planvoya

Japan · Updated 2026

Best time to visit Tokyo

Late March to May and October to late November

Spring and autumn are Tokyo at its best: mild, mostly dry days, cherry blossoms in late March and early April, and fiery maples in late November, though hotels fill and prices climb. Winter is cold but crisp, sunny and good value, while June brings the rainy season and July to September are hot, sticky and exposed to typhoons. The city never closes, so every month works if you plan around the weather.

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Tokyo tower illuminated at dusk with city skyline (Tokyo)

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Quick answers

Best overall
Early April, May and November
Best weather
May and November
Cheapest
February and June
Avoid
August, when relentless humid heat makes sightseeing exhausting, plus Golden Week crowds.

Tokyo month by month

Average temperatures, rain, crowds and hotel prices. Hotel links open with dates in that month.

  1. January

    Good

    10° / 1°C

    Rain
    Low
    Crowds
    Medium
    Prices
    Medium

    Cold, bright and dry with clear Mount Fuji views. Quiet after New Year; great for food lovers, onsen day trips and budget city breaks.

    Events: Hatsumode New Year shrine visits · Coming of Age Day

    Hotels in January

  2. February

    Good

    11° / 2°C

    Rain
    Low
    Crowds
    Low
    Prices
    Low

    The coldest-feeling month but sunny and calm. Plum blossoms appear, crowds thin and hotel deals are easy to find.

    Events: Setsubun bean-throwing at temples · Plum blossom festivals at Yushima Tenjin

    Hotels in February

  3. March

    Great

    14° / 5°C

    Rain
    Medium
    Crowds
    High
    Prices
    High

    Warming quickly, with cherry blossoms usually opening in the last week. Early March is good value; late March is busy and pricey.

    Events: Tokyo Marathon · Cherry blossom season begins

    Hotels in March

  4. April

    Ideal

    19° / 10°C

    Rain
    Medium
    Crowds
    High
    Prices
    High

    Peak blossom in the first week, then fresh green parks and pleasant walking weather. Ideal for first-timers who book early.

    Events: Cherry blossom viewing (hanami)

    Hotels in April

  5. May

    Ideal

    24° / 15°C

    Rain
    Medium
    Crowds
    Medium
    Prices
    Medium

    Warm, sunny and comfortable outside Golden Week. Superb for festivals, gardens and long days exploring on foot.

    Events: Golden Week holidays · Sanja Matsuri in Asakusa

    Hotels in May

  6. June

    Mixed

    26° / 19°C

    Rain
    High
    Crowds
    Low
    Prices
    Low

    Rainy season brings grey, humid drizzle most days. Pretty hydrangeas and fewer tourists suit museum-goers and bargain hunters.

    Events: Hydrangea season at temples and gardens

    Hotels in June

  7. July

    Mixed

    30° / 22°C

    Rain
    Medium
    Crowds
    Medium
    Prices
    Medium

    The rains end mid-month and serious humid heat arrives. Fireworks and summer festivals reward those who can handle the sweat.

    Events: Sumida River Fireworks Festival

    Hotels in July

  8. August

    Avoid

    31° / 24°C

    Rain
    Medium
    Crowds
    Medium
    Prices
    Medium

    Brutally hot and muggy, with nights barely cooling. Lively street festivals, but sightseeing is draining; best for indoor lovers.

    Events: Koenji Awa Odori · Asakusa Samba Carnival

    Hotels in August

  9. September

    Mixed

    28° / 20°C

    Rain
    High
    Crowds
    Low
    Prices
    Low

    Still hot early on and peak typhoon season. Crowds and prices dip, suiting flexible travellers and gamers.

    Events: Tokyo Game Show

    Hotels in September

  10. October

    Great

    22° / 15°C

    Rain
    High
    Crowds
    Medium
    Prices
    Medium

    Heat finally breaks into fresh, comfortable days, though early-month typhoons can bring heavy rain. Great for walking and food.

    Events: Tokyo International Film Festival · Halloween street gatherings in Shibuya

    Hotels in October

  11. November

    Ideal

    17° / 9°C

    Rain
    Medium
    Crowds
    High
    Prices
    High

    Crisp, clear and colourful, with ginkgo and maple leaves peaking late in the month. Arguably the best all-round weather.

    Events: Autumn leaf season · Shichi-Go-San shrine visits

    Hotels in November

  12. December

    Good

    12° / 4°C

    Rain
    Low
    Crowds
    Medium
    Prices
    Medium

    Cool, sunny and festive with dazzling illuminations. Many businesses close from about 29 December to 3 January.

    Events: Winter illuminations · Toshikoshi New Year's Eve temple bells

    Hotels in December

Timing tips for Tokyo

FAQ

When to visit Tokyo: questions travellers ask

Planning Tokyo

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5 Days in Tokyo for First-Timers

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~$259 pp/day Read guide

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