Japan Weather by Month: What to Pack, What to Expect
By Tour in Japan editors · Updated
Japan has four distinct seasons — but the weather varies dramatically by region. Here's what to expect every month and how to pack.
Japan has four distinct seasons — but the weather varies dramatically by region. Here's what to expect every month and how to pack.
Monthly Weather Guide
January–February (Winter)
| Region | Temperature | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | 3–10°C | Cold, dry, occasional snow |
| Osaka | 2–9°C | Cold, dry |
| Kyoto | 1–9°C | Cold, dry |
| Hokkaido | -8–0°C | Heavy snow, skiing |
| Okinawa | 14–19°C | Mild, occasional rain |
Pack: Heavy coat, thermal layers, warm accessories, waterproof shoes
March–April (Spring)
| Region | Temperature | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | 7–17°C | Cherry blossoms (late March–early April) |
| Osaka | 6–17°C | Cherry blossoms (late March–early April) |
| Kyoto | 5–16°C | Cherry blossoms (late March–early April) |
| Hokkaido | -3–8°C | Late snow, no cherry blossoms |
| Okinawa | 16–22°C | Warm, rainy season approaching |
Pack: Light layers, umbrella, light jacket, comfortable walking shoes
May–June (Late Spring/Early Summer)
| Region | Temperature | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | 14–24°C | Pleasant, rainy season starts mid-June |
| Osaka | 14–25°C | Pleasant, rainy season starts mid-June |
| Kyoto | 13–24°C | Pleasant, rainy season starts mid-June |
| Hokkaido | 6–17°C | Cool, no rainy season |
| Okinawa | 21–27°C | Hot, rainy season May–June |
Pack: Light layers, rain jacket, umbrella, sunscreen
July–August (Summer)
| Region | Temperature | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | 23–31°C | Hot, humid, rainy season ends mid-July |
| Osaka | 24–33°C | Hot, humid |
| Kyoto | 24–34°C | Hot, humid (worst in August) |
| Hokkaido | 16–25°C | Pleasant, no rainy season |
| Okinawa | 27–32°C | Hot, humid, typhoon season |
Pack: Light, breathable clothing, hat, sunscreen, towel, water bottle, fan
September–October (Autumn)
| Region | Temperature | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | 18–27°C | Warm, typhoon risk in September |
| Osaka | 18–27°C | Warm, typhoon risk |
| Kyoto | 17–26°C | Pleasant, autumn leaves (November) |
| Hokkaido | 10–20°C | Cool, autumn leaves (September) |
| Okinawa | 24–30°C | Warm, typhoon risk |
Pack: Light layers, rain jacket, umbrella, light sweater
November–December (Late Autumn/Early Winter)
| Region | Temperature | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | 8–17°C | Cool, autumn leaves (November) |
| Osaka | 7–16°C | Cool, autumn leaves (November) |
| Kyoto | 5–15°C | Cold, autumn leaves (November) |
| Hokkaido | -2–7°C | Cold, snow starts |
| Okinawa | 17–22°C | Mild, pleasant |
Pack: Heavy coat, warm layers, rain gear, comfortable shoes
Packing Essentials by Season
Year-Round Essentials
- Comfortable walking shoes (you'll walk 10–20 km daily)
- Portable battery pack (for phone navigation)
- Small towel (many restrooms don't have paper towels)
- Handkerchief (some restrooms don't have soap)
- Ziplock bags (for wet umbrellas, dirty laundry)
Summer Additions
- Sunscreen (UV is strong)
- Hat
- Portable fan
- Cooling towel
- Insect repellent (for outdoor areas)
- Refillable water bottle (vending machines everywhere)
Winter Additions
- Heavy coat
- Thermal underlayers
- Warm accessories (gloves, scarf, hat)
- Hand warmers (kairo — sold at convenience stores)
- Waterproof shoes
Rainy Season (June)
- Rain jacket (not just umbrella)
- Waterproof bag for electronics
- Quick-dry clothing
- Waterproof phone case
Typhoon Season (July–October)
| Month | Typhoon Risk | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| July | Low | Monitor weather |
| August | Medium | Check forecasts daily |
| September | High | Most active month |
| October | Medium-High | Still at risk |
During a Typhoon
- Check JMA (Japan Meteorological Agency) — jma.go.jp
- Trains may stop — check JR and metro websites
- Flights may be cancelled — check airline status
- Stay indoors — don't go outside during the storm
- Stock up on food — convenience stores may close
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