Japan Weather Today日本語Japan weather by month
When is the best time to visit Japan? Here is what to expect each month, from snow festivals in February to cherry blossom in April, the rainy season in June and autumn leaves in November.
Average temperatures in Tokyo
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high | 10° | 11° | 14° | 19° | 24° | 26° | 30° | 31° | 28° | 22° | 17° | 12° |
| Average low | 1° | 2° | 5° | 10° | 15° | 18° | 22° | 24° | 20° | 15° | 9° | 4° |
Rounded averages from the Japan Meteorological Agency (1991–2020).
January
Mid-winter: cold, dry and sunny on the Pacific side, deep snow in Hokkaido and along the Sea of Japan, and mild in Okinawa.
February
The coldest month in many places: snow festivals in Hokkaido, plum blossom starting in the south and dry, sunny days in Tokyo.
March
Spring arrives from the south: cherry blossom starts in late March in Tokyo, Kyoto and Kyushu, while the north is still wintry.
April
Peak cherry blossom season across Honshu, mild and mostly dry: one of the best months to visit Japan.
May
Warm, green and mostly sunny before the rainy season: great for hiking and gardens, but Okinawa's rainy season begins.
June
The rainy season (tsuyu) covers most of Japan from early June, with grey, humid days; Hokkaido stays fresh and Okinawa's rains end late in the month.
July
The rainy season ends in mid to late July and real summer begins: hot, humid and full of festivals, with heatstroke alerts and the first typhoons.
August
The hottest month: often above 33°C in Kyoto and Osaka, with festivals, fireworks and the Obon holidays, and the main typhoon season.
September
Still hot and humid in the first half, with typhoons most likely now; cooler, clearer days arrive at the end of the month.
October
Comfortable and mostly dry: warm days, cool evenings and the first autumn leaves in the mountains. One of the best months to visit.
November
Peak autumn leaves in Tokyo, Kyoto and much of Honshu, with crisp, sunny days; winter begins in Hokkaido.
December
Winter arrives: dry and sunny in Tokyo and Osaka, snowy in Hokkaido and along the Sea of Japan, with winter illuminations everywhere.