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Best Time to Visit Tokyo | Your Complete Month-on-Month Guide

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Tokyo dazzles year-round, but your trip’s success hinges on timing. For optimal weather and manageable crowds, aim for March–May or September–October, when cherry blossoms or autumn hues grace the skyline. Summer (June–August) delivers festivals and energy—but bring your sunscreen and brace for crowds. Budget travelers will find the best deals in January–February, albeit with chilly days and possible closures. Highlights include Sanja Matsuri, Sumidagawa Fireworks, and autumn foliage festivals, offering vibrant cultural immersion.

Quick summary

🌤️ Best Weather

March–May, September–October

🚫 Avoid

July–August (heat + crowds)

💸 Cheapest

January–February

🎉 Must-see Events

Sanja Matsuri, Sumidagawa Fireworks, Kanda Matsuri

Navigate your Tokyo month-on-month travel guide

Tourist seasons breakdown

Season

When

Weather

Crowds

Events

What to expect

High season

June–August

Hot (avg highs 29–32 °C), humid

High

Sumidagawa Fireworks, Mitama Matsuri

Packed sites, long lines, high prices. Best for festival-goers.

Shoulder season

April–May, September–October

Pleasant (15–25 °C), moderate rain

Moderate

Sanja Matsuri, Kanda Matsuri, autumn leaves

Ideal for sightseeing, fewer crowds, better deals.

Low season

January–March

Cold (avg 5–13 °C), crisp

Low

Setsubun, plum-blossom festivals

Peaceful travel, some closures, cozy urban exploration.

Seasons in Tokyo: What to expect

Avg. temp: 10–22 °C (50–72 °F)
Weather: Mild days, cool mornings; occasional rain
Events: Sanja Matsuri, Hanami (cherry blossom)
Travel tips: Bring layers and a compact umbrella
Top things to do: Picnic under sakura at Ueno Park, stroll Metabo-gawa
Why go: Perfect for outdoor cafés and iconic scenery without extreme crowds

Avg. temp: 25–32 °C (77–90 °F)
Weather: Hot, humid afternoons; rainy early season
Events: Sumidagawa Fireworks, Mitama Matsuri
Travel tips: Start early, stay hydrated, wear light cotton clothes
Top things to do: Evening fireworks along Sumida River, rooftop bars in Shinjuku
Why go: Long summer nights bustling with festival energy

Avg. temp: 15–25 °C (59–77 °F)
Weather: Comfortable, crisp, occasionally rainy
Events: Kanda Matsuri (May is late spring/early summer), autumn foliage
Travel tips: Layered outfits for cool evenings; bring a scarf
Top things to do: Leaf peeping in Rikugien Garden, Tokyo Midtown illuminations
Why go: Beautiful foliage, cultural events, fewer crowds

Avg. temp: 2–12 °C (35–54 °F)
Weather: Cold, clear skies, minimal snow
Events: Setsubun, plum-blossom festivals
Travel tips: Pack a warm coat and gloves; book thermal baths in nearby Hakone
Top things to do: Winter illuminations at Shibuya, visit Oedo Onsen Monogatari
Why go: Crisp charming ambiance with cozy indoor cultural experiences

Month-by-month breakdown

📅 January

Avg. temp: 2–10 °C / 35–50 °F
Weather: Cold, dry & sunny
Key events: New Year shrine visits, Setsubun preparations
Crowd level: Low
Top things to do: Visit Meiji Shrine at New Year morning
Travel tip: Book early shrine access for serene experience
Style tip: Warm coat, scarf, gloves
Verdict: Good for quiet introspection and budget stays

📅 February

Avg. temp: 3–11 °C / 37–52 °F
Weather: Dry with clear skies
Key events: Plum blossom at Ume Matsuri; Setsubun
Crowd level: Low–Moderate
Top things to do: Check out early-blooming sakura at Yushima Tenjin
Travel tip: Visit plum blossoms—more intimate than cherry blossoms
Style tip: Layer with midweight jacket
Verdict: Excellent for botanical lovers and culture seekers

📅 March

Avg. temp: 5–15 °C / 41–59 °F
Weather: Budding spring, occasional rain
Key events: Hinamatsuri, festival food fairs
Crowd level: Moderate
Top things to do: Early hanami at parks
Travel tip: Book hanami hanare spots now
Style tip: Light jacket but darker umbrella
Verdict: Great for witnessing sakura emergence in action

📅 April

Avg. temp: 12–20 °C / 54–68 °F
Weather: Mild, blossoming season
Key events: Peak cherry blossom, Sanja Matsuri
Crowd level: High
Top things to do: Stroll alongside Meguro River in blossom
Travel tip: Reserve sakura-viewing boat rides early
Style tip: Dress lightly; pack sunscreen
Verdict: Prime month—but expect crowds

📅 May

Avg. temp: 16–25 °C / 61–77 °F
Weather: Pleasant, sunny
Key events: Kanda Matsuri
Crowd level: Moderate
Top things to do: Take in shrine parades in Akihabara
Travel tip: Skip Golden Week (late April–early May) for calmer trip
Style tip: Layers for cooler mornings
Verdict: Ideal shoulder-season trip for culture lovers

📅 June

Avg. temp: 19–27 °C / 66–81 °F
Weather: Rainy season begins, humid
Key events: Rainy fairs, hydrangea blooming
Crowd level: Moderate
Top things to do: Visit hydrangea temples (e.g. Hakusan Shrine)
Travel tip: Bring waterproof shoes/umbrella
Style tip: Breathable rain gear
Verdict: Good if you don’t mind mild rain and fewer tourists

📅 July

Avg. temp: 23–30 °C / 73–86 °F
Weather: Hot, humid, thunderstorms
Key events: Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival, Mitama Matsuri
Crowd level: High
Top things to do: Join lantern festival at Yasukuni Shrine
Travel tip: Get to fireworks site early with a picnic
Style tip: Light, UV-protective clothing essential
Verdict: Rewarding for festival-goers, but bring stamina

📅 August

Avg. temp: 24–32 °C / 75–90 °F
Weather: Sweltering, muggy, typhoon risk
Key events: One Piece Day, Bon Odori in Hibiya Park
Crowd level: High
Top things to do: Visit anime events at Big Sight
Travel tip: Stay in air‑conditioned areas midday
Style tip: Light, easy-dry fabrics
Verdict: Best for pop-culture fans willing to brave the heat

📅 September

Avg. temp: 19–27 °C / 66–81 °F
Weather: Still warm, typhoon possible
Key events: Autumn festivals begin
Crowd level: Moderate
Top things to do: Explore Symphonic Carnival events
Travel tip: Monitor weather updates
Style tip: Summer layers, no heavy raincoat
Verdict: Balanced month if storms hold off

📅 October

Avg. temp: 14–22 °C / 57–72 °F
Weather: Crisp, mostly dry
Key events: Autumn foliage lighting, Tori-no-Ichi markets
Crowd level: Moderate
Top things to do: Visit Rikugien for illuminated leaves
Travel tip: Reserve evening foliage tours
Style tip: Warm sweater + light jacket
Verdict: Top choice for weather & visuals

📅 November

Avg. temp: 8–17 °C / 46–63 °F
Weather: Chilly, clear
Key events: Tori-no-Ichi, early winter light-ups
Crowd level: Moderate
Top things to do: Shop traditional stalls at Otori Shrine
Travel tip: Book ahead for winter accommodation
Style tip: Sweater, thick scarf
Verdict: Cozy city exploration at calm pace

📅 December

Avg. temp: 3–12 °C / 37–54 °F
Weather: Cold, minimal rain
Key events: Winter illuminations
Crowd level: Moderate
Top things to do: Ice-skating in Tokyo Midtown, night lights
Travel tip: Bring hat/gloves for evening
Style tip: Warm wool coat
Verdict: Magical holiday-season journey

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Frequently asked questions about best time to visit Tokyo

What is the peak tourist season in Tokyo?

Peak is April (sakura bloom) and July–August (summer festivals & fireworks).

When is the cheapest time to visit Tokyo?

January–February offers lower hotel rates and fewer crowds.

What’s the best weather in Tokyo?

April–May and October provide mild temperatures and clear skies.

Are there seasonal events in Tokyo?

Yes: Sanja Matsuri (May), Sumidagawa Fireworks (July), autumn foliage festivals (Oct–Nov).

Is it too hot to visit Tokyo in summer?

Summer is very hot and humid (30 °C+/86 °F), but it’s lively and festival-rich. Bring hydration and prepare for crowds.

Is winter a good time to visit Tokyo?

Yes—Tokyo is crisp, clear, and festively lit. Great for museum visits and scaled‑back sightseeing.

Which month is best for couples in Tokyo?

April (cherry blossoms) and October (maple leaves) are romantic and photogenic months.