Season and Typhoons
Tokyo’s rainy season, called tsuyu or baiu, typically begins around June 8 and lasts until July 20. During these six weeks, expect frequent overcast skies, steady rain, and persistent dampness rather than dramatic downpours. June averages about 168 mm of rain, and the humidity stays high even on days without precipitation.
Typhoon season overlaps with late summer and early autumn, peaking from August through October. September and October are among Tokyo’s wettest months, averaging 225 and 235 mm of rainfall respectively. Typhoons that track close to Tokyo can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and temporary disruptions to trains and flights. Direct hits on the city are uncommon, but the outer bands of passing storms still dump significant rain.
How Rainfall Spreads Across the Year
Tokyo’s rainfall follows a clear two-peak pattern. The first peak comes during the June–July rainy season. Rainfall then dips slightly in August (about 155 mm) before climbing again in September and October as typhoons pass through. The driest months are December through February, each averaging under 60 mm. Spring sits in the middle, with March through May getting 116–140 mm per month. There is no truly dry season in Tokyo; even the driest winter months get measurable rain or occasional snow.
The Urban Heat Island Effect
Tokyo’s dense urban landscape amplifies its heat. Concrete, asphalt, and the sheer density of buildings and air conditioning units trap warmth, creating what climate scientists call an urban heat island. Central Tokyo runs roughly 1°C warmer on average than surrounding rural areas, and in certain conditions that gap can widen to nearly 3°C. Research from the American Meteorological Society projects this effect will intensify further as the city continues developing, potentially reaching a 1.5°C average difference by the 2070s. For visitors, this means the city center feels noticeably hotter than suburbs or nearby green spaces like the area around Mount Takao.
What to Wear in Each Season
Spring calls for layers. Early March mornings are cold enough for a coat, but by May you can get by with a light shirt and a cardigan for evenings. The temperature swings within a single day can be 10°C or more, so peeling off layers is the strategy.
Summer demands the lightest, most breathable clothing you own: thin short-sleeved shirts, sundresses, and shorts (though some shrines and temples expect covered legs). A hat and sunglasses help with the intense sun, and carrying a compact umbrella is practically a local custom since afternoon rain showers are common. Many convenience stores sell cheap folding umbrellas for exactly this reason.
In autumn, start with light layers in September and progressively add warmth. By November, you’ll want a proper jacket for evenings. A scarf is useful for the breezy nights that arrive in the second half of the season.
Winter requires a warm coat, gloves, and a scarf, particularly for evening outings. Mornings can be crisp but sunny, so you might shed a layer by midday. Thermal underlayers are helpful if you plan to spend time outdoors, since Tokyo’s cold is a damp cold that cuts through thin fabric more than you’d expect from the numbers alone.
Best and Worst Times to Visit
Late March through mid-May and mid-October through November are widely considered the most comfortable windows. Spring brings cherry blossoms and mild weather; autumn delivers clear skies, fall foliage, and temperatures in the low teens to low twenties. Both periods have moderate humidity and manageable rainfall.
July and August are the least forgiving months for outdoor sightseeing. The combination of 32–35°C heat and 75%+ humidity makes walking around for hours genuinely exhausting. If you visit in summer, plan indoor activities for midday and explore outdoors in the early morning or evening. Late June, during the rainy season, is also a challenging time for outdoor plans, though crowds tend to be thinner and hotel rates lower.