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Best time to visit Tokyo: month by month
Short answer
The best months are late March to early April for cherry blossom (highs around 16–19°C) and mid-October to November for autumn colours (around 18–22°C), but these are also the busiest and most expensive weeks. May is pleasant at about 23°C if you avoid Golden Week. Winter is cold (9–12°C highs, lows near 0°C) but dry, clear and cheaper.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9°C | -1°C | 5 | medium |
| Feb | 11°C | 1°C | 6 | low |
| Mar | 16°C | 7°C | 12 | high |
| Apr | 19°C | 10°C | 10 | very high |
| May | 23°C | 15°C | 15 | high |
| Jun | 27°C | 19°C | 16 | medium |
| Jul | 31°C | 24°C | 16 | high |
| Aug | 32°C | 24°C | 16 | high |
| Sep | 28°C | 21°C | 14 | medium |
| Oct | 22°C | 13°C | 11 | high |
| Nov | 18°C | 9°C | 8 | high |
| Dec | 12°C | 2°C | 8 | medium |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Highs rise from about 16°C in March to 23°C in May. Cherry blossom usually peaks in late March or early April; Golden Week (around 29 April–5 May) is crowded and pricey.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
June is the rainy season (about 16 rainy days, highs 27°C). July and August are hot and humid at 31–32°C with lows of 24°C, with fireworks festivals and a risk of typhoons.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
September is still warm (28°C) and typhoon-prone; October (22°C) and November (18°C) are comfortable, with autumn leaves peaking from about mid-November into early December.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Highs of 9–12°C and lows around -1 to 2°C, with only 5–8 rainy days a month. Clear skies give the best views of Mount Fuji; New Year (1–3 January) closes some shops and restaurants.
Events worth planning around
- Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year, at Meiji Jingu and Senso-ji (1–3 January)
- Cherry blossom (hanami) in Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen and along the Meguro River (late March–early April)
- Sanja Matsuri at Asakusa Shrine (third weekend of May)
- Sumida River Fireworks Festival (usually the last Saturday of July)
When to avoid
Golden Week (around 29 April–5 May) and the mid-August Obon holidays, when all of Japan travels and prices rise. July–August heat and humidity are hard work for sightseeing, and typhoons can disrupt plans in August–September.
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Common questions
When is cherry blossom season in Tokyo?
Usually late March to early April, but it shifts by a week or more each year. Check the forecasts that are published from February.
Is Tokyo worth visiting in summer?
Yes for festivals and fireworks, but July and August are hot and humid at 31–32°C. Plan indoor visits for the middle of the day.
What is the cheapest time to visit Tokyo?
January–February (outside New Year), June and early December usually have the lowest hotel prices.