Last updated: January 18, 2025
Tokyo, Japan, exemplifies a humid subtropical climate classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Cfa. This climate type is characterized by distinct seasonal variations, with temperatures ranging dramatically throughout the year. In January, the city experiences a chilly minimum of -13°C (9°F), while July brings a sweltering maximum of 39°C (103°F). The city's average annual temperature hovers around 16°C (61°F), reflecting the diverse climatic conditions that contribute to Tokyo's vibrant seasonal landscape and influence local weather patterns.
Tokyo, Japan, exhibits a dynamic temperature pattern throughout the year, marked by distinct seasonal trends. The winter months of January and February see minimum temperatures plummeting to around -13°C (9°F) and -6°C (21°F), respectively, with averages hovering near 5°C (42°F) and 7°C (44°F), as the city experiences its coldest period. As spring emerges, temperatures gradually rise, reaching a moderate 10°C (51°F) in March and 14°C (58°F) in April, setting the stage for a warm summer. The peak heat occurs in July and August, where maximum temperatures soar to an impressive 39°C (103°F) and 37°C (99°F), complemented by average highs around 26°C (78°F) and 27°C (82°F). As the year wanes, temperatures decline again in autumn, with November witnessing averages drop to 13°C (56°F), before winter ushers in cold conditions once more, highlighting Tokyo's characteristic seasonal shifts.
Urayasu experiences a minimum temperature of -7°C (20°F) in January and a maximum of 37°C (99°F) in July, making it one of the milder winter locations in the Tokyo area. In contrast, Hachioji records lower temperatures, with a January minimum of -13°C (9°F) and a summer peak of 36°C (97°F) in August. Tokyo itself has a January minimum of -8°C (18°F) and can reach up to 39°C (103°F) in July, showcasing the city's capacity for extreme heat. For more details on the monthly temperatures, visit monthly temperatures in Urayasu, monthly temperatures in Hachioji, and monthly temperatures in Tokyo.
Tokyo's precipitation patterns showcase significant variability throughout the year, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The winter months of January and February experience relatively low rainfall, each averaging 54 mm (2.1 in) over approximately 6 to 8 days, indicative of the drier conditions typical of this period. As spring arrives, March sees a noticeable increase in precipitation, escalating to 148 mm (5.8 in) over 13 days, while April and May continue this trend with 129 mm (5.1 in) and 131 mm (5.2 in), respectively, preparing the city for the heavy downpours of summer.
The summer season marks the peak of rainfall in Tokyo, particularly in July when precipitation surges to 249 mm (9.8 in) over 19 days, contributing to the city's humid conditions. August follows with a moderate 136 mm (5.4 in), while September remains significant at 213 mm (8.4 in), largely due to typhoon activity. Autumn transitions to lower precipitation levels, notably in October, which registers 294 mm (11.6 in), making it the wettest month, before tapering off again in November and December to 83 mm (3.2 in) and 68 mm (2.7 in), respectively, as the city readies itself for the returning dry winter months.
Tokyo's sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal progression, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing from the colder winter months into the warmth of summer. January begins the year with 189 hours of sunshine, slightly rising to 232 hours in February. As spring unfolds, the city experiences a notable surge in sunlight, peaking in April at 273 hours and reaching 286 hours in May. This growth in daylight hours not only enhances the vibrancy of the city but also sets the stage for the sun-drenched days that characterize Tokyo's summer.
The summer months are particularly radiant, with August emerging as the sunniest month at 293 hours, closely followed by May and April. However, as the transition to autumn occurs, a slight decline is observed, with September recording 241 hours and October dropping to 208 hours. Notably, the year wraps up with relatively stable sunlight hours in November at 231 hours and December at 230 hours, suggesting a consistent yet diminished exposure to sunlight compared to the summer peak. This annual cycle illustrates Tokyo's dynamic climatic character, where sunshine duration not only varies seasonally, but also heavily influences local activities and lifestyle.
Tokyo's UV Index reveals significant seasonal fluctuations, highlighting the importance of sun protection throughout the year. Starting in winter, January records a UV Index of 7, classifying exposure as high, with a burn time of just 25 minutes. However, as the year progresses into spring, the index rises sharply, reaching 9 in February and climbing to a peak of 11 in March. By April and May, the index escalates further to 13, categorized as extreme, necessitating diligent sun protection within a brief burn time of only 10 minutes during these months.
Summer continues this trend of extreme UV activity, with the index remaining at 13 from June through July, before tapering slightly in August and September to 12. As autumn approaches, a decline in UV exposure begins, with October seeing a return to a very high UV Index of 10. November and December exhibit a gradual decrease, with 8 and 6, respectively, leading to longer burn times of 15 minutes in the cooler months. This seasonal variability underscores the necessity for residents and visitors in Tokyo to adapt their sun protection measures based on the UV Index throughout the year, particularly during the peak months of spring and summer.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Tokyo exhibits a pronounced seasonal cycle, significantly influencing daily activities and lifestyle throughout the year. In the winter months of January and February, the city enjoys a modest 10 hours of daylight, which gradually increases to 11 hours by March. This transition marks the beginning of spring, as both April and May offer longer days of 13 hours, providing ample sunlight for outdoor pursuits and social gatherings as temperatures rise.
As summer approaches, daylight reaches its peak in June and July, with 14 hours of sunlight bathinging the city each day, fostering an energetic atmosphere. Following this peak, daylight begins to decrease slightly, with August returning to 13 hours and September to 12 hours. The gradual decline continues into autumn, with November dipping to 10 hours and December to 9 hours, reflective of the shorter days in winter. This annual pattern not only highlights the varying light conditions that Tokyo residents experience but also underscores the importance of adapting to and enjoying the different moods each season brings.
Hachioji, Japan experiences a diverse climate with marked seasonal changes. Winter months, particularly January and February, can see temperatures drop to -13°C (9°F) at night, while summers peak with averages around 26°C (79°F) to 36°C (97°F) in July and August. The region receives significant rainfall, especially in July and October, with monthly totals reaching up to 346 mm (13.6 in). Despite the precipitation, Hachioji enjoys ample sunshine, peaking at 284 hours in August. For more detailed information, visit Hachioji climate.
The climate in Ogasawara, Japan, is characterized by a warm, humid subtropical pattern, with temperatures ranging from a mild 14°C (58°F) in January to a peak of 30°C (86°F) in September. The region experiences significant rainfall, especially in May and September, with precipitation reaching 178 mm (7.0 in) and 181 mm (7.1 in) respectively. Sunshine hours are abundant, particularly in July, when the area enjoys around 342 hours of sunlight. This combination of warmth, humidity, and sunshine makes Ogasawara an enticing destination year-round. For more details, visit Ogasawara climate.
Oshima, Japan experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasonal changes. Winters are mild, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) in January to 15°C (59°F) in April, while summers are warm and humid, peaking in July and August with averages around 25-27°C (77-80°F). Precipitation is significant, especially in June and October, with rainfall exceeding 300 mm (11.9 in) in July. Sunshine is plentiful, particularly in August, which enjoys around 313 hours of sunlight. For more detailed climate information, visit Oshima climate.
Tokyo experiences a diverse climate with distinct seasons. Winters are relatively mild, with January temperatures averaging around 5°C (41°F), while summers can be hot and humid, peaking in July with an average of 26°C (79°F). Precipitation is heaviest during the summer months, particularly in July and October, with over 200 mm of rain recorded. Sunshine hours vary throughout the year, with the peak in August at 288 hours. For more detailed information, visit Tokyo climate.
The climate in Urayasu, Japan, features distinct seasonal variations, with cold winters and hot, humid summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of -7°C (20°F) to a maximum of 17°C (63°F), while July sees warmer conditions, with temperatures peaking at 37°C (99°F). Precipitation is significant, especially in July and October, with totals of 224 mm (8.8 in) and 261 mm (10.3 in) respectively. The city enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in August, which boasts 288 hours of sun. For more detailed information on Urayasu climate, visit the provided link.
In conclusion, Tokyo's climate and environmental conditions showcase a rich tapestry of seasonal changes that shape the daily lives of its residents. From the sharp fluctuations in temperature to the significant variations in precipitation, UV Index, sunshine duration, and daylight hours, each season presents unique characteristics that influence everything from lifestyle to outdoor activities. Awareness of these patterns is crucial for both residents and visitors to optimize their experiences in the vibrant city. As Tokyo navigates through the distinct phases of each year, it remains a captivating example of how climatic conditions and natural rhythms intricately weave into the fabric of urban life, highlighting the importance of adapting to and appreciating the beauty of each season.