Japan Travel Weather
Japan Weather & Packing Guide Tokyo / Osaka / Sapporo Monthly Temperatures
Monthly average temperatures and what to pack for Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Okinawa — all four seasons covered.
14-Day Live Weather Forecast
Select a city to view its 14-day forecast. (Source: Open-Meteo, updated hourly)
Source: Open-Meteo · Updated hourly
Monthly Average Temperature by City
High (red) / Low (blue) °C. Darker = hotter.
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | 10 / 2 | 12 / 3 | 15 / 5 | 20 / 10 | 24 / 14 | 27 / 18 | 31 / 22 | 32 / 24 | 28 / 20 | 22 / 14 | 17 / 9 | 12 / 4 |
| Osaka | 10 / 4 | 11 / 4 | 15 / 8 | 21 / 13 | 26 / 17 | 29 / 22 | 33 / 26 | 34 / 27 | 29 / 23 | 24 / 17 | 18 / 11 | 13 / 7 |
| Fukuoka | 10 / 3 | 11 / 4 | 15 / 7 | 20 / 12 | 25 / 16 | 27 / 21 | 32 / 26 | 33 / 26 | 29 / 22 | 24 / 15 | 18 / 10 | 13 / 6 |
| Sapporo | -1 / -9 | 0 / -9 | 5 / -4 | 13 / 2 | 19 / 7 | 23 / 12 | 27 / 17 | 28 / 19 | 23 / 14 | 15 / 7 | 7 / 1 | 2 / -5 |
| Okinawa | 20 / 14 | 21 / 15 | 23 / 17 | 26 / 19 | 29 / 23 | 32 / 26 | 33 / 28 | 32 / 28 | 31 / 26 | 28 / 23 | 25 / 20 | 22 / 17 |
※ Based on 1991–2020 climate normals. Yearly variation applies.
Spring (Mar–May) Weather & What to Wear — Cherry Blossoms & Pollen
From cherry blossoms in March–April Tokyo and Osaka to late spring Hokkaido, here's what to pack each month. Note: March–April sees heavy pollen — bring masks and eye drops.
Month-by-month Spring Weather
March (~15°C)
Wide temp swings · Winter→Spring
Cold mornings and evenings. A heavier outer layer is still needed.
April (20–22°C)
Cherry blossom peak · Best timing
Full bloom in Tokyo and Osaka. Warm days, cool nights ~10°C.
May (24–26°C)
Golden Week crowds · Early summer
Busy holiday period. Can be warm enough for short sleeves midday.
Spring Clothing Guide by City (Tokyo / Osaka / Fukuoka / Sapporo)
| City | Early–Mid March | Late Mar–April | May |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo / Osaka | Coat + thick knit | Light jacket + long sleeve | Thin cardigan / T-shirt + layer |
| Fukuoka | Light coat + sweater | Thin jacket + long sleeve | T-shirt + light outer layer |
| Sapporo | Heavy down + winter gloves | Down jacket + sweater | Coat + knit |
| Okinawa | Long sleeve + thin layer | T-shirt + cardigan | T-shirt (bring umbrella for rainy season) |
Summer (Jun–Aug) Weather & What to Wear — Rainy Season & Heat
From June's rainy season to July–August's extreme heat, Japanese summers are hot and humid everywhere except Hokkaido. Heat index can exceed 40°C in Tokyo and Osaka.
Traveling in Aug–Sep? Check the typhoon guide first.
Flight cancellations, Shinkansen stops, hotel tips — all covered.
Month-by-month Summer Weather
June (27–29°C, rainy season)
Hot & humid · Umbrella essential
Peak rainfall month. Okinawa's rainy season starts in May. Hokkaido skips it.
July (31–33°C)
Heatwave begins · Afternoon showers
Post-rainy season heat. Summer festival (matsuri) season.
August (32–34°C)
Peak heat · Typhoon season starts
Obon holiday crowds. Typhoon season begins — buy travel insurance.
Summer Clothing & Essentials (Tokyo / Osaka / Fukuoka)
What to Wear
- • Breathable linen or cotton T-shirts
- • Thin cardigan for heavy AC indoors (AC illness is real)
- • Quick-dry fabrics recommended
- • Sandals or cushioned sneakers for long walks
Must-Have Items
- • Compact UV parasol (blocks sun + reduces heat)
- • Insulated water bottle (stay hydrated to prevent heatstroke)
- • Cooling spray or neck cooling towel
- • Umbrella (rainy season + afternoon showers)
- • Sunscreen SPF50+
※ Sapporo in July–August is 23–28°C — much cooler than Tokyo/Osaka. Bring a light long sleeve for evenings.
Autumn (Sep–Nov) Weather & What to Wear — Foliage & Typhoons
From September typhoon season to October–November foliage in Kyoto, Nikko, and Hokkaido. October–November is widely considered the best time to visit Japan alongside spring.
September is Japan's peak typhoon month. If you're visiting in September, read the Typhoon Guide before you go.
Month-by-month Autumn Weather
September (27–29°C)
Lingering heat · Typhoon risk
Still hot but cooling off. Typhoons can cause flight/train cancellations.
October (22–24°C)
Clear skies · Best travel weather
Crisp and comfortable. Perfect for outdoor sightseeing. Early foliage.
November (16–18°C)
Peak foliage · Temperature drops
Kyoto and Nikko at peak color. Temperatures fall quickly — layer up.
Autumn Clothing Guide by City (Tokyo / Osaka / Fukuoka / Sapporo)
| City | September | October | November |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo / Osaka | T-shirt + light layer | Long sleeve + light jacket | Sweater + coat |
| Fukuoka | T-shirt + cardigan | Long sleeve + thin jacket | Knit + light coat |
| Sapporo | Long sleeve + jacket | Thick sweater + coat | Down jacket (near-winter) |
| Okinawa | T-shirt (summer level) | T-shirt + light layer | Long sleeve + cardigan |
Winter (Dec–Feb) Weather & What to Wear — Dry Cold & Snow
From Tokyo and Osaka's cold but dry winters to Sapporo's deep snow, and Okinawa's mild 20°C January — here's what to pack. Japan's strong indoor heating means easy layering is key.
Month-by-month Winter Weather
December (10–13°C)
Dry air · Illuminations season
Christmas light displays everywhere. Very dry — carry moisturizer.
January (2–10°C)
Coldest month of the year
Tokyo can even see snow. Sapporo snow festival peak. Sapporo hits -9°C.
February (3–12°C)
Slowly warming · Plum blossoms
Temps rise gradually. Big daily swings — layer carefully. Early plum blooms.
Winter Clothing Guide by City (Tokyo / Osaka / Sapporo / Okinawa)
| City | December | January | February |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo / Osaka | Coat + thick knit | Heavy down/coat + scarf & gloves | Down/coat + layering |
| Fukuoka | Coat + sweater | Heavy coat + scarf | Coat + knit |
| Sapporo | Heavy down + thermal base + windproof gloves & boots | Max-weight winter coat + snow boots (grip sole) | Heavy down + winter gloves |
| Okinawa | Long sleeve + cardigan | Light jacket or coat | Thin coat + long sleeve |
Japan Weather FAQ
Q. What should I wear in Tokyo/Osaka in November and December? ▾
November in Tokyo and Osaka sees temps of 15–18°C — a sweater with a light coat or jacket is ideal. December drops to 10–13°C, so bring a heavy coat and scarf. Indoor heating is strong, so layering for easy on/off is the best strategy.
Q. What is the best month to visit Japan for good weather? ▾
April (cherry blossom peak, 20–22°C) and October (autumn foliage, 22–24°C) are the best weather months. However, both are peak tourist seasons. For quieter visits with still-pleasant weather, try late November or late March.
Q. Is Japan rainy in June? Do I need an umbrella? ▾
Yes, June is Japan's rainy season (tsuyu). Most of Honshu sees frequent rain throughout the month. A compact umbrella or raincoat is essential. Hokkaido is the exception — it largely skips the rainy season.
Q. How cold does Sapporo get in winter? ▾
Sapporo in January and February can drop to -9°C at night. You'll need a heavyweight down jacket (600g fill or more) or wool coat, thermal base layers, and waterproof winter boots with good grip for the icy sidewalks.
Q. Is Okinawa warm in winter? ▾
Yes — Okinawa rarely drops below 15°C even in January, thanks to its subtropical climate. A light jacket is enough in winter, making it a popular escape from cold Japanese winters. Rainy season starts earlier (May) compared to Tokyo (June).
Q. Should I worry about typhoons when visiting Japan in September? ▾
September is Japan's peak typhoon month. Okinawa, Kyushu, and Shikoku are most affected, but powerful typhoons can reach Tokyo too (like Typhoon Hagibis in 2019). Buy travel insurance with flight cancellation coverage, and check JMA typhoon forecasts before your trip.
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