Spring (March to May)
Spring is when Tokyo weather earns its reputation as one of the most beautiful seasonal transitions in the world. Temperatures climb steadily from a chilly 39°F (4°C) in early March to a balmy 75°F (24°C) by late May, and the city transforms as plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, and then fresh green leaves arrive in sequence.
Cherry blossom season is the highlight of the spring calendar. According to the Japan Weather Association's 2026 cherry blossom forecast, Tokyo's first bloom is expected around March 21 to 22, with full bloom (mankai) following roughly one week later, around March 28 to 29. Peak viewing typically lasts about one week before petals begin to scatter. Iconic hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spots include Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, the Meguro River, and Chidorigafuchi, but expect crowds at all of them.
One thing many spring visitors don't anticipate: From late February through April, Tokyo experiences cedar pollen season (kafunsho). Japanese cedar (sugi) pollen peaks in March, followed by cypress (hinoki) pollen in April. Roughly 30 to 40% of Japan's population is affected, and even travelers with no history of allergies can develop symptoms. If you're visiting in March or April, pack allergy medication. Antihistamines are available at Japanese pharmacies, but having your own supply avoids a frustrating pharmacy-aisle translation exercise.
What to wear: Light layers are key. A thin jacket or cardigan you can slip on and off works perfectly, since the gap between sunny afternoons and cool evenings can be 15 to 20°F. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for prime strolling season.
Key events:
Mt. Takao Firewalking Festival (Mid-March): Rooted in Shingon Buddhist ascetic practices, this powerful purification ritual features monks walking barefoot over smoldering coals to pray for health and safety.
Spring Flower Festivals (April – May): As the cherry blossoms fade, Tokyo’s other spring blooms take center stage. You can catch the vibrant Nezu Shrine Azalea Festival in April and the stunning, romantic wisteria cascades at Kameido Tenjin Shrine in late April to early May.
Kanda Matsuri (Mid-May): One of Tokyo’s three great Shinto festivals. Hosted by Kanda Myojin Shrine, this massive, energetic event features colorful processions of portable shrines (mikoshi) and traditional floats winding through the streets of central Tokyo.
Sanja Matsuri (Late May): Held in Asakusa, this is widely considered Tokyo’s wildest and most spectacular festival. Over three high-energy days, around two million visitors gather to watch dozens of mikoshi being vigorously carried and bounced through the streets to awaken the Shinto deities.
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Summer (June to August)
Picture this: it's 2 PM in early August. You've been walking through Shibuya Crossing and the air feels like a warm wet towel pressed against your face. The thermometer says 91°F (33°C), but your body says something closer to 105°F (41°C). You duck into a FamilyMart, and the wall of air conditioning hits you like a wall of ice. For thirty seconds, you just stand there, holding a bottle of cold green tea, and understand why every local you've seen is carrying a hand towel and an umbrella, even on a cloudless day.
That's Tokyo weather in summer. Temperatures range from 64°F (18°C) at night to 90°F (32°C) during the day, but the number on your weather app doesn't tell the real story.
The rainy season (tsuyu) arrives in early June and lingers through mid-July. For about four to six weeks, Tokyo sits under a persistent gray blanket of clouds, humidity hovers above 80%, and drizzle falls on most days. It's not dramatic rain. It's the kind of steady, oppressive dampness that never quite dries. June averages 14 rainy days and 6.6 inches (168mm) of rainfall.
Once tsuyu ends, the real heat arrives. July and August bring some of the most uncomfortable weather you'll experience in any major city. The reason is humidity: when the thermometer reads 86°F (30°C) and humidity is above 80% (which is typical), the heat index (what your body actually feels) easily exceeds 95°F (35°C). On the worst days, with actual temperatures pushing 95°F (35°C) and humidity at 85% or higher, the perceived temperature can top 108°F (42°C).
This is genuinely dangerous. Tokyo's summer heat sends thousands of people to hospitals each year, and heatstroke is a real risk for unacclimatized visitors.
Survival tips: Carry a water bottle at all times and sip constantly, not just when thirsty. Plan indoor breaks during the hottest hours (11 AM to 3 PM): museums, department stores, and even konbini (convenience stores) offer powerful air conditioning. A cooling towel or portable neck fan can make outdoor walking bearable. And don't underestimate the cold drinks at konbini. Japan's convenience store refrigerators are a summer lifeline.
Typhoon season begins ramping up in August, though September sees the most activity. Most typhoons that affect Tokyo are glancing blows (strong wind and heavy rain for a day), but they can disrupt Shinkansen schedules and flights. Check forecasts regularly if you're traveling during this period.
What to wear: Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics. A compact UV-protection umbrella serves double duty, blocking intense sun during the day and sudden rain. Sunscreen is non-negotiable; Tokyo's UV index regularly hits 10+ in summer.
Key Events on Festive Seasons:
Sanno Matsuri (Mid-June / Even-numbered years): As the rainier season kicks in, this historic festival alternates years with the Kanda Matsuri. It is one of Tokyo’s big three Shinto festivals, featuring a beautiful, traditional procession of portable shrines (mikoshi) winding through central districts like Chiyoda and Akasaka, offering a rare glimpse of Edo-period imperial favor.
Mitama Matsuri (Mid-July): Held at Yasukuni Shrine, this is one of Tokyo's most visually stunning summer festivals. Over 30,000 glowing yellow lanterns line the approach to the shrine, creating a breathtaking golden pathway. Visitors can enjoy traditional Bon Odori folk dancing, theatrical performances, and plenty of classic street food stalls.
Sumida River Fireworks Festival (Last Saturday of July): This is Japan's oldest and most legendary fireworks display. Around 20,000 fireworks are launched into the night sky near Asakusa, drawing close to a million spectators dressed in colorful summer yukatas (light cotton kimonos) lining the riverbanks.
Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri (Mid-August): Affectionately known as Tokyo's "water-splashing festival," this energetic event is the perfect antidote to the August heat. As teams carry massive mikoshi shrines through the streets, spectators lining the sidewalks throw buckets of purifying water over the carriers to keep them cool, creating an incredibly fun, interactive atmosphere.
Koenji Awa-Odori (Late August): This massive street dance festival brings an absolute explosion of energy to western Tokyo. Over 10,000 dancers and musicians in traditional attire parade through the streets of Koenji, performing the rhythmic, bouncing "fool's dance" to the beat of taiko drums, flutes, and brass gongs.
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Autumn (September to November)
Tokyo weather in autumn is the city's most rewarding season for travelers who've done their homework. After summer's punishing heat, temperatures gradually drop from September's still-warm 79°F (26°C) highs to November's crisp 61°F (16°C) afternoons, and the city puts on a foliage display that rivals the cherry blossoms for beauty.
But autumn has a twist that trips up many visitors.
September is technically autumn, but it still feels like summer. Temperatures remain warm (68 to 79°F / 20 to 26°C), humidity is still high, and this is the wettest month of the entire year in Tokyo, averaging 8.1 inches (208mm) of rain. Typhoon risk also peaks in September, so if you're visiting this month, build flexibility into your itinerary and keep an eye on storm forecasts.
October is where many travelers get surprised. You'd expect autumn to be dry and crisp, right? Not in Tokyo. October is the second-wettest month of the year, averaging 7.9 inches (200mm) of rain across about 12 rainy days. The rain isn't as intense as September's typhoon downpours, but it's persistent. That said, temperatures are genuinely pleasant (57 to 70°F / 14 to 21°C), and the cooling air makes walking comfortable for the first time since May. Bring a compact umbrella and don't let the rain discourage you; October can be a wonderful month if you're prepared.
November is the reward for enduring October's rain. This is peak autumn foliage (momiji) season, when Tokyo's parks and temple gardens blaze red, orange, and gold. The air turns crisp and clear, humidity drops to comfortable levels, and skies are often brilliantly blue. Average temperatures of 46 to 61°F (8 to 16°C) call for a light to medium jacket, but walking is a joy. Popular momiji spots include Meiji Shrine's outer garden (Meiji Jingu Gaien), Rikugien Garden, and Mount Takao, all easily accessible from central Tokyo.
What to wear: Layers, layers, layers. In September, you're still in summer-weight clothing with an umbrella. By November, you'll want a medium jacket, a scarf, and closed shoes. The day-to-night temperature swing in October and November can be 15°F or more.
Key events:
Meguro Sanma (Mackerel) Festival (Early September): Celebrating the arrival of autumn's harvest, this lively neighborhood festival serves up over 5,000 fresh, charcoal-grilled Pacific saury (sanma) for free to visitors. It’s a sensory experience filled with smoky, delicious aromas and classic rakugo (traditional comedic storytelling) performances.
Tokyo Game Show (Late September): Held at Makuhari Messe, this is a massive bucket-list event for tech and gaming enthusiasts. As one of the world's largest gaming conventions, it brings together major global developers, exclusive game previews, and incredible cosplay showcases under one roof.
Chrysanthemum Exhibition at Shinjuku Gyoen (Early to Mid-November): The chrysanthemum (kiku) is the symbol of the Japanese Imperial Family, and autumn is its time to shine. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden hosts a stunning, highly detailed display of meticulously cultivated imperial chrysanthemums arranged in traditional open-air wooden pavilions.
Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival (Mid-November – Early December): This festival celebrates Tokyo’s official metropolitan tree. The famous avenue leading to Meiji Jingu Gaien is lined with roughly 150 massive ginkgo trees, transforming the street into a breathtaking, 300-meter golden tunnel. The area fills with food trucks offering delicious local bites to enjoy while walking under the falling golden leaves.
Mount Takao Autumn Leaves Festival (Throughout November): Located just 50 minutes from central Tokyo, Mount Takao is the ultimate day-trip destination for autumn foliage (koyo). Throughout November, the mountain's forests turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, celebrated with local musical performances, taiko drumming, and hot sake stalls along the cable car trail.
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Winter (December to February)
The biggest winter perk? Mount Fuji visibility. Cold, dry air masses sweeping down from Siberia scrub the atmosphere clean, making December and January the best months of the entire year for seeing Fuji-san from Tokyo. On the clearest winter days, the snow-capped peak appears startlingly sharp and close from Tokyo Skytree, Roppongi Hills observation deck, or even the window of a Shinkansen heading west. Visibility data shows the mountain is fully visible on over 70% of days in December and January, versus just 14 to 21% during the rainy summer months.
Tokyo weather in winter is an underrated season. Yes, it's cold: average lows dip to 33°F (1°C) in January. But Tokyo winters are dry, sunny, and remarkably clear. The city averages only 5 to 6 rainy days per month in December, January, and February, and total rainfall drops to about 2.2 inches (55mm). Compare that to September's 8 inches, and you see why winter is a smart choice for travelers who prioritize clear skies over warm temperatures.
Snow in Tokyo is rare but not impossible. It typically snows once or twice per winter, and accumulation is minimal: a light dusting that melts within hours. Heavy snowfall that disrupts the city is even rarer, happening perhaps once every few years. Don't pack snow boots, but waterproof shoes are a good idea on rainy winter days.
One thing to prepare for: Tokyo's indoor heating is weaker than most Americans expect. Restaurants, older buildings, and temples often run their heating at what feels like 60 to 62°F (15 to 17°C). The strategy is to dress in layers you can remove indoors: a warm coat over a sweater over a lighter layer, so you're comfortable both outside in the cold and inside in the cool air. Many visitors make the mistake of wearing a single heavy coat over a thin shirt, then freeze when they take the coat off indoors.
Sarah, a photographer from Portland, nearly cancelled her January trip after friends told her Tokyo in winter would be "gray and miserable." She went anyway, and woke up on her second morning to find Mount Fuji glowing pink from the Tokyo Skytree observation deck at sunrise. "I'd been to Japan three times in spring and never once seen Fuji clearly," she told us. "And here it was, sharper than any photo I'd ever taken, just sitting there in a crystal-clear blue sky. I didn't even know it was visible from Tokyo."
What to wear: A warm winter coat (down or wool), scarf, gloves, and layers underneath. Skip heavy snow gear; it's overkill and you'll be uncomfortably warm on sunny afternoons when highs reach 48 to 54°F (9 to 12°C). Moisturizer is essential. Tokyo's winter air is extremely dry, and many visitors experience cracked skin and dry throats in their first few days.
Key events:
Winter Illuminations (November – February): Tokyo transforms into a glittering wonderland of light displays. Millions of energy-efficient LED lights drape neighborhoods like Roppongi Hills (Keyakizaka Illumination), Shibuya (Ao no Dokutsu / Blue Cave), and Marunouchi, creating romantic backdrops against the crisp night air.
Joya no Kane & Hatsumode (December 31 – January 3): Ring in the Japanese New Year like a local. On New Year's Eve, Buddhist temples across Tokyo strike their giant bronze bells 108 times (Joya no Kane) to cleanse earthly desires. Over the following three days, millions of people visit major shrines like Meiji Jingu and Senso-ji Temple for Hatsumode—the year's very first prayer for good luck, prosperity, and health.
Ouraizaka Hagoromo (Hagoita-Ichi Fair) (Mid-December): Hosted at Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, this traditional market dates back to the Edo period. Dozens of open-air stalls sell hand-painted hagoita—ornate, decorative wooden paddles depicting famous kabuki actors, geishas, and pop culture figures, meant to ward off evil spirits for the coming year.
Setsubun (February 3): To mark the transition from winter to spring, temples and shrines hold high-energy Setsubun festivals. Celebrities, monks, and sumo wrestlers throw roasted soybeans into the crowds while chanting "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" (Out with the demons! In with good fortune!) to purify the city for the year ahead.
Plum Blossom Festivals (Ume Matsuri) (February – March): Long before the cherry blossoms arrive, the delicate and fragrant plum blossoms kick off the spring transition. You can witness stunning white and pink canopies at Yushima Tenjin Shrine or Hanegi Park, where hundreds of plum trees are celebrated with traditional outdoor tea ceremonies, koto music, and plum-themed treats.
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