The best time to visit Tokyo is during spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) when the weather is mild, the skies are clear and the city’s natural beauty is at its peak. Spring brings cherry blossoms that transform parks and temples into pastel dreamscapes, while autumn offers crisp, dry days and brilliant foliage. If you’re searching for the most comfortable weather in Tokyo, these two windows give you the ideal balance of scenery and climate for exploring the city.
Spring (March to May): Cherry Blossoms & Mild Weather
Spring in Tokyo is famous worldwide for its cherry blossoms, or sakura. The season begins cool in March, warms into April and by May brings daytime highs in the low '70s °F ('20s °C). Occasional rain showers happen, but most days are pleasant for long walks and outdoor sightseeing.
Seasonal highlights include:
- Discovering Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen draped in cherry blossoms.
- Hanami picnics under the trees, which are a cherished Tokyo tradition.
- Excursions to Mt. Fuji’s lakeside villages, where blossoms frame snow-capped peaks.
Spring weather makes it easy to explore temples, gardens and neighborhoods on foot, with sakura season often topping travelers’ lists of reasons to visit Tokyo.
Summer (June to August): Festivals & Hot Weather
Tokyo summers are hot and humid, with highs in the upper '80s to low '90s °F ('30s °C). June and July are dominated by the rainy season, while late August can bring typhoons. Despite the weather, the season bursts with energy and colorful events.
What makes summer special:
- The Sumida River Fireworks Festival in July lights up the sky above Tokyo.
- Exploring Asakusa’s temple district, paired with street food and summer matsuri (festivals).
- Escaping the heat at teamLab Planets, an immersive digital art museum.
If you don’t mind the heat, summer delivers Tokyo at its most lively, filled with music, lanterns and celebrations.
Autumn (September to November): Comfortable Days & Foliage
Autumn is often the best time to visit Tokyo, thanks to its weather. September starts warm, but by October and November, days are crisp, dry and ideal for exploring. Tokyo weather in November averages highs of 63 °F (17 °C) and lows near 51 °F (11 °C), with little rain and plenty of sunshine.
Seasonal highlights include:
- Uncovering brilliant autumn foliage at Rikugien Garden, Meiji Jingu Gaien and Nikko.
- Comfortable walking weather for exploring Shibuya Crossing, Yanaka or the Imperial Palace gardens.
- Clear skies for day trips to Hakone’s hot springs or the mountain temples of Nikko.
With its golden ginkgo avenues and crisp air, November stands out as one of the most rewarding months to explore Tokyo.
Winter (December to February): Crisp Skies & Illuminations
Tokyo winters are cool, but rarely severe. Daytime highs average 50 to 54 °F (10 to 12 °C), with dry air and lots of sunny days. Snow is rare in the city, but common in the nearby mountains.
Winter highlights include:
- Sparkling holiday illuminations, which are located in Shinjuku, Roppongi and Marunouchi.
- Soaking in a traditional onsen hot spring in Hakone or Oedo Onsen Monogatari.
- Experiencing New Year traditions at Meiji Shrine, one of the most important cultural moments of the year.
Winter offers a calmer pace and a chance to enjoy Tokyo’s cultural and seasonal charm without heavy crowds.
The Best Time To Visit Tokyo on a Cruise
If you’re planning to arrive in Tokyo by sea, the best time to visit on a cruise is during spring (March to April) and autumn (October to November). These months offer the most pleasant weather in Tokyo, making it easy to explore the city via guided shore excursions or on your own.
- In spring, cruises align with cherry blossom season, when Tokyo’s parks and temples transform into pink-and-white wonderlands. Excursions to Ueno Park or Shinjuku Gyoen feel especially magical beneath the blossoms.
- In autumn, the weather in Tokyo is crisp and clear, perfect for exploring historic neighborhoods like Asakusa or heading out on day trips to Hakone or Nikko to see fiery autumn foliage.
- In summer, days can be hot and humid, while winter days are short, making them less ideal for sightseeing-heavy cruise itineraries.
For the most comfortable climate and unforgettable seasonal experiences, spring and autumn stand out as the prime cruise seasons to see Tokyo at its best.
When Is the Best Time To Visit Tokyo?
The best time to visit Tokyo is in spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November). These seasons bring the most comfortable Tokyo weather, with mild temperatures, low rainfall and the city’s most stunning scenery — cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn. For travelers planning around climate, these months offer the ideal conditions for sightseeing, whether you’re exploring on foot or arriving by cruise.
