Globetrotter

Best Time to Visit Tokyo

Month-by-month weather, crowd levels, and prices for Tokyo, Japan. Updated for 2026.

Best Weather

Oct, May, Apr

Best Value

Jun, Jan, Feb

Least Crowded

Jan, Feb, Jun

Overall Best

Jun, Feb, Jan

Month-by-Month Breakdown

Jan
49°33°
25mm
low$120/n
New Year celebrations at Meiji Shrine
Feb
52°35°
65mm
low$120/n
Plum blossom season begins
Mar
59°42°
149mm
high$180/n
Cherry blossom season begins
Apr
68°51°
150mm
peak$220/n
Cherry blossom peak
May
73°58°
178mm
moderate$150/n
Golden Week holidays
Jun
81°67°
208mm
low$110/n
Rainy season (tsuyu)
Jul
90°75°
145mm
moderate$140/n
Sumida River Fireworks Festival
Aug
91°77°
145mm
moderate$140/n
Obon Festival
Sep
83°70°
215mm
moderate$130/n
Oct
71°57°
120mm
high$170/n
Autumn foliage season begins
Nov
63°47°
86mm
high$180/n
Peak autumn colors
Dec
53°36°
45mm
moderate$140/n
Winter illuminations
Best monthsMonthly rainfall

Our Recommendation

For an all-around great experience, the best time to visit Tokyo is Jun, Feb, Jan. Expect temperatures around 81°F (low 67°F) with about 208mm of rainfall. Tourist crowds are typically low during this period.

Seasonal Highlights

Jan

January is chilly with highs around 49°F and lows of 33°F. It's a quieter month after the New Year's celebrations, making it a good time to experience traditional Japanese culture without the crowds, despite 25mm of rain.

  • New Year's Day (Ganjitsu)
  • Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi)
  • O-Shogatsu (New Year's festivities)

Feb

February remains cold, with average highs of 52°F and lows of 34°F. While there's more rain than January (60mm), it's still a quieter period for exploring museums and indoor attractions, and a good chance to catch winter illuminations.

  • Setsubun (Bean-throwing Festival)
  • Valentine's Day

Mar

March sees a noticeable warm-up, with highs reaching 59°F and lows of 42°F. Late March marks the beginning of cherry blossom season, bringing with it increasing crowds, despite a significant jump in rainfall to 159mm.

  • Hina-matsuri (Doll's Festival)
  • Cherry Blossom Season (late March)

Apr

April is peak cherry blossom season, with comfortable highs of 68°F and lows of 51°F. Expect large crowds, especially during Golden Week at the end of the month, and be prepared for 150mm of rain.

  • Cherry Blossom Season
  • Showa Day

May

May is generally pleasant, with highs around 73°F and lows of 58°F, but Golden Week (early May) brings immense crowds and higher prices. Rainfall increases to 178mm, but the lush greenery makes it beautiful.

  • Golden Week (early May)
  • Children's Day
  • Sanja Matsuri (mid-May)

Jun

June marks the start of the rainy season (Tsuyu), with substantial rainfall (208mm) and increasing humidity. Highs reach 81°F and lows are 67°F, making it less ideal for outdoor activities, but fewer crowds can be a plus.

  • Tsuyu (rainy season)
  • Sanno Matsuri (even-numbered years)

Jul

July is hot and humid, with highs of 90°F and lows of 75°F. While rainfall dips slightly to 145mm, it's still frequent. Expect crowds for summer festivals and fireworks, making indoor, air-conditioned activities a priority.

  • Tanabata (Star Festival)
  • Sumida River Fireworks Festival (late July)

Aug

August is the hottest month, with average highs of 91°F and lows of 77°F, alongside high humidity and 145mm of rain. Obon brings domestic travel and crowds, but also many lively summer festivities.

  • Obon (Festival of the Dead)
  • Summer Sonic (music festival)

Sep

September brings some relief from the summer heat, with highs averaging 83°F and lows of 70°F, but it's the wettest month with 215mm of rain and the peak of typhoon season. Crowds begin to thin out.

  • Respect for the Aged Day
  • Autumnal Equinox Day

Oct

October is one of the best months to visit, offering pleasant weather with highs of 71°F and lows of 57°F, and less rain (120mm). The autumn foliage begins to emerge, and crowds are manageable.

  • Sports Day
  • Halloween

Nov

November is crisp and beautiful, with highs of 63°F and lows of 47°F, and even less rain (86mm). Enjoy stunning autumn colors and comfortable sightseeing conditions before the winter chill sets in.

  • Culture Day
  • Shichi-Go-San

Dec

December is cold, with highs of 53°F and lows of 36°F, and relatively dry with 45mm of rain. Holiday illuminations transform the city into a magical wonderland, attracting crowds, especially towards New Year's.

  • New Year's Eve (Omisoka)
  • Winter Illuminations

Frequently Asked Questions