Spring (late March to May) and autumn (late September to early December) are the most comfortable times for most Indian visitors. Spring brings cherry blossoms. Summer is hot and humid, and August and September can bring typhoons.
Japan runs from subarctic Hokkaido to subtropical Okinawa, so weather differs a lot by region. The monthly numbers here are for Tokyo only. Check the forecast for each place you will visit.
- Climate source
- JMA normals 1991-2020, Tokyo
- Cherry blossom
- March to May, by region
- Rainy season
- Begins between May and June
- Typhoon risk
- August and September
Month by month
Temperatures and rain are typical climate for 1991-2020. They are not a forecast.
Plan around your month
| Month | Verdict | Typical climate | Crowds / Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | ◐Good, with trade-offs | 1.2 to 9.8 °C · rain 59.7 mm | — |
| February | ◐Good, with trade-offs | 2.1 to 10.9 °C · rain 56.5 mm | — |
| March | ●Recommended | 5 to 14.2 °C · rain 116 mm | high / not known |
| April | ●Recommended | 9.8 to 19.4 °C · rain 133.7 mm | high / not known |
| May | ◐Good, with trade-offs | 14.6 to 23.6 °C · rain 139.7 mm | — |
| June | ○Challenging | 18.5 to 26.1 °C · rain 167.8 mm | — |
| July | ○Challenging | 22.4 to 29.9 °C · rain 156.2 mm | — |
| August | ○Challenging | 23.5 to 31.3 °C · rain 154.7 mm | — |
| September | ◐Good, with trade-offs | 20.3 to 27.5 °C · rain 224.9 mm | — |
| October | ●Recommended | 14.8 to 22 °C · rain 234.8 mm | — |
| November | ●Recommended | 8.8 to 16.7 °C · rain 96.3 mm | — |
| December | ◐Good, with trade-offs | 3.8 to 12 °C · rain 57.9 mm | — |
January ◐Good, with trade-offs
Typical climate: 1.2 to 9.8 °C · rain 59.7 mm
Cold and dry in Tokyo, with sunny days. The north is covered in snow and the ski season is on.
Good for
- Ski resorts, hot springs, hot-pot meals.
Watch out for
- Dress warm in layers. Snow and ice can make paths slippery for older travellers.
February ◐Good, with trade-offs
Typical climate: 2.1 to 10.9 °C · rain 56.5 mm
Still cold in Tokyo, with low rain. Good for snow and winter food.
Good for
- Snow regions, hot springs, winter illuminations.
Watch out for
- Cold mornings. Check the forecast before going north.
March ●Recommended
Typical climate: 5 to 14.2 °C · rain 116 mm
Our editorial view: Crowds high (Late March: cherry blossom season begins in many places, per JNTO.)
Cherry blossoms start in late March in many places. JNTO says blossom timing moves from south to north between March and May.
Good for
- Cherry blossom viewing, parks and gardens, city walks.
Watch out for
- Blossom dates shift each year, so a fixed booking can miss the peak. Book early.
April ●Recommended
Typical climate: 9.8 to 19.4 °C · rain 133.7 mm
Our editorial view: Crowds high (Early April: blossom season continues, moving from south to north, per JNTO.)
Spring is mild, breezy and mostly sunny, and blossoms reach other regions.
Good for
- Blossom viewing, temples, day trips.
Watch out for
- Expect crowds at popular places. Rain is higher than winter months.
May ◐Good, with trade-offs
Typical climate: 14.6 to 23.6 °C · rain 139.7 mm
Warm and pleasant, still a good time for the outdoors. JNTO says the rainy season begins between May and June depending on the place.
Good for
- Gardens, hiking, city sightseeing.
Watch out for
- The rainy season may start late in the month in some places.
June ○Challenging
Typical climate: 18.5 to 26.1 °C · rain 167.8 mm
Rainy season in much of the country, with the heaviest Tokyo rainfall of the early summer months and rising humidity.
Good for
- Museums, indoor sights, hot springs.
Watch out for
- Wet and humid. Carry an umbrella and light rain gear.
July ○Challenging
Typical climate: 22.4 to 29.9 °C · rain 156.2 mm
Hot and humid. JNTO describes summer as stiflingly hot, with festivals and fireworks. The mountains are cooler than the cities.
Good for
- Festivals, fireworks, beaches, mountain areas.
Watch out for
- Heat and humidity are hard on older travellers. Drink water often and plan indoor breaks.
August ○Challenging
Typical climate: 23.5 to 31.3 °C · rain 154.7 mm
The hottest month in Tokyo. JNTO warns that August and September may bring typhoons that disrupt travel.
Good for
- Mountain trips, festivals, beaches.
Watch out for
- Typhoons can cancel flights and trains. Keep flexible bookings and travel insurance.
September ◐Good, with trade-offs
Typical climate: 20.3 to 27.5 °C · rain 224.9 mm
Still warm and among the wettest months in Tokyo; October is similar. JNTO warns of typhoons in September. Autumn leaves start from late September in the north.
Good for
- Early autumn colours in the north, food festivals.
Watch out for
- Typhoon and heavy rain risk. Check forecasts and keep slack in the plan.
October ●Recommended
Typical climate: 14.8 to 22 °C · rain 234.8 mm
Cooler and comfortable. Autumn leaves spread south, per JNTO between late September and early December. Rainfall is still high in Tokyo.
Good for
- Autumn leaves, temples, outdoor walks, harvest food.
Watch out for
- Rainfall is high in Tokyo in October, so carry an umbrella.
November ●Recommended
Typical climate: 8.8 to 16.7 °C · rain 96.3 mm
Autumn colours are widespread and the weather is cool and dry compared with October. JNTO calls the fall season perfect for outdoor exploration.
Good for
- Autumn leaves, temples, gardens.
Watch out for
- Evenings get chilly. Carry a light jacket.
December ◐Good, with trade-offs
Typical climate: 3.8 to 12 °C · rain 57.9 mm
Cold and dry in Tokyo, with sunny days. Autumn colours fade in the south by early December.
Good for
- Winter illuminations, ski season starts, hot springs.
Watch out for
- Cold. Dress in layers.
Who it suits
For Parents / seniors
Spring and autumn are the easiest on older travellers. Avoid July and August heat and humidity, and be careful with ice and snow in winter.
For Children
Spring and autumn are comfortable. Summer festivals suit children but the heat needs regular water and rest.
For Couples
Cherry blossom season and autumn leaves are the classic choices for couples. Book early for spring.
For Friends
Summer festivals and fireworks, and winter ski trips, suit groups.
For Solo travellers
Spring and autumn give the best walking weather.
By interest
Cherry blossoms
Late March to May, moving from south to north. Dates vary each year, per JNTO.
Autumn leaves
Late September to early December, moving from north to south, per JNTO.
If your dates are fixed
If your dates are fixed, pick the season by the places you will visit. Cherry blossom and autumn leaf dates shift each year, so avoid building the whole trip around one peak week. Keep flexible bookings in typhoon months.
Trips to Japan
Quick questions
Sources
- Japan Meteorological Agency: Normals (1991-2020), Tokyo: monthly values · checked 22 Oct 2026