|
A practical, season-by-season guide that explains weather, crowd patterns and what to expect in Tokyo throughout the year.
November 2, 2025
10 mins read
here's no universal "best time" to visit Tokyo—only the best time for what you can't tolerate and what you won't compromise on. Some travelers prioritize comfort. Others plan around cherry blossoms or fall colors, accepting the crowds. Many are locked into school vacation windows.
The right window depends on which trade-offs you'll accept.
Start with What You Can't Tolerate
Before comparing seasons, identify your primary constraint:
Constraint | What This Means | Best Windows | Key Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
Heat/humidity intolerance | Tokyo summer reaches 30-35°C with 70-80% humidity. Long walks become exhausting. | May, October-November | Miss summer festivals and peak seasonal energy |
Crowd sensitivity | Cherry blossom season and Golden Week bring shoulder-to-shoulder viewing at major sites. | January-February, June, September | Weather compromises (cold/rainy) or miss iconic experiences |
Seasonal scenery priority | Cherry blossoms peak one week (early April). Fall foliage peaks late November-early December. | Late March-early April, mid-late November | Accept crowds and uncertainty—forecasts adjust until weeks before |
Locked schedule | School vacation windows (July-August) or work constraints limit flexibility. | Whatever dates available | Must manage around constraints rather than optimize around them |
Comfort priority | Maximize pleasant outdoor conditions and minimize weather/crowd stress. | May, November | Miss the intensity of spring hanami or summer festivals |
These constraints often conflict. Cherry blossoms mean crowds. Summer vacation means heat. The goal isn't finding the perfect window—it's choosing which compromises you can live with.
Tokyo's Seasonal Reality
Tokyo experiences four distinct seasons, plus two weather disruption modes that reshape how the city functions.
Spring (March-May) compresses its entire character into cherry blossom season—late March to early April sees intense hanami activity, with parks and riverside paths packed for viewing. The rest of spring offers temperate, pleasant weather without the intensity.
Early June through mid-July brings tsuyu—the rainy season. Not daily downpours, but frequent showers requiring indoor backup plans. Department stores and covered shopping arcades see heavy foot traffic.
Summer (July-August) delivers extreme heat and humidity. Festival culture peaks with neighborhood matsuri, fireworks, and outdoor events, but daytime sightseeing requires pace management. Evening hours become prime exploration time.
Typhoons affect the city August through October, though Tokyo usually experiences heavy rain and wind rather than direct hits. Day trips to Hakone or Nikko can be disrupted with little warning.
Autumn runs September through November. September retains summer heat. October transitions. November delivers ideal conditions—crisp air, clear skies, and fall colors peaking late in the month.
Winter (December-February) stays cold but dry, with temperatures dropping to 5-10°C. New Year (December 29-January 3) brings widespread closures—many restaurants, shops, and some attractions shut down, especially January 1.
The city doesn't just change temperatures—it changes character. Summer Tokyo is festivals and night markets. Winter Tokyo is illuminations and quiet shrines. Spring Tokyo is viewing parties under cherry trees. Autumn Tokyo is garden strolls and mountain day trips.
Season-by-Season Overview
Season | Why Choose It | The Catch | Works For | Skip If |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Spring (Mar-May) | Cherry blossoms and hanami culture. Parks become viewing parties. Iconic Tokyo experience. | Peak bloom crowds (early April). Hotels book months ahead at premium rates. Golden Week (Apr 29-May 5) brings second wave. | First-timers. Photographers. Flexible schedules that can adjust to bloom forecasts. | Crowd-sensitive. Budget-constrained. Need plans locked months ahead. |
Summer (Jul-Aug) | Festival season—matsuri, fireworks, evening energy. | Extreme heat/humidity (30-35°C, 70-80%). Midday requires indoor breaks. Typhoon risk Aug-Sep. | Locked into summer vacation. Festival enthusiasts. Comfortable with heat and adjusted pacing. | Heat-sensitive. Intensive walking plans. Tight day-trip schedules. |
Autumn (Sep-Nov) | Tokyo's most comfortable weather. Clear skies, mild temps (15-20°C). Fall foliage late November. | Less cultural intensity than cherry blossoms. September still hot—true autumn starts October. | Comfort-prioritizing travelers. Day trip plans. Want Tokyo without weather extremes. | Seeking cherry blossom cultural intensity. Locked into summer schedules. |
Winter (Dec-Feb) | Low crowds. Winter illuminations. Quiet shrines. Cold but bright (8-12°C). | New Year closures (Dec 29-Jan 3)—many restaurants/shops shut Jan 1. Short daylight (sunset 4:30pm). | Avoiding crowds. Cold-comfortable. Repeat visitors. | First-timers during New Year shutdown. Expecting full operational city. |
Note on cherry blossom timing: Bloom dates vary by 1-2 weeks year to year, with forecasts adjusting weekly until buds appear. Peak bloom lasts about one week. The unpredictability and crowd concentration during this window is where many first-time visitors find that local guide knowledge becomes especially valuable—for finding quieter viewing spots and reading daily bloom conditions.
Month-by-Month Quick Reference
Month | Feel/Character | Why Choose | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
January | Cold, quiet, post-holiday | Lower prices, fewer crowds, winter illuminations | New Year closures Jan 1-3, short daylight |
February | Cold, dry, calm | Lowest tourist volume, plum blossoms begin | Coldest month (5-10°C) |
March | Warming, anticipation builds | Pre-cherry blossom calm, comfortable temperatures | Late March crowds surge as bloom nears |
April | Cherry blossoms, peak crowds | Iconic hanami experience, festival atmosphere | Premium prices, advance booking essential, Golden Week end of month |
May | Fresh green, ideal comfort | Post-Golden Week calm, perfect weather (18-22°C) | First half still has Golden Week ripple effects |
June | Rainy season begins | Lower crowds, hydrangea season | Tsuyu—frequent rain, humidity rises |
July | Hot, humid, rainy season ends | Summer festivals begin, evening energy | Heat and humidity (28-32°C), need indoor breaks |
August | Peak summer heat | Fireworks, Obon matsuri, summer atmosphere | Extreme heat (30-35°C), O-Bon crowds mid-month, typhoon risk |
September | Lingering heat, typhoon season | Festival season continues, fewer tourists than summer peak | Still hot early month, typhoon risk highest |
October | Cooling, transition | Autumn begins, comfortable for walking | Variable—early October warm, late October crisp |
November | Perfect conditions, fall colors | Ideal weather (15-20°C), foliage peaks late month | Popular foliage spots get busy late November |
December | Cold, illuminations, year-end | Winter lights, quieter than spring/fall | New Year closure planning required, short daylight |
Understanding Tokyo's Crowd Patterns
Tokyo's busiest periods aren't random—they follow Japanese domestic travel patterns and school schedules.
Period | Timing | What Happens | Impact on Visitors |
|---|---|---|---|
Cherry Blossom Peak | Late March-early April (varies 1-2 weeks yearly) | Full bloom triggers surge. Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, Meguro River packed. Weekend hanami means shoulder-to-shoulder viewing. | Hotels book months ahead at premium rates. Weekday visits offer slightly better conditions than weekends. |
Golden Week | April 29-May 5 (four national holidays) | Extended vacation period. Hotels throughout Japan book solid. Tokyo sees both residents traveling out and domestic tourists traveling in. | Shinkansen requires advance reservations. Tourist sites see long queues. |
O-Bon | August 13-16 | Traditional family holiday when Tokyo residents return to hometowns. Central Tokyo actually quieter during this period. | Trains and highways see heavy volume departing Aug 10-13, returning Aug 15-17. Tourist attractions in Tokyo less crowded. |
New Year | December 29-January 3 | Major holiday shutdown. January 1 sees most closures. Many businesses reopen January 2-3. | First shrine visits (hatsumode) bring massive crowds to major shrines like Meiji Jingu and Sensoji. |
Weekday vs. weekend: Tourist attractions see significantly heavier crowds on weekends and Japanese national holidays. Major museums, gardens, and neighborhoods like Shibuya and Harajuku become notably more packed Saturdays and Sundays.
The crowds are predominantly Japanese domestic travelers, not international tourists. School holiday schedules drive much of the volume—late March-early April (spring break), late July-August (summer vacation), late December-early January (winter break). For detailed crowd management strategies that work regardless of season, see our crowd avoidance guide.
Weather Realities That Shape Your Days
Humidity: Summer's Real Challenge
Temperature numbers don't tell summer's full story—humidity does. July-August averages 70-80% humidity even when it's not raining. Walking long distances becomes draining. The Shibuya-Harajuku-Shinjuku loop that's pleasant in spring turns into a stamina test.
Tokyo's response: department stores as cooling stations, cafe culture as built-in breaks, evening hours as prime sightseeing time. Structure matters more than clothing choices.
Rain: Rainy Season Planning
Tsuyu (early June-mid July) doesn't mean constant downpours—it means unpredictable showers requiring indoor backup plans. Some days stay dry. Others bring afternoon rain that clears by evening.
The practical impact: covered shopping arcades (Nakamise at Sensoji, Ginza underground) see heavy foot traffic. Museums become appealing mid-day options. Roppongi and Ginza work better than sprawling outdoor areas like Yoyogi Park when weather turns.
Rain gear is essential but not sufficient. The real need is identifying indoor-friendly neighborhoods and being willing to pivot.
Typhoons: Day Trip Disruption Risk
Typhoons affect Tokyo August through October, with September seeing peak activity. Direct hits are rare—Tokyo usually sees heavy rain and wind for 1-2 days.
The travel impact falls on day trips. Hakone, Nikko, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area—these become weather-dependent. Train services can suspend. Visibility vanishes. What was planned as a highlight becomes a Tokyo indoor day.
This isn't daily risk. Most August-October days proceed normally. But travelers planning day trips during typhoon season need flexibility. Book refundable accommodations for overnight trips. Have alternative plans ready.
What Each Season Signals
Each season brings distinct seasonal markers—not must-see attractions, but signals that orient you in Tokyo's calendar.
Season | Timing | What You'll See | Where/When |
|---|---|---|---|
Spring | Late February-early April | Plum blossoms → Cherry blossoms | Plum: Yushima Tenmangu (late Feb-early Mar). Cherry: Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, Meguro River, neighborhood streets (late Mar-early Apr). Hanami parties under trees. |
Summer | July-August | Morning glory markets, fireworks, neighborhood matsuri, Obon dancing, yukata on streets | Morning glory markets at Iriya. Sumida River fireworks. Food stalls and portable shrines at matsuri. Obon bon odori dancing. Light cotton kimono (yukata) everywhere. |
Autumn | Late November-early December | Ginkgo avenues turn gold, maple foliage, autumn festival season, chrysanthemum displays | Meiji Jingu Gaien ginkgo (late Nov). Gardens like Rikugien maple foliage (late Nov-early Dec). Chrysanthemum displays at shrines. |
Winter | November-February | Winter illuminations, New Year preparations, hatsumode shrine visits | Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi Hills, Marunouchi illuminations (Nov-Feb). Year-end markets, kagami mochi displays. Hatsumode at major shrines (Jan 1-3). |
These aren't required experiences—they're ambient markers that make seasons distinct beyond temperature changes.
Day Trips and Seasonal Windows
Many Tokyo itineraries include day trips to Hakone, Nikko, Kamakura, or Mt. Fuji area. Season significantly affects these experiences.
Factor | Best Seasons | Challenge Seasons | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
Mt. Fuji Visibility | November-February | July-August (summer clouds) | Clear winter air offers best viewing odds, though snow can complicate mountain access. Clear days happen year-round but more frequent in winter. |
Outdoor Comfort | May, November | July-August (30°C+ heat) | Mild weather, no rain risk, no extreme heat. Summer day trips to Nikko or Kamakura mean navigating outdoor sites in extreme heat—pace becomes critical. |
Weather Reliability | May, November | August-October (typhoons) | Most days proceed normally, but typhoons bring sudden cancellations. Overnight day trips during typhoon season need flexible booking. |
Seasonal Highlights | October-November (Nikko foliage), June (Kamakura hydrangeas) | Year-round options | Nikko's autumn foliage spectacular but draws crowds. Hakone's Sengoku area pleasant year-round. Kamakura hydrangeas attract visitors during rainy season. |
Day trips double the seasonal considerations—you're managing both Tokyo conditions and destination conditions. See our day trip planning guide for detailed destination-specific timing advice.
What to bring shifts more than most travelers expect.
Spring: Layers. Mornings can be cool (10°C), afternoons warm (20°C). Light jacket sufficient. Pollen affects some visitors—antihistamines if sensitive.
Rainy season (June-early July): Compact umbrella essential. Waterproof shoes or quick-dry footwear. Indoor backup plans more important than rain gear.
Summer: Hydration matters more than clothing choices. Department stores and cafes become strategic cooling stops, not just shopping or dining. Evening hours are prime for outdoor exploration.
Autumn: Comfortable season. Light layers for temperature shifts. November evenings get cool (12°C).
Winter: Warm layers for evening. Days can be pleasant (10-12°C) but sunset at 4:30pm means extended evening exposure to cold. New Year period requires advance restaurant research—many close January 1, some December 31.
The planning difference isn't in the packing list—it's in how you structure days. Summer requires afternoon indoor breaks. Rainy season requires pivot options. Winter requires earlier dinner planning. For detailed guidance on pacing and jet lag considerations across different seasons, see our dedicated pacing guide.
Different travelers optimize for different factors.
Traveler Type | Best Windows | What Works | What to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
First-time visitors | April (spring) or November (autumn) | Spring: iconic cherry blossom culture captures classic Tokyo. November: comfort and beauty with lower intensity. Both work. | Spring brings crowds and premium prices. Depends on tolerance for crowds vs. desire for hanami experience. |
Repeat visitors | Off-peak: February, June, July-August evenings, December-January | February: quiet, cold, locals-only atmosphere. June: rainy season forces indoor exploration and deeper neighborhood immersion. Summer: evening culture. Winter: New Year traditions. | Can chase what first visits miss—different Tokyo character each season. |
Families with school-age children | July-August (locked schedule) | Focus shifts from "avoid heat" to "manage heat"—morning starts, afternoon museum breaks, evening activities. Indoor-heavy itineraries. | Day trips become weather-dependent judgment calls. Outdoor-intensive plans struggle in summer heat. |
Photographers | Early April (cherry blossoms), late November (autumn foliage) | Obvious: seasonal spectacles. Less obvious: early morning winter light, summer festival night photography, rainy season's atmospheric mood. | Golden hours matter more than seasons for many shots. Peak bloom windows = peak crowds. |
Food and nightlife focus | Year-round | Seasonal foods shift—nabe (hot pot) in winter, cold noodles in summer, seasonal kaiseki changes monthly. Nightlife peaks in summer when evening outdoor spaces activate. | Minimal seasonal constraints. Food-focused travelers have flexibility. |
The mismatch happens when travelers expect one style to work across all seasons. Summer families trying spring-style walking itineraries struggle. First-timers visiting in February feel they've missed something. The calendar constraint isn't the problem—the expectation mismatch is. For travelers who recognize seasonal complexity as planning overhead they'd rather skip, our planning guide explains how guided experiences handle these variables.
