Tokyo weather by month

When to go to Tokyo

For beach weather, look at months where the daytime average clears 25°C and rainy days stay low: July, August, September. October is the wettest month (211 mm, about 13 rainy days) and December the driest (60 mm). The sea is warmest in August at 26.7°C and coolest in February at 13.2°C.

Getting there

A direct flight from London Gatwick to Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND, 18 km from Tokyo) takes roughly 12 h 42 min - long-haul (7 h+) by UK standards. Time-zone: Asia/Tokyo.

Records and extremes, 1991-2020

The hottest day recorded in Tokyo between 1991 and 2020 reached 39.1°C on 23 July 2018; the coldest fell to -13.2°C on 14 February 1994. In August one day in ten tops 33.1°C and about 46% of days pass 30°C; in January one night in ten drops to -3.1°C or below. The wettest single month of the period was October 2004 with 593 mm, against a October average of 211 mm.

Winter: colder days, fewer rain interruptions

December to February suits travellers happy to swap warmth for relatively few rainy days. December averages 10°C by day and 2°C at night, so a warm coat makes sense even when the afternoon feels manageable. January is the coldest month, with days around 8°C and nights around 0°C; February edges up to 9°C but remains cold after dark. Gloves and warm layers are sensible for evening walks. These months each average 6 hours of sunshine, giving winter a useful advantage over the cloudier summer months. Rain is still possible, so bring a compact umbrella rather than assuming every outing will stay dry.

Spring and autumn: choose mild days, but pack for rain

For comfortable daytime walking, May and October offer a useful balance of warmth and cooler evenings. Spring starts noticeably colder: March averages 12°C by day and 4°C at night, while April rises to 17°C and 9°C. Keep a jacket handy rather than packing only light clothes. May reaches 22°C, with nights at 14°C, making it a better fit if you dislike chilly starts. Autumn moves in the opposite direction. September still feels summery at 26°C, with 14 rainy days, so it is not a reliably dry alternative to summer. October eases to 21°C but has the highest rainfall total. By November, days average 16°C and nights 8°C: comfortable for walking with layers, less suited to lingering outdoors after dark without a coat.

Summer: warmth comes with wet-weather compromises

June brings warmer nights but also frequent rain: daytime temperatures average 24°C, with 14 rainy days and just 3 hours of sunshine. It suits travellers who want warmth and can leave room for indoor breaks. July climbs to 28°C by day and 22°C at night, so light clothing becomes more useful than heavy layers. August is hottest, averaging 30°C by day and 23°C overnight. Plan longer walks for earlier or later in the day and take breaks from midday heat. August has fewer rainy days than June or July, but it is not a dry month. For travellers who enjoy heat, summer works well; for those who find warm nights tiring, May or October is a gentler choice.