Japan weather by month: temperatures, rain and what to expect
Japan stretches about 3,000 kilometres from north to south, so the weather varies a lot between snowy Hokkaido and subtropical Okinawa. The table below shows the Japan weather by month in Tokyo, which is close to conditions in Kyoto and Osaka, followed by notes on the other regions.
Tokyo month by month
| Month | Average temperature | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| January | About 5°C | Cold, dry and sunny |
| February | About 6°C | Cold, occasional snow |
| March | About 9°C | Mild, first cherry blossoms late in the month |
| April | About 14°C | Pleasant, cherry blossoms early in the month |
| May | About 19°C | Warm and sunny |
| June | About 22°C | Rainy season begins |
| July | About 26°C | Rainy season ends mid-month, then hot and humid |
| August | About 27°C | Hottest month, frequent days above 33°C |
| September | About 23°C | Warm, typhoon risk |
| October | About 18°C | Dry and comfortable |
| November | About 12°C | Cool, autumn leaves late in the month |
| December | About 8°C | Cold and dry |
Regional differences
- Hokkaido: long snowy winters from December to March, cool summers with little rainy season, and early autumn colours in October.
- Japan Sea coast (Kanazawa, Niigata, the Japan Alps): heavy snow in winter, ideal for skiing and snow villages.
- Pacific coast (Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka): dry, clear winters and hot, humid summers.
- Kyushu and Shikoku: milder winters, a strong rainy season and typhoon exposure.
- Okinawa: subtropical, around 17°C in January and 29°C in summer, rainy season in May and June, typhoons from July to October.
Rainy season and typhoons
The rainy season, called tsuyu, brings frequent but often light rain from early June to mid-July on Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, and earlier in Okinawa. Typhoons mainly affect the south and the Pacific coast from August to October and can cancel flights and trains for a day or two. The Japan Meteorological Agency publishes warnings in English.
Reading the Japan weather by month for your trip
Average figures hide strong contrasts: a November day can be warm in the sun and cold after dark, and summer humidity makes 30°C feel much hotter. Check the forecast a few days before leaving and pack layers. More advice is in the packing guide.
Heat and cold precautions
Heatstroke is a real risk in July and August: drink water regularly, use shade and take breaks indoors. In winter, buildings are often less insulated than in Europe or North America, so warm clothes for evenings are useful, even in Tokyo.
Daylight hours
Days are short in winter, with sunset around 4:30 pm in Tokyo in December, and long in summer, with sunset around 7 pm in June. Plan outdoor visits and gardens accordingly, especially in winter.
Mountain and coastal weather
Temperatures drop by about 6°C per 1,000 metres of altitude, so Mount Fuji, the Japan Alps and Hakone are much cooler than the coast. Coastal areas can be windy in winter, especially on the Japan Sea side.
Forecasts and warnings
The Japan Meteorological Agency publishes forecasts, typhoon tracks and heat alerts in English. Weather apps show hourly rain radar, which helps plan outdoor visits during the rainy season.
Official source: Japan Tourism Agency, useful information for visitors
Frequently asked questions
Which months have the best Japan weather by month for sightseeing?
April, May, October and November usually offer mild temperatures and little rain in most regions.
Does it snow in Tokyo?
Rarely. Tokyo sees a few days of light snow in some winters, while the Japan Alps and Hokkaido receive heavy snow every year.
When is typhoon season in Japan?
Mainly from August to October, with the highest risk in September, especially in Okinawa, Kyushu and on the Pacific coast.