Tokyo always has something unique to offer, but the weather really shapes what you’ll get out of your trip. The best time to visit Tokyo is in spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November), when temperatures stay mild and the city’s landscapes are at their most colorful. You’ll catch that perfect mix of comfortable weather and iconic scenery, from cherry blossoms to autumn leaves.
Each season in Tokyo moves at its own pace. Summer is full of festivals, but the heat and humidity can be a lot. Winter brings crisp air, festive lights, and thinner crowds. If you know what kind of weather to expect, you can plan for the atmosphere you want.
After years of watching Tokyo’s climate and helping travelers, I can say timing really does matter. If you figure out Tokyo’s seasons, you can pick the moment that fits your interests. Maybe you want to stroll under blooming sakura, hunt autumn colors, or just wander the city in the chillier, quieter months.
Overview of Tokyo’s Weather and Seasons
Tokyo sits in a temperate climate zone, so you’ll get four distinct seasons. Each one brings its own travel conditions. Expect humid summers, crisp autumns, mild springs, and cool winters. There’s also a rainy stretch and the occasional typhoon that might shake up your plans.
Tokyo’s Four Distinct Seasons
Tokyo cycles through spring (March–May), summer (June–August), autumn (September–November), and winter (December–February). Each season has a personality that changes what you’ll find.
Spring means mild weather and cherry blossoms. Most days feel comfortable, but mornings and evenings can get a bit chilly.
Summer gets hot and sticky, with highs often above 30°C (86°F). Festivals and fireworks light up the city, but the heat can be tough.
Autumn is a favorite for many travelers. The weather turns pleasant, leaves change color, and the skies usually stay clear.
Winter here is milder than up north. Central Tokyo rarely sees snow, but nights can dip close to freezing.
Climate Patterns and Temperature Ranges
Tokyo’s humid subtropical climate brings warm, damp summers and cool, dry winters. You probably won’t see extreme cold, but summers can get pretty uncomfortable with all the humidity.
Average seasonal temperature ranges:
| Season | Low (°C) | High (°C) | Weather Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 5–15 | 15–23 | Mild, blossoms |
| Summer | 20–25 | 28–32 | Hot, humid |
| Autumn | 7–18 | 18–25 | Comfortable, clear |
| Winter | 1–5 | 8–12 | Cool, dry |
Rain falls year-round, but late spring and early summer tend to be wetter. If you love outdoor activities, April–May and October–November usually have the nicest weather.
Rainy and Typhoon Seasons
Tokyo’s rainy season (tsuyu) hits from early June to mid-July. You’ll run into frequent showers and high humidity. The rain usually falls steadily instead of storming, so you can still get around with good rain gear.
The typhoon season peaks between August and October. Typhoons bring heavy rain and strong winds. Tokyo’s set up to handle them, but flights and trains might get delayed if a strong one passes through.
Outside those times, rain is moderate and often comes in quick bursts. If you want the most stable weather, plan for spring or autumn. You’ll get less rain and clearer skies.
Spring in Tokyo: Cherry Blossoms and Mild Weather
Spring in Tokyo means mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and some of the city’s biggest cultural events. You’ll find cherry blossom viewing, seasonal foods, and traditional festivals, though you’ll also deal with larger crowds and pricier travel.
Peak Bloom Period and Viewing Spots
Cherry blossoms usually pop from late March to early April. The dates shift a bit each year, but the peak bloom only sticks around for a week or two. If you want to catch the trees at their best, you’ll need to be flexible.
People flock to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for its wide lawns and mix of early and late-blooming varieties. Ueno Park is another favorite, famous for its long avenues of cherry trees.
If you want riverside views, the Sumida River and Nakameguro Canal offer scenic strolls with blossoms reflected in the water. For something quieter, Inokashira Park in Kichijoji feels more relaxed, especially if you rent a boat on the pond.
You don’t have to stick to daytime. Lots of parks host yozakura—nighttime viewing—where they light up the trees for a totally different vibe. It’s a good way to dodge the biggest crowds.
Crowds and Travel Tips During Spring
Spring is a high season for Tokyo tourism. Hotels and flights fill up fast, and prices jump, especially during Golden Week in late April and early May. If you want to avoid stress, book your room and major train tickets months ahead.
Parks and popular spots get packed during peak bloom. Show up early or visit on weekdays to find a little more space. Bringing a picnic blanket for hanami (flower viewing) is a tradition, but remember to follow local rules about food, drinks, and cleaning up.
Spring weather is usually mild, with daytime temps in the mid-teens to low 20s °C. Sudden rain showers can happen, so it’s smart to carry a light umbrella or jacket. Comfortable shoes are a must since you’ll probably walk a lot to see the blossoms.
Festivals: Kanda Matsuri and Sanja Matsuri
Spring also brings some of Tokyo’s biggest traditional festivals. Kanda Matsuri happens in May in the Kanda area. It’s one of Tokyo’s top three Shinto festivals, with parades, portable shrines, and music winding through the city.
Later in May, Sanja Matsuri takes over Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple. For three days, huge crowds turn out as people carry more than 100 mikoshi (portable shrines) through the streets. Expect food stalls, performances, and plenty of traditional costumes.
These festivals show off Tokyo’s blend of old and new. If you want a good spot, get there early. Public transit is the easiest way to reach the festivities.
Autumn in Tokyo: Foliage and Comfortable Temperatures
Autumn in Tokyo means mild weather, clear skies, and some of the year’s most stunning scenery. Temperatures cool down from late September through November, making it a great time for exploring parks, gardens, and cultural events.
Best Times for Autumn Leaves
You’ll catch the best autumn colors in Tokyo from mid-November to early December. Maples and ginkgo trees hit their peak, turning the city shades of red, orange, and gold.
By late October, places like Mount Takao start to show color first. Central Tokyo follows a bit later, with ginkgo-lined streets and temple grounds glowing by mid-November.
Even in early December, you can still find autumn leaves in spots like Ueno Park or around the Imperial Palace. The weather stays cool but comfy, with highs around 15°C (59°F) and lows near 9°C (48°F). Rain is light, so outdoor plans rarely get ruined.
Popular Parks and Viewing Locations
A bunch of Tokyo’s parks and gardens are perfect for leaf-peeping. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a top pick, with different garden styles and plenty of maples and ginkgos that peak in late November.
Rikugien Garden stands out too. Its big pond and wooded paths get lit up in late autumn, making for a unique night stroll.
For a more casual vibe, Ueno Park has wide walkways lined with ginkgo trees. It’s common to mix a leaf-viewing walk with a museum visit nearby. If you want a day trip, Mount Takao offers hiking trails with sweeping views of the foliage and, on clear days, Mount Fuji.
Mitama Matsuri and Seasonal Events
Autumn isn’t just about the leaves. The Mitama Matsuri at Yasukuni Shrine is a well-known festival, with thousands of lanterns glowing at night. While it’s mostly a summer thing, smaller events at the shrine continue into autumn.
The Chrysanthemum Exhibition at Asakusa Shrine shows off elaborate flower displays. Over at Meiji Shrine, the Autumn Grand Festival brings traditional performances like noh theater and martial arts.
All these events, paired with the pleasant temperatures, make autumn a fantastic time to dive into Tokyo’s culture and nature.
Summer in Tokyo: Festivals, Heat, and Humidity
Summer in Tokyo is a wild mix of weather and energy. You’ll deal with high temperatures and humidity, but you’ll also find fireworks, lively street festivals, and big crowds of locals and tourists.
Weather Characteristics and What to Expect
Tokyo summers get hot and muggy, with average highs around 30–33°C (86–91°F) in July and August. Humidity often pushes past 70%, so it can feel sticky and uncomfortable if you’re out all day.
June kicks off the rainy season, bringing lots of showers and cloudy skies. By July, the rain lets up, but the heat and humidity ramp up. August is usually the hottest, and heatwaves aren’t rare.
Sightseeing during the day can be exhausting. You might want to save outdoor activities for mornings or evenings. Most trains, shops, and restaurants crank up the air conditioning, so you can cool off between outings.
Pack light, breathable clothes, sunscreen, and a small umbrella. Drink plenty of water, since the heat and humidity can sneak up on you.
Major Summer Festivals: Sumidagawa Fireworks
The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival is the summer’s biggest draw. It’s one of Japan’s largest and oldest fireworks shows, lighting up the Sumida River and pulling in tens of thousands of people.
More than 20,000 fireworks explode throughout the night. The displays get creative with colors, shapes, and patterns—honestly, it’s a spectacle.
Riverside spots fill up fast, especially near Asakusa. Some folks show up hours early, and others snag rooftop or boat seats for a better view.
Expect food stalls, crowds in yukata, and a buzzing street scene. If you’re planning to go, prepare for packed train stations before and after the event.
Tips for Managing Crowds and Heat
Summer is peak season because of festivals and school breaks, so attractions get crowded. Book your hotel early to dodge high prices and sold-out dates.
Beat the heat by sightseeing in the morning or evening. Use the hottest part of the day for indoor spots like museums, malls, or aquariums.
For festivals, bring water, a fan, and maybe a cooling towel. Public transit and streets can get jammed, so leave extra time to get around.
If you want something less hectic, check out smaller neighborhood festivals. They still have food, music, and dancing, but without the massive crowds.
Winter in Tokyo: Low Season and Tranquil Exploration
Winter in Tokyo brings cool, crisp days, fewer tourists, and better deals on travel. You’ll get clear skies for sightseeing, quiet visits to big attractions, and often lower prices on flights and hotels compared to the busy seasons.
Weather and Temperature Overview
From December through February, Tokyo hits its coldest months. Average daytime temperatures sit between 4°C and 12°C (40°F to 53°F), and nights can feel even colder.
Snow sometimes falls, usually in January or February, but it rarely amounts to much. Most of the time, the city stays dry with low humidity and plenty of sunny days. If you dress in layers, walking around or exploring outdoors stays comfortable.
You’ll notice the air feels crisp and clear, which really boosts visibility. Honestly, this is a great season for catching a view of Mount Fuji from one of Tokyo’s observation decks or tall buildings. The dry winter weather means rain probably won’t mess up your plans.
Sightseeing Advantages in Winter
Winter counts as Tokyo’s low season, so you won’t deal with the crowds that show up during cherry blossom season or summer festivals. Iconic spots like Sensō-ji Temple, Meiji Shrine, and Shinjuku Gyoen Garden become way easier to enjoy—no long lines or packed paths.
December brings some of the city’s best illuminations. Districts like Roppongi Hills and Shinjuku glow with seasonal lights. You can join in New Year traditions too, like the first shrine visit of the year, called hatsumode.
If you’re after a quieter vibe, parks and gardens feel extra peaceful in winter. Museums, galleries, and other indoor spots tend to be more relaxed too. Cold weather practically begs for hot springs (onsen) and winter foods like oden or shabu-shabu.
Travel Costs and Flight Availability
Winter usually means less international travel to Japan, so you’ll often spot cheaper flights to Tokyo. Airlines drop fares outside the holiday rush, and you get more choices for seats.
Hotels and ryokan typically lower their prices compared to spring and fall. You can find good deals on rooms in central areas like Shinjuku or Ginza.
During New Year’s holidays, travel within Japan spikes, and prices can jump for a bit. Besides that, you get lower costs and more options for flights and places to stay.
Choosing the Best Time to Visit Tokyo for Your Interests
Weather, crowds, and seasonal events all shape your Tokyo experience. It really depends on what you value most—quiet streets, saving money, or joining in cultural festivities.
Sightseeing and Avoiding Crowds
If sightseeing tops your list, timing matters a lot. Spring and autumn bring mild weather, which makes walking around neighborhoods like Asakusa, Shinjuku, and Shibuya pretty pleasant. Daytime temperatures usually fall between 15°C and 23°C, so you won’t overheat or freeze.
Crowds hit their peak during cherry blossom season in late March and early April, and again in November when the autumn leaves look their best. Want to dodge the crowds? Visit in late winter, from mid-January to February. After New Year, tourist numbers drop and places like Senso-ji Temple or Tokyo Skytree feel much calmer.
Try visiting attractions early in the morning. Many open their doors before the crowds show up, so you’ll get a more peaceful experience. If you plan around local commuting hours, you’ll also avoid getting stuck in packed trains.
Budget Travel and Shoulder Seasons
If saving money is your thing, aim for the shoulder seasons. These fall between the busiest travel times, so flights and hotels usually cost less. In Tokyo, the best shoulder seasons are January to early March and late May to June.
Hotel prices drop to their lowest in winter, especially after the holidays. Temperatures hover between 2°C and 10°C, so you’ll want to bundle up. Sure, it’s cold, but you’ll see fewer tourists and snag better deals on food too.
Late spring and early summer aren’t bad either. May brings nice weather, with highs close to 24°C. June gets a bit humid and rainy, but fewer international visitors come, which helps keep costs down.
If you can be flexible, booking trips during these months gives you a solid mix of comfort, savings, and fewer crowds.
Festival Experiences and Local Culture
Tokyo’s festivals bring out traditions you just won’t see anywhere else. If you’re into cultural events, try planning your trip around a specific celebration.
- Cherry Blossom Season (late March, early April): Parks like Ueno and Shinjuku Gyoen get packed as people gather for hanami picnics.
- Kanda Matsuri (May, in odd-numbered years): This is one of Tokyo’s biggest Shinto festivals, and you’ll see lively processions carrying mikoshi, those portable shrines.
- Summer Matsuri (July, August): You’ll get fireworks, street food, and parades, even if the weather feels sticky.
You can’t really avoid the crowds during these festivals, but honestly, they’re part of what makes it fun. If you’d rather have a quieter time, try visiting in autumn.
In fall, smaller neighborhood festivals pop up. The crisp air and those colorful leaves? They make everything feel a bit more magical.