Best Month to Visit Tokyo: A Honest Guide to Every Month of the Year

We've been going to Tokyo for nearly thirty years and have experienced the city in every season and every month of every season! So when people ask us "when is the best time to visit Tokyo?", we definitely have our own opinions. But we hesitate to give one definitive answer, because the truth is: it depends entirely on what you're after and how you'll cope with Japan's infamous four seasons. As northern Europeans, Family Japansophy has been saying for the best part of those thirty years that we would never again set foot in Tokyo in the summer (Dear reader: we caved!). On the other hand, our followers on social media, in South-East Asia in particular, often lament going in January or February because they find it so cold. Every month in Tokyo has a case to be made for it. We're going to try in this guide to give you an honest account of each one, based on our own experience - the weather, the crowds, the costs, the events, and the things that nobody else tends to mention.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, ♡ at no extra cost to you ♡ It helps cover the costs of keeping this site alive and we really appreciate your support

*Any prices quoted below are as of May 2026 and are subject to change

Tokyo by month at a glance

Here's a quick-reference summary before we go deep. All temperature ranges are approximate - Tokyo's weather varies year to year, and the Japan Meteorological Agency figures below are a guide, not a guarantee.

Month	Temperature	Crowds	Cost	Seasonal Highlight
January	2–10°C / 36–50°F	Low	Low	Clear skies, New Year shrines
February	3–11°C / 37–52°F	Low	Low	Plum blossoms, Setsubun
March	5–14°C / 41–57°F	High	High	Early cherry blossoms (late March)
April	10–19°C / 50–66°F	Very High	Very High	Peak sakura + Golden Week
May	14–22°C / 57–72°F	Medium	Medium	Sanja Matsuri, green parks
June	19–25°C / 66–77°F	Low	Low	Sanno Matsuri (2026), hydrangeas
July	23–30°C / 73–86°F	Medium	Medium	Sumida River Fireworks
August	25–33°C / 77–91°F	High	High	Bon Odori, summer festivals
September	20–27°C / 68–81°F	Medium	Medium	Silver Week, cooling down
October	14–22°C / 57–72°F	Medium	Medium	Early koyo (autumn leaves)
November	8–18°C / 46–64°F	High	High	Peak autumn foliage
December	4–12°C / 39–54°F	Low	Low	Illuminations, year-end markets

Crowd and cost ratings are relative to each other, not to other destinations.

Tokyo in January

Tokyo weather in January

Average temperatures: 2–10°C / 36–50°F.

One of the driest months. The air is clear and on good days you can see Mt Fuji from elevated points across the city.

January starts with a bang - hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year, draws enormous crowds to Meiji Shrine, Asakusa's Sensoji, and other major temples in the first three days. Then the city goes quiet. January is one of the least visited months, which means lower prices, empty museums and more elbow room at popular attractions. Having spent several New Years in Japan, we would probably never visit Tokyo right in the first week of January: the popular temples are full to breaking point and the little family-run restaurants we love are all closed.

Pros: Lowest prices of the year after the first few days; very few tourists (relatively speaking); excellent Fuji views on clear days; the New Year hatsumode atmosphere is, for obvious reasons, something you don't get at any other time of year.

Cons: Cold; January 1st–3rd is extremely crowded at shrines; many small businesses closed until the 4th or 5th.

Events: Hatsumode shrine visits (1st–3rd); Coming of Age Day (second Monday - the sight of young women in furisode kimono across the city is very special); Tokyo International Film Festival-adjacent events.

Good for: Budget travellers; solo explorers; those who want a quieter, more introspective Tokyo experience; winter-hardy types who don't mind wrapping up well and getting on with the outdoor sightseeing.

Tokyo in February

Tokyo weather in February

Average temperatures: 3–11°C / 37–52°F. 

Still chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings, but generally dry and with low humidity. Snow is possible (two days of snow in Tokyo in February 2026 temporarily caused a bit of a stir) but doesn't usually stick in central Tokyo.

February is short and cold, but it punches above its weight. Plum blossoms (ume) bloom well before the cherry trees - often from early February - and the city's plum gardens offer an uncrowded, fragrant preview of spring. At Yushima Tenjin Shrine, the ume festival runs through the month, and the atmosphere is relaxed and local. Personally, we love February in Tokyo: minimal crowds, the low sun is gorgeous in photos and the plum blossom is so underrated.

Pros: Rock-bottom prices; few international tourists; plum blossoms are genuinely beautiful and almost crowd-free.

Cons: Cold; can feel a little dead in the first week if the full-on buzz of Tokyo is your jam.

Events: Setsubun (3rd February) - bean-throwing ceremonies at shrines and temples to drive out evil spirits. Sensoji and Zojoji put on theatrical versions. Slightly chaotic, very fun. Ume (plum blossom) festivals throughout the month - dates change from year to year depending on the dates of full bloom

Good for: Budget-first travellers; slow travel advocates; those who want to enjoy Tokyo without the touristy pizzazz of spring and summer.

Tokyo in March

Tokyo weather in March

Average temperatures: 5–14°C / 41–57°F. Early in the month it still feels like winter — you'll want a proper coat, especially in the mornings. By late March, spring has arrived and the city seems to hold its breath, checking the cherry blossom forecast daily.

The main event, of course, is sakura. In most years, the first blossoms appear in Tokyo in the final week of March - the exact date shifts by up to two weeks depending on the winter. Full bloom typically falls in late March to early April. This means March visitors may catch the opening act: a beautiful, less-crowded preview of the spectacle that follows. Timing is everything, and there are no guarantees. March wouldn't be our favourite month, to be honest: if you get a sunny day, it can be really lovely but it can be cold and wet, too, so packing for your trip is a bit of a challenge. Plus flights at this time of the year from Europe are extortionate.

Pros: Fewer international crowds than April, lower hotel prices in the first half, magical late-month scenery if the timing aligns.

Cons: Unpredictable weather; cold spells can linger. Rainfall ticks up from February (around 100mm for the month). Flights in the second half of the month a generally as expensive as it gets. School holidays at the end of the month, so family-friendly attractions (Disney, for example) will be packed.

Events: Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day) is the 3rd - not a public holiday but you'll see beautiful doll displays in shops and temples.

Good for: Travellers who want cherry blossoms without April's crowds and are ready to take the chance on being too early; forward planners willing to book everything in advance.

Tokyo in April

Tokyo weather in April

Average temperatures: 10–19°C / 50–66°F.

The weather is mild, perfect for walking, since it's not too hot yet. But there can still be cold, wet spells at the beginning of the month and the locals will still be wearing their winter jackets and boots until mid-month.

April in Tokyo is the most expensive and crowded month of the year, but possibly the most beautiful. Peak cherry blossom is typically in the first week of April. Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, Chidorigafuchi - all of them at their most spectacular, and all of them absolutely rammed, right through to the middle of the month.

Golden Week runs from late April into early May (officially April 29 to May 5) and brings a second wave of crowds as Japanese domestic travellers take to the road. The last days of April can be particularly intense.

While we love the sakura as much as the next person, we tend to avoid April in Tokyo: it's too expensive, too crowded and the weather is too unpredictable. You can spend almost twice as much on flights and accommodation as you would at any other time of the year just to arrive and find that the cherry blossoms have been rained out in 2 days (and that you would be fighting 1000s of other tourists for space at every pretty hanami spot anyway).

Pros: The most photogenic Tokyo of the year; perfect walking weather; incredible atmosphere.

Cons: Highest hotel prices of the year; parks heaving at weekends; book everything months in advance. April has the highest average rainfall of spring (~125mm) - the cherry blossom were rained out in 2-3 days in 2025.

Events: Cherry blossom season peaks; Meiji Shrine Spring Grand Festival (late April); Nezu Shrine Azalea Festival (throughout April) and the wisteria festival at Kameido (end of April) - hidden gems that avoid the sakura crowds.

Good for: First-time visitors, cherry blossom chasers, anyone who doesn't mind the premium.

Tokyo in May

Tokyo weather in May

Average temperatures: 14–22°C / 57–72°F.

Warming up now. Early mornings and evenings can still be cool. End of May can be a bit wet in the run up to the rainy season.

May is, quietly, one of the best months in Tokyo. The cherry blossoms are gone, the crowds drop noticeably after Golden Week, the skies are blue, and the parks are green. It's warm enough for shirtsleeves, cool enough for walking all day without suffering. We love May in Tokyo but you have to get the timing right. Golden Week requires a lot of advance planning but there're a lot of events and fun things to see and do. We've often had bad luck with the weather at the end of May, so we tend to avoid travelling then.

Pros: Excellent weather; post-Golden Week calm; great value compared to April; matsuri season starts to get going.

Cons: Golden Week itself (first week) is still very busy and expensive - the month essentially has two personalities. It's worth planning your trip for after the 6th if possible.

Events: Sanja Matsuri (third weekend of May, Asakusa) - Tokyo's biggest and most electrifying shrine festival, with over two million visitors across three days. One hundred portable shrines (mikoshi) are carried through the streets. The Tokyo Grand Sumo tournament is usually in the 2nd-3rd week of May. Tickets go on sale in March/April, so plan ahead.

Good for: Repeat visitors, families, festival lovers, anyone looking for the best weather-to-crowd ratio Tokyo offers.

Tokyo in June

Tokyo Weather in June

Average temperatures: 19–25°C / 66–77°F.

Mild at the beginning of the month, verging on hot at the end of the month, with many wet or at least overcast days. Very high humidity.

June is the start of tsuyu - the rainy season - which typically runs from early June to mid-July. This puts a lot of people off, which is precisely why it can be a good time to visit if you're flexible. It doesn't rain all day, every day, but there is no getting around the fact that this is one of Tokyo's wettest months and it feels damp and steamy most days.

There is something undeniably cool about walking around a temple or shrine on a wet June day: you'll often have the place almost to yourself and it's very atmospheric. We wouldn't let the rainy season put us off but this wouldn't be our favourite time of year in Tokyo. We wouldn't recommend it for first-time visitors because a lot of the must-sees are outside.

Pros: Significantly lower hotel prices and fewer international tourists; the city is lush and green; some truly atmospheric moments in the rain at shrines and gardens.

Cons: The humidity starts building; some days are just plain grey and wet; outdoor sightseeing requires patience.

Events: Sanno Matsuri (only happens in even-numbered years). This is one of Tokyo's three great festivals, with an imperial procession through Chiyoda. If you're visiting Tokyo in June 2026, this alone is worth timing your trip around. Hydrangea season peaks throughout the month - Meiji Shrine Inner Garden and Hakusan Shrine's ajisai matsuri are particularly beautiful.

Good for: Budget travellers; those who hate crowds. All-weather tourists and those visiting Tokyo for the second or third time, who have seen most of the outdoor attractions and now want to spend time exploring museums, soaking up Tokyo's café culture and shopping.

Tokyo in July

Tokyo Weather in July

Average temperatures: 23–30°C / 73–86°F. 

The rainy season typically ends in mid-July, and summer arrives with full force. Hot, sunny, and increasingly humid — temperatures regularly exceed 30°C, and the combination with humidity can make outdoor walking genuinely taxing in the middle of the day.

The trick is to think like a Tokyo resident: slow down, find shade, duck into air-conditioned depachika (basement food halls) when the heat peaks, and come alive again in the evenings when the city has a different energy entirely. Our last family holiday in Tokyo was in July and it was pretty hard going at times. Because we've been in Tokyo so many times before and don't need to hit up all those must-sees, we were able instead to plan lots of indoor activities and spend time chillin' with a kakigori in Yoyogi Park rather than running from temple to shrine. We wouldn't recommend July to first-timers at all.

Pros: Spectacular fireworks festivals; open-air roof-top bars and restaurants; clear skies once the rainy season ends; a side of Tokyo most tourists don't see.

Cons: Heat and humidity are serious - not enjoyable for those who struggle with it; requiring serious planning of indoor activities during the day.

Events: Sumida River Fireworks Festival (last Saturday of July) - one of Japan's oldest and largest hanabi, with around 20,000 fireworks launched over the river. The whole of Asakusa turns into a street party. Arrive very early for a good spot, or book a riverside restaurant months in advance.

Good for: Night owls; festival lovers; travellers who run hot anyway and won't mind the heat.

Tokyo in August

Tokyo Weather in August

Average temperatures: 25–33°C / 77–91°F. 

Hottest month of the Tokyo year. Truly gruelling heat, especially in the city, accompanied by extreme humidity, also in the evenings and at night. Temperatures have exceeded average highs in recent years and several consecutive days over 40+°C are not unheard of.

High domestic tourism (Obon holiday, mid-August), and a festival calendar that never stops. It's overwhelming and wonderful in equal measure. The heat and humidity are a real challenge, though, especially for young children or seniors. We avoid August in Tokyo wherever possible. Even the Tokyoites avoid Tokyo in August wherever possible. Our friends living in Tokyo rarely leave the house. But, we have to admit, the summer atmosphere is really lovely: little festivals everywhere, cicadas, roof-top barbecues... If you can take the heat, it will be a memorable experience.

Pros: Incredible summer matsuri atmosphere; Obon is worth experiencing. A good chance to indulge in summer treats to beat the heat.

Cons: Hottest and most humid month; Obon week (around August 13–16) brings a huge spike in domestic travel, filling trains and resorts; walking sightseeing in 33+°C heat is hard work. Mosquitos are an unflagging army out for your blood.

Events: Bon Odori dance festivals throughout the city; Koenji Awa Odori (late August) - arguably the best street dance festival in Tokyo, with thousands of dancers in traditional costume moving through the shopping streets. Loads of local summer festivals and fireworks.

Good for: Those who thrive in heat; travellers who want to experience Japanese summer culture with matsuri, yukata and fireworks.

Tokyo in September

Tokyo weather in September

Average temperatures: 20–27°C / 68–81°F. 

The intense summer heat begins to ease - slightly - in the second half, though the first half can still be brutal. Typhoon season means that September is one of Tokyo's wettest months.

September is a shoulder month that tends to be overlooked, and crowds thin after Obon. Travellers face a slight risk, though: typhoon season peaks in September and while they don't often affect Tokyo too much, when they do, they can bring heavy rain and cause widespread traffic disruption. In our opinion, September is like August-lite: you get all of the heat but not so much of the fun. Matsuri have definitely wound down by now and the summer atmosphere is pretty much gone.

Pros: Prices drop sharply from August; by late September the weather is much more pleasant.

Cons: Still hot and humid in early September; typhoon risk is real; it can feel like it doesn't have much going on.

Events: Silver Week (a cluster of public holidays, like a mini Golden Week); sumo tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan (mid-September). Sumo is one of Tokyo's great underrated experiences: you can often get same-day tickets by queueing from 7am.

Good for: Budget travellers; sumo fans; those not travelling outside Tokyo on their trip (because typhoon rains can cause disruption to the Shinkansen and air traffic).

Tokyo in October

Tokyo weather in October

Average temperatures: 14–22°C / 57–72°F.

October is a month of steady improvement, although it is statistically the wettest month in Tokyo and can still be viciously hot at the beginning (our very first ever arrival in Japan was in the first week of October in the middle of a heatwave and we had temperatures of around 30°C for the first 3 weeks of our stay).

Generally speaking, though, October is a month of easy-going tourism activity. Crowds are moderate for the most part (avoid Shibuya at Hallowe'en) and prices are average. By late October, the ginkgo trees in the city start to turn but it's still too early for the koyo (autumn leaf) crowds. Two of our last three trips to Tokyo have been in October - by necessity, due to the European school holidays, rather than by choice - and we've been pleasantly surprised. The city didn't feel very crowded and we had excellent weather. We lucked out there, though, because on our 2019 trip, we missed Typhoon Hagibis by days (it caused widespread flooding in the Tokyo area and pandemonium at airports and shinkansen stations).

Pros: Excellent walking weather; a smattering of autumn festivals at shrines and temples across the city.

Cons: Foliage season hasn't peaked yet, so if that's your main goal, you might be slightly early. Expect some rainy days: it's still hot enough for humidity to be at uncomfortable levels after a downpour.

Events: Plenty of autumn festivals, such as in Yanaka, and a handful of major firework displays, too. Cosmos and spider-lily festivals are held in various parks and gardens in and around Tokyo. And of course a load of Hallowe'en-themed events.

Good for: Families, high-intensity sightseers, nature-lovers, Hallowe'en fans.

Tokyo in November

Tokyo weather in November

Average temperatures: 8–18°C / 46–64°F.

Crisp and clear, plenty of sunshine and pleasantly mild during the day. Can be very chilly in the evenings, especially at the end of the month.

If we were free to pick any time of year to visit Tokyo, it would be November for us every time. The koyo (autumn foliage) peaks in mid-to-late November: Rikugien Garden, Meiji Jingu Gaien's ginkgo avenue, Shinjuku Gyoen - all of them gorgeous in a completely different way from the cherry blossoms. Crowds are present but more manageable than April. Price up on October because of the autumn-foliage boost but less so in Tokyo than in other cities like Kyoto. November is the GOAT in our opinion. The weather is generally as good as it gets for sightseeing and the autumn leaves are in many ways even more stunning than the cherry blossoms - and doesn't attract just as big an international crowd.

Pros: Peak autumn foliage, including illumination events; superb walking weather; some of Tokyo's most memorable scenery. Hot drinks start to appear in vending machines, which is one of our personal highlights!

Cons: Popular spots fill up at weekends; mornings can be cold (pack layers); November 3rd (Culture Day, public holiday) and November 23rd (Labour Thanksgiving Day) mean extra domestic visitors. Plan tours to any popular autumn-foliage spots well in advance.

Events: Shichi-Go-San (15 November) - children dressed in kimono visit shrines to mark their third, fifth and seventh birthdays. Most adorable festival ever!

Good for: Almost everyone. Our honest recommendation for all ages and all interests.

Tokyo in December

Tokyo weather in December

Average temperatures: 4–12°C / 39–54°F.

One of the driest months. You can expect crisp, clear days with low humidity for great views from Tokyo's observation decks. Snow is not unheard of, but is rare and doesn't hang round.

Early December is quiet and underrated with the last of the autumn colour giving way to the winter illuminations. Late December is a different matter: the 28th–31st marks year-end, trains are packed, and popular restaurants need bookings weeks in advance. Christmas itself is no big deal in Japan and is a normal working day in Tokyo, so you might be disappointed in the lack of festive flair if you're a fan of the holiday season. The beginning of December is one of our favourite times of year in Tokyo: there is still autumn colour around but the popular spots are much emptier, clear skies, winter illuminations and of course it's a great opportunity to get the holiday shopping done.

Pros: Stunning winter illuminations across the city; early month is excellent value; the whole Harajuku-Omotesando-Shinjuku area looks spectacular lit up.

Cons: Cold snaps can bring temperatures close to freezing; late December is crowded and expensive; many izakayas and small restaurants get fully booked for end-of-year parties (bonenkai). Although a few nightclubs organise New Years' parties here and there, 31 December is primarily a family holiday and is generally celebrated at home, so might be a bit quiet for some.

Events: Winter illuminations at Roppongi Hills, Midtown, Marunouchi and across Harajuku/Omotesando (throughout December); year-end sumo highlights on TV; Joya no Kane — temple bells ring 108 times at midnight on December 31st at Sensoji and major temples.

Good for: Anyone who loves a festive, twinkling city; early December budget travellers; those who don't mind the cold.

So: what's the best time to visit Tokyo?

Here's our honest answer, based on thirty years of experience and our favourite Tokyo times of year:

•      Best overall: November - peak autumn foliage, perfect walking weather, manageable crowds. Or that mid-May window after Golden Week.

•      Best for budget: January, February and December - cold but cheap, quiet and rewarding.

•      Best for avoiding the crowds: January, February, June - you won't have Tokyo to yourself but this is as low-crowd as it gets.

Best time to visit Tokyo: FAQ

What is the cheapest month to go to Tokyo?

January and February are the cheapest months to visit Tokyo: this is when you'll find the cheapest flights (at least from Europe) and hotel prices are at their lowest. You could also find a deal or two in the first two or three weeks of December. In any case, the earlier you book, the cheaper flights and hotels will be. With tourism exploding in Japan, last minute bargains are as rare as hen's teeth.

Are there certain times to avoid Tokyo?

A lot depends on your own tolerances. If you're used to a warm climate, you'll find January and February uncomfortably cold. On the other hand, if you're from a more temperate climate, the heat and, above all, the humidity of the Tokyo summer will have you exhausted. If you hate crowds, you won't enjoy cherry blossom season (late March, early April) in Tokyo, despite its beauty. Otherwise, avoid Golden Week if you can (end of April/start of May) - peak holiday/travel time in Japan. Obon in August can also be very busy (although more in terms of long-distance transport). Year end / New Year is also not the best time to visit, since temples are filled to capacity in the first few days of the year and many businesses are shut.

What month should I visit Tokyo?

November is a great time to visit Tokyo. It's not too cold, plenty of sunny days and the autumn leaves are at their best. Otherwise, mid-May is really pleasant and not too crowded.

What month has the best weather in Tokyo?

If you don't mind wrapping up warm, the winter months (December, January, February) tend to be the driest in Tokyo, with low humidity (so great views from Tokyo's observation platforms and a good chance of seeing Mt Fuji) and plenty of sunshine. If the cold is definitely not your thing, May is a good option: warm enough for t-shirts but not yet very humid. The chances of rainy days increase at the end of May, though.

Should I avoid Tokyo in Golden Week?

Golden Week (end of April and first week in May) is a period of peak domestic travel in Japan. Long-distance trains and planes as well as typical vacation areas such as Okinawa, Kyoto and onsen resorts will be extremely busy and in many cases booked out months in advance. But the tendency is for Tokyoites to leave the city and go elsewhere, and virtually every Japan expert tells tourists not to visit Japan during Golden Week, so paradoxically Tokyo is not as crowded as you might expect. It's not a good time to visit Disneyland/DisneySea, though - or any other family-oriented attractions: long queues and overcrowding are unavoidable during Golden Week.