Tokyo is Japan's capital and one of the world's most dynamic megacities, where ancient temples and shrines coexist alongside gleaming skyscrapers and neon-lit streets. As the cultural, economic, and political heart of Japan, Tokyo offers an unmatched blend of tradition and state-of-the-art modernity across its diverse 23 special wards and surrounding cities.
Tokyo has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, frequently exceeding 30°C with high humidity from June through September, while winters are mild and dry with average highs around 10-12°C and only occasional light snow. The tsuyu (rainy season) arrives in June and lasts into mid-July. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with the most comfortable temperatures and the city's most celebrated natural scenery — cherry blossoms and autumn foliage respectively.
Best time to visit
Best: Year-round
Avoid: None
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
2–10 °C
February
2–11 °C
March
5–14 °C
April
10–19 °C
May
15–24 °C
June
19–27 °C
July
23–31 °C
August
24–32 °C
September
21–28 °C
October
15–22 °C
November
9–17 °C
December
4–12 °C
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Tokyo's most celebrated season, defined by the spectacular cherry blossom bloom (sakura).
Months: March, April, May
Early Summer / Rainy Season
The tsuyu (rainy season) arrives in June with frequent rain and high humidity; July sees temperatures rise sharply.
Months: June, July
Summer
Peak summer is intensely hot and humid with temperatures often exceeding 35°C.
Months: August
Autumn
Autumn rivals spring as Tokyo's best season, with koyo (autumn foliage) peaking in November.
Months: September, October, November
Winter
Winter in Tokyo is cold but generally dry and sunny; snow is rare but Christmas illuminations are spectacular.
Months: December, January, February
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- Peak
- Cherry blossom season, late March-early April
- Golden Week, late April-early May
- Moderate
- Autumn foliage season, November
- Low
- Winter, January-February (excluding New Year holidays)
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Sanja Matsuri
When: May (third weekend)
Sumida River Fireworks Festival
When: Late July
Cherry Blossom Season (Hanami)
When: Late March-early April
Sumo Grand Tournaments (Honbasho)
When: January, May, September