Weather in Tokyo and best time to go
Tokyo has a humid subtropical climate, but its location near relatively high mountains makes it cooler than, say, Osaka.
There are very hot, humid and muggy summers with temperatures of over 32 °C common, but also cold winters with temperatures ranging from 1 °C to 12 °C.
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Temperatures and weather throughout the year
What are the specifics of the weather in Tokyo, when is it hottest and when is it rainiest?
Weather in winter
Normal temperatures range between 1°C and 9°C, with January and February being the coldest months.
Rainfall is the least of the year and skies are usually partly cloudy.
When does it snow in Tokyo?
The scenery with snow-covered temples and Japanese gardens is magical.
You have the best chance of snow in January and February. However, it usually only snows for 2-3 days a month and usually melts during the day.
However, from Tokyo you can take direct trains within 2-3 hours to the mountains and ski resorts around Nagano, for example.
The 10 best ski hotels in Nagano
Weather in spring
In March, the sakura trees slowly begin to bloom, with temperatures climbing to a pleasant 13°C and the occasional rain shower.
In April, the sakura are already in bloom, with temperatures rising again by a few degrees compared to last month.
For the Japanese, April is associated with several national holidays. Most people arrange their holidays, which for you as a visitor to Tokyo means countless people on the streets. So if you're craving a less crowded visit to the city, avoid late April.
May will bring a few more degrees than in previous months (from 20°C to 26°C). This month is perfect for the various festivals that take place in the city. For example, we can mention the Sanja Festival.
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When do the sakura blossoms bloom in Tokyo?
The flowering season of the ubiquitous cherry trees (sakura) is one of the most beautiful.
The cherry trees bloom in late March and the flowering period lasts until the second half of April.
Summer weather
Summers in Tokyo are very hot and uncomfortable for hiking. On the other hand, there are fewer tourists in the city during this period and accommodation prices are lower.
The hottest months are July and August, when temperatures are between 30°C and 34°C and the humidity is high.
The rainiest period
Summer also falls during the monsoon rainy season.
In Tokyo, there are often heavy rains and thunderstorms that can last all day.
The rainiest months are June and July, when it rains an average of 13 days during the month.
September generally sees the highest incidence of typhoons in Japan.
Weather in autumn
Autumn is one of the most beautiful times to visit Tokyo and all of Japan. Tokyo's beautiful parks turn deep shades of yellow and red.
This means that the surroundings are coloured in deep red and yellow shades of autumn leaves, creating absolutely breathtaking scenery.
Moreover, the autumn weather is very pleasant and mild. During October, summer temperatures are still between 22°C and 27°C and it rains about 9 days a month (usually 1-2 hours a day).
From November onwards, however, it rains less and temperatures drop 14 °C to 20 °C.
When are the autumn leaves in Tokyo?
The main foliage colour season is from the second half of November to mid-December.
Table of temperatures during the year
Tokyo - Temperatures during the year
When to go to Tokyo
Each of the 4 seasons has something to offer visitors.
The sakura blossoms in March and April, called hanami, offer their charm, but this is accompanied by a huge number of tourists. However, it is not only the numbers of tourists that rise, but also the prices, which increase several times. It is worth the extra cost, however, as the weather is stable during this period, with minimal rainfall.
Expect equally smaller crowds in November and December, when momijigari, the dyeing of leaves in the colours of autumn, takes place.
Although the period up to mid-September is known as typhoon season in Japan, in terms of weather you may want to avoid our main holiday season, or July and August, as these months alternate between high heat and humidity and frequent rainfall.
If you're a fan of cool weather, think about visiting Tokyo in January and February, when it's a mild 10°C.
Personally, I would go to Tokyo, and indeed all of Japan, in either spring or autumn.
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