Spring in Tokyo really feels like a turning point, both in weather and atmosphere. March starts off on the cool side, but by May, things warm up fast. That range makes it easy to enjoy being outside.
Daytime highs go from the low 50s °F in early spring to the mid-70s °F by late spring. Honestly, it might be the best time to explore the city.
As temperatures rise, you’ll notice the days get longer, but there’s also more cloud cover and some extra rain as spring goes on. Early spring usually feels crisp and dry. By late spring, though, it gets wetter and a bit more humid, hinting at the summer rainy season.
These changes affect what you wear, how you plan your days, and even which festivals or events you want to catch.
Spring in Tokyo isn’t just about the forecast. The timing of your trip can completely change what you experience.
Cherry blossoms pop in March and April, while fresh greenery shows up in May. The weather stays comfortable, and the city feels alive with some of Japan’s most famous sights.
If you know what to expect, you can make the most of your visit—whether you’re wandering gardens, joining celebrations, or just soaking up the slower pace.
Spring Climate Overview in Tokyo
Spring in Tokyo means steady warming, longer days, and more clouds and rain. Afternoons feel mild or even warm, while mornings stay cool. You’ll also get more daylight and, as spring goes on, a bit more humidity.
Humid Subtropical Climate Characteristics
Tokyo sits in a humid subtropical climate zone, thanks to its spot near the Pacific Ocean. Winters don’t get too cold, while summers turn hot, humid, and rainy.
Spring lands right in the middle, with moderate temperatures and unpredictable weather.
Clouds show up more often in spring. Overcast skies jump from about 41% in early March to more than 60% by late May.
Rain picks up too, especially toward the end of the season.
Humidity stays pretty comfortable at first, but it starts climbing in May. Muggy days almost never happen in March, but by late May, you might start to feel it.
These shifts signal that Tokyo’s wet summer is on the way.
Seasonal Temperature Patterns
Temperatures in Tokyo change fast during spring. In early March, average highs hover near 11°C (51°F), and lows drop to about 4°C (39°F).
By late May, highs hit 24°C (75°F), while lows reach 18°C (64°F).
This warming makes each month feel pretty different. March stays cool and crisp, April turns mild, and May can feel like summer’s knocking.
Nights are always cooler than days, but that gap gets smaller as spring goes on.
For context, August brings Tokyo’s hottest weather, with highs averaging 31°C (88°F). Spring doesn’t get that intense, but by May, you’ll sense summer’s coming.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Daylight in Tokyo stretches out quickly during spring. Early March gives you about 11 hours and 25 minutes of daylight.
By late May, you get 14 hours and 24 minutes.
Sunrise and sunset times shift, too. In early March, the sun rises around 6:11 a.m.. By late May, it’s up as early as 4:27 a.m.
Sunsets move from about 5:36 p.m. to almost 6:51 p.m.
Longer days mean more time outside, which is always a bonus. Even with extra clouds, the added daylight helps everything feel brighter overall.
Average Spring Temperatures by Month
Spring in Tokyo brings a steady climb in temperatures, longer days, and more clouds and rain. The season starts off brisk and cool, but by late May, you’re getting early summer vibes.
March Weather and Temperature Details
March marks the slow shift out of winter. Mornings and evenings can feel chilly.
Average highs start at 51°F (10°C) early in the month and rise to about 57°F (14°C) by the end. Lows run from 39°F (4°C) up to 45°F (7°C).
Rain happens, but March isn’t the wettest. You’ll see a 27% chance of a wet day, with rainfall averaging around 3 inches for the month.
Clouds show up more often, and you’ll see clear or partly clear skies less than half the time.
Daylight grows fast. By mid-March, you’re close to 12 hours of sun, and sunsets keep getting later.
Winds average about 9 mph, usually from the north.
| March Average | High | Low | Rainfall | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early March | 51°F | 39°F | ~3 in | 11 hrs 25 min |
| Late March | 57°F | 45°F | ~3.5 in | 12 hrs+ |
April Weather and Temperature Details
April feels milder, with pleasant afternoons and cool nights.
Highs go from 60°F (16°C) early in the month to about 68°F (20°C) by the end. Lows range from 48°F (9°C) to 55°F (13°C).
Rain picks up. There’s about a 33% chance of a wet day, and average rainfall sits near 4 inches for the month.
Clouds get thicker, and you’ll see more overcast days than in March.
Daylight stretches past 13 hours by late April.
Winds slow down a bit, averaging 8 mph, and come more often from the south. That brings in warmer air and a touch more humidity, but it’s rarely muggy.
| April Average | High | Low | Rainfall | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early April | 60°F | 48°F | ~3.5 in | 12 hrs 30 min |
| Late April | 68°F | 55°F | ~4.5 in | 13 hrs 30 min |
May Weather and Temperature Details
By May, Tokyo’s weather almost feels like summer. Highs climb from 70°F (21°C) in early May to about 75°F (24°C) by the end.
Lows rise from 59°F (15°C) to 64°F (18°C).
Rainfall increases, with a 38% chance of a wet day and about 5 inches of rain for the month.
Humidity picks up, and you might notice the occasional muggy afternoon, but it’s not the norm just yet.
Daylight peaks at 14 hours 24 minutes by the end of May.
Winds usually blow at 7–8 mph, mostly from the south, which brings in even more warmth and humidity from the Pacific.
| May Average | High | Low | Rainfall | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early May | 70°F | 59°F | ~4.5 in | 13 hrs 40 min |
| Late May | 75°F | 64°F | ~5.1 in | 14 hrs 24 min |
Spring Rainfall and Humidity
During spring, Tokyo gets more rain and the air grows more humid as the months pass. These changes can make the weather feel different and might affect your plans if you’re visiting.
Precipitation Trends in Spring
Tokyo’s humid subtropical climate brings moderate rainfall in spring. March usually stays drier, with light showers here and there.
By April, rain picks up—locals sometimes call it plum blossom rain, which lines up with the blooming season.
May sees the most rain as the Pacific’s influence grows. Moist air brings more unsettled weather, and heavier showers show up more often.
You can expect 100–130 mm of rain per month during spring.
Rain rarely lasts all day. It usually comes in short bursts, then clears up. If you check the forecast, you can plan around it pretty easily.
Here’s a quick look at typical spring rainfall:
| Month | Average Rainfall | Rainy Days (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| March | 90–100 mm | 10–12 days |
| April | 110–120 mm | 11–13 days |
| May | 120–130 mm | 12–14 days |
Humidity Levels During Spring
Humidity in Tokyo creeps up as spring heads toward summer. In March, it usually sits around 55–60%, which most people find comfortable.
By April, you’ll see 60–65%, and in May, it’s often 65–70%.
Warmer air can hold more moisture, and the Pacific Ocean feeds in humid air. Tokyo’s coastal setting makes these changes stand out compared to inland spots.
You’ll probably notice the difference most in May when both the temperature and humidity rise. Even if it’s not raining, the air can feel a lot warmer than the numbers suggest.
Wearing light, breathable clothes helps you stay cool. Indoors, most places use air conditioning or dehumidifiers to keep things comfortable.
Spring Events, Festivals, and Natural Highlights
Spring in Tokyo is all about flowers, traditions, and big holidays that set the city’s rhythm. Parks and shrines fill up, travel gets busy, and you’ll find unique ways to experience Japanese culture.
Cherry Blossom Season and Hanami
Cherry blossoms, or sakura, bloom from late March to early April. The timing shifts a little each year, but the peak bloom only lasts about a week.
During that window, you can join hanami (flower-viewing) parties in parks and along rivers.
Ueno Park, Yoyogi Park, and the Sumida River get packed with people picnicking under the trees. If you want something quieter, smaller shrines or local parks offer nice views without the crowds.
Food and drinks are a big part of hanami. Shops sell sakura-flavored snacks, special lunch boxes, and limited-edition drinks.
Some places even light up the trees at night—yozakura—which is pretty magical.
Since the season is so short, hotels and flights fill up fast. Planning ahead gives you the best shot at seeing spring in Tokyo at its best.
Golden Week and Other Spring Holidays
Golden Week runs from late April to early May. It’s a string of national holidays that turns into one of Japan’s busiest travel times.
Lots of people take vacations, and prices for hotels and trains can spike.
Even though it’s crowded, Golden Week brings big cultural events. In Tokyo, you can catch the Sanja Matsuri at Asakusa Shrine in May. It’s one of the city’s biggest festivals, with portable shrines, parades, and traditional performances.
Other highlights include yabusame (horseback archery) and smaller local festivals. These events mix old traditions with the energy of modern Tokyo.
If you want to visit during Golden Week, book your reservations early. Arriving early at festival spots helps you dodge the biggest crowds and still enjoy the scene.
What to Wear and Pack for Spring in Tokyo
Spring in Tokyo means mild but sometimes unpredictable weather. Days start cool in March, then warm up by May. Rain showers can surprise you at any time.
Packing layers and practical accessories makes it easier to stay comfortable, whether you’re out in the sun or dealing with a chilly evening.
Clothing Recommendations by Month
March (early spring): Days usually feel cool, with highs around 15–18°C (59–64°F). Evenings dip near 10°C (50°F). I’d go for long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and a medium-weight coat like a trench or a light down jacket. Sometimes, a scarf makes windy days much more comfortable.
April (mid-spring): Temperatures start climbing to 19–21°C (66–70°F). A light jacket—denim or nylon—works well over long sleeves. Layers help you manage sunny afternoons and those cooler nights. I always keep a compact umbrella handy for surprise showers.
May (late spring): Highs reach 23–25°C (73–77°F), and nights are mild, around 15°C (59°F). Short-sleeved tops, blouses, or light shirts feel great during the day. I usually bring a thin cardigan or jacket for after sunset. Breathable walking shoes are a must if you want to explore parks and neighborhoods.
Essential Accessories for Spring Weather
March and April tend to be rainy, so a foldable umbrella or a light raincoat comes in handy. By May, sun protection really matters. A hat, sunglasses, or even a parasol can help with those stronger UV rays.
The air sometimes feels dry, especially early in spring. I like to carry a small moisturizer or lip balm to avoid discomfort. Comfortable water-resistant shoes make life easier for rainy days and long walks.
Since temperatures shift from morning to night, a light scarf or shawl turns out to be surprisingly useful. I just toss one in my bag, and it’s always there when I need it. These little extras really help you adapt to Tokyo’s unpredictable spring weather.
Comparing Spring to Other Seasons in Tokyo
Spring in Tokyo brings mild temperatures and longer daylight. Rainfall increases, too. To get a feel for it, I like to compare it with the hotter, wetter summer and the cooler, drier winter.
Spring Versus Summer Weather
Tokyo’s summer gets much hotter and more humid than spring. By June, daytime highs often jump above 85°F (29°C), while spring highs stick between 51°F (10°C) in March and 75°F (24°C) in May. Humidity also shoots up, making summer muggy, but spring mostly stays comfortable.
Rainfall gets heavier in summer because of the East Asian monsoon. June and July bring frequent showers and sometimes tropical storms. In spring, rain increases gradually but stays moderate. For instance, average monthly rainfall can almost double between May and June.
Daylight is another difference. Spring days get longer, but summer gives you the year’s longest daylight hours. You get more time outside, though honestly, the heat and humidity can make afternoons tough.
Spring just feels cooler, less humid, and better for walking or sightseeing. Summer? It’s hot, sticky, and definitely wetter.
Spring Versus Winter Weather
Winter in Tokyo feels cooler and drier than spring. In January, daily highs average 48°F (9°C), and lows can drop close to 36°F (2°C). Spring warms up fast, with highs hitting the mid-70s °F (24°C) by late May.
Snow doesn’t fall much in Tokyo, but winter skies usually look clearer than in spring. January and February bring more sunny days, while March through May gets cloudier, especially late in the season.
Rainfall stays low in winter. You might see just a few light showers. In spring, the chance of rain goes up—from about 27% in March to nearly 38% in May.
Daylight is short in winter, with sunsets before 5 PM in January. By spring, days stretch out quickly, and you’ll get nearly three more hours of daylight by late May.
Compared to winter, spring feels warmer, wetter, and brighter, with more ups and downs in cloud cover and rain.
Best Time to Visit Tokyo in Spring
Spring in Tokyo brings mild weather, blooming flowers, and lots of cultural events. The timing of your visit changes what you’ll see and how busy the city feels, so it’s worth planning around those seasonal highlights.
Optimal Months for Travel
Late March to early April is when cherry blossoms peak. Parks like Ueno, Yoyogi, and Chidori-ga-fuchi fill up with crowds during this short bloom, which usually lasts just one to two weeks. Daily highs sit around 15–18°C (59–64°F), so it’s a nice time for long walks outside.
By mid- to late April, tulips and azaleas start to take over. Temperatures rise toward 20°C (68°F), and evenings stay cool. It’s less crowded than peak sakura season but still lively with festivals and outdoor events.
Early May brings wisteria and warmer days, often reaching 22–24°C (72–75°F). Golden Week—several national holidays bunched together—causes travel costs and crowds to spike. If you like quiet sightseeing, you might want to skip this week or book well in advance.
Travel Tips for Enjoying Spring
Go ahead and book hotels and transport early, especially if you want to be around for cherry blossom season. Prices shoot up fast, and rooms in popular parks or central districts disappear before you know it.
Pack some light layers, because mornings and evenings might surprise you with a chill, even if afternoons feel warm. Toss a small umbrella in your bag—spring showers do happen, and you don’t want to get caught out.
While you’re planning, think about checking out these seasonal spots:
- Cherry blossoms: late March to early April
- Tulips at Showa Kinen Park: late March through April
- Azaleas at Nezu Shrine: mid- to late April
- Wisteria at Kameido Tenjin Shrine: late April to early May
Visiting these places lets you see a side of spring in Tokyo that goes way beyond just cherry blossoms.