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Best time to visit Tokyo
Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.
Photo by Jezael Melgoza on Unsplash
Best time to visit Tokyo, Japan
Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.
| Month | Score | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1-9°C, crisp and clear with occasional light snow. | low | low |
⚠ Many smaller shops and restaurants may be closed until Jan 3rd. | |
| February | 3-11°C, cool and dry with increasing sunshine. | low | low |
| |
| March | 6-15°C, mild and increasingly sunny. | moderate | moderate |
| |
| April | 10-20°C, pleasant with peak cherry blossoms and occasional spring showers. | peak | peak |
⚠ High demand for flights and accommodation. | |
| May | 15-23°C, warm and mostly sunny. | high | high |
⚠ Golden Week can see significant domestic travel congestion. | |
| June | 20-26°C, humid with frequent rain (tsuyu rainy season). | moderate | moderate |
⚠ The rainy season can impact outdoor activities. | |
| July | 24-30°C, hot and humid with scattered thunderstorms. | high | high |
| |
| August | 27-33°C, very hot, humid, and prone to typhoons. | peak | peak |
⚠ Typhoon season can cause travel disruptions. Extreme heat is common. | |
| September | 23-29°C, still warm and humid, with lingering typhoon risk. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Typhoon activity can persist into early September. | |
| October | 17-24°C, crisp, sunny, and comfortable. | high | high |
| |
| November | 11-19°C, cool and clear with beautiful autumn colors. | moderate | moderate |
| |
| December | 4-12°C, cold, dry, and sunny. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Nearing Christmas and New Year, expect crowds to increase. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
February
Setsubun
Bean-throwing ceremonies to ward off evil spirits.
March
Hina Matsuri (Girls' Day)
Families display ornamental dolls to wish for the health and happiness of young girls.
March-April
Cherry Blossom Viewing (Sakura)
Millions flock to parks and riverbanks to admire the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms.
Late April - Early May
Golden Week
A series of national holidays leading to peak domestic travel.
July
Sumida River Fireworks Festival
One of Tokyo's largest and most spectacular fireworks displays.
August
Obon Festival
A Buddhist custom to honor the spirits of one's ancestors.
October
Tokyo International Film Festival
A major international film event showcasing diverse cinematic works.
Insider timing tips
- •The shoulder seasons of spring (March-April) and autumn (October-November) offer the most balanced weather, but also coincide with peak tourist demand and prices.
- •While Golden Week in early May is a popular travel period, booking well in advance is crucial due to high domestic and international tourist numbers.
- •The rainy season (tsuyu) in June and July brings humidity and frequent rain, which can affect outdoor sightseeing plans.
- •August is the hottest and most humid month, with the added risk of typhoons that can disrupt travel schedules.
- •Many smaller, family-run businesses, particularly in traditional shopping streets, observe New Year holidays, often closing from January 1st to 3rd.
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