Last updated: August 21, 2025
In May, Tokyo ushers in a vibrant transition from spring to summer, characterized by a maximum temperature reaching up to 31°C (88°F) and an average comfortably sitting around 20°C (68°F). As the days grow warmer, the city experiences a refreshing variability with a minimum temperature dipping to 8°C (46°F). However, this pleasant weather comes with its share of rain, accumulating to 111 mm (4.4 in) over approximately 11 days, leading to a humidity level of 81% that enhances the lush greenery of the city. Visitors can expect a mix of warm sunshine and brief showers, making May a dynamic month to explore the rich and bustling life of Tokyo.
As May unfolds in Tokyo, the city experiences a delightful transformation, signaling the arrival of warmer days. With minimum temperatures rising to 8°C (46°F) and averages reaching a pleasant 20°C (68°F), the month offers a refreshing departure from the chill of early spring. The maximum temperatures can soar to a balmy 31°C (88°F), showcasing a notable upward trend that marks the onset of summer. This gradual warmth not only encourages outdoor activities and blooming cherry blossoms but also sets the stage for the sultry heat of June. Overall, May serves as a vibrant bridge between spring’s cool embrace and the summer's fiery thrill in Tokyo.
In May, Tokyo experiences a notable transition into the rainy season, with precipitation amounting to 111 mm (4.4 in) over 11 days. This represents a slight decrease compared to the preceding months of March and April, which recorded heavier rainfall at 132 mm and 116 mm respectively. Despite the reduction, the average rainfall in May contributes to a lush, vibrant cityscape, awakening the flora in the lead-up to summer. The increase in precipitation days to 11 also indicates a more frequent but lighter sprinkle of rain, setting the stage for the heavier downpours of June and July. Overall, May serves as a bridge between the spring's abundant blooms and the onset of the more intense summer rains.
In May, Tokyo experiences a noticeable rise in humidity, reaching 81%, which marks a significant uptick from the previous months. This surge sets the tone for the coming summer as the air becomes increasingly moist, paving the way for the intense June humidity levels of 88%. Observing trends throughout the year, it’s clear that spring gradually transitions into a muggy summer, with humidity peaking in July at an eye-popping 93%. While May's level is not the highest, it certainly signals the start of the sweltering season ahead, making the city feel both vibrant and, at times, heavy with anticipation. This seasonal shift highlights the changing nature of Tokyo's climate, as residents brace for the warm months that are just around the corner.
As May rolls into Tokyo, the UV Index spikes to 11, indicating an extreme exposure category, with a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. This dramatic shift follows a gradual increase from a moderate UV Index of 3 in January to 9 in April. The trend highlights a rising intensity of sunlight, urging residents and visitors alike to exercise caution when outdoors. With consistent extreme levels persisting into June, July, and August, the importance of sun protection cannot be overstated. Embrace the vibrant spring sunshine, but make sure to stay safe—check the current Tokyo UV Index for daily updates and tips!
UV Risk Categories
As spring transitions into summer, May shines brightly in Tokyo with an impressive 285 hours of sunlight, marking the peak of luminosity for the month. This is a significant increase from April's 273 hours, reflecting the city's vibrant emergence from the cooler months. The ascendancy of daylight continues into June, though it dips to 262 hours, suggesting a gentle tapering off as the humidity rises. Interestingly, the trend shows that May is part of a seasonal growth in sunlight, as March and April also display notable increases, establishing this period as a flourishing time for illumination in the bustling metropolis. Ultimately, May's rich sunshine not only enhances the city's beauty but also uplifts the spirit of its residents and visitors alike.
While Tokyo experiences a notable range of sunny days throughout the year, May presents a dip in brightness with only a 24% chance of sunshine. This reduction follows a slightly more hopeful April with 48%, suggesting that the onset of the rainy season may be approaching. In comparison to the sunnier months of February (69%) and November (59%), May stands out as a transitional period where the likelihood of overcast skies increases, aligning with the overall trend of diminishing sunshine as summer approaches. This seasonal shift implies that visitors should prepare for a mix of weather, as Tokyo transitions from spring blooms into the humidity of summer.
As spring transitions into summer, May in Tokyo heralds a delightful increase in daylight duration, peaking at 14 hours. This progressive brightening is evident as the city enjoys longer days beginning in the warmer months, with April already showing a notable rise to 13 hours. In contrast, the year begins with much shorter days, as January and February offer only 10 hours of daylight. Following the May peak, daylight begins to subtly recede again with the onset of autumn, illustrating the dynamic rhythm of nature through the vibrant seasons of Tokyo. The gradual transition from winter's dimness to the lush brightness of summer is a captivating journey that residents and visitors alike can revel in.
In May, Tokyo experiences a gentle uptick in breeze, with an average wind speed of 4.2 m/s (9 mph), making it slightly brisker than the preceding months. This increase hints at the transition from the calmness of spring to the more dynamic weather patterns of summer. Notably, May stands out as the month with the highest average wind speed since March, suggesting an invigorating atmosphere perfect for outdoor activities. Following this peak, the winds soften significantly in June, dropping back to 3.1 m/s (7 mph). This pattern reveals a seasonal rhythm in Tokyo's weather, where May serves as a refreshing prelude to the heat of summer, bringing both a sense of renewal and a lively environment that beckons residents and visitors alike to enjoy the city's vibrant parks and open spaces.
Weather in Tokyo varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Tokyo, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January present contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a warm maximum of 31°C (88°F), with an average of 20°C (68°F). This month also experiences higher humidity at 81% and more precipitation, totaling 111 mm (4.4 in) over approximately 11 days. In stark contrast, January is marked by cold temperatures, with a minimum of -8°C (18°F) and a maximum of 18°C (65°F), averaging only 5°C (41°F). January also sees significantly less precipitation, with 46 mm (1.8 in) over just 5 days, and a slightly lower humidity level of 76%. For more details about January weather in Tokyo, check out Tokyo weather in January.
May and February weather exhibit stark contrasts in temperature and precipitation. In May, temperatures can reach a maximum of 31°C (88°F), with an average of 20°C (68°F) and a minimum of 8°C (46°F), while February's temperatures are much cooler, peaking at just 20°C (69°F) and averaging around 6°C (43°F). Precipitation is more frequent in May, occurring on 11 days and totaling 111 mm (4.4 in), compared to February's 41 mm (1.6 in) over just 7 days. Additionally, May has a higher humidity level of 81%, compared to February's 74%. For more details on February weather, check out this link: Tokyo weather in February.
In a comparison of May and March weather, May boasts a significantly warmer temperature range with minimums of 8°C and maximums reaching up to 31°C, compared to March's chillier temperatures that dip to -2°C and peak at 23°C. The average temperature in May is a pleasant 20°C, making it a more comfortable month overall. However, March experiences slightly higher precipitation at 132 mm over 12 days, while May receives 111 mm over 11 days. Additionally, May's humidity is notably higher at 81% compared to March's 70%, contributing to a more muggy atmosphere. For more detailed insights into March weather, you can refer to Tokyo weather in March.
In comparing the weather of May and April, May tends to be warmer and more humid. The minimum temperature in May is 8°C (46°F), significantly higher than April's 3°C (37°F), while the average temperature rises to 20°C (68°F) compared to April's average of 14°C (58°F). The maximum temperatures also reflect this trend, reaching up to 31°C (88°F) in May versus 27°C (80°F) in April. However, both months experience similar levels of precipitation, with May recording 111 mm (4.4 in) over 11 days, slightly less than April's 116 mm (4.6 in) over 10 days. Additionally, May's humidity levels are higher at 81%, compared to April's 74%. For a more detailed look at April's weather, you can visit Tokyo weather in April.
May and June showcase a notable transition in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F), with an average of 20°C (68°F). This month experiences approximately 111 mm (4.4 in) of precipitation over 11 days and a humidity level of 81%.
In contrast, June brings warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 15°C (58°F) to a maximum of 33°C (92°F), averaging 23°C (73°F). Rainfall increases to around 152 mm (6.0 in) over 13 days, with humidity rising to 88%. For more detailed insights, you can check out Tokyo weather in June.
In May, the weather is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F) and an average of 20°C (68°F). The month experiences moderate rainfall, with a total of 111 mm (4.4 in) spread over 11 days and an average humidity level of 81%. In contrast, July sees a significant rise in both temperature and humidity, with minimum temperatures starting at 18°C (64°F) and peaking at a scorching 39°C (103°F), averaging around 26°C (79°F). Rainfall increases to 221 mm (8.7 in) over 17 days, accompanied by higher humidity levels at 93%. For a deeper look at the weather conditions in July, you can visit Tokyo weather in July.
In May, temperatures range from a cool 8°C (46°F) to a warm 31°C (88°F), with an average of 20°C (68°F). The month experiences moderate precipitation of 111 mm (4.4 in) over 11 days and has a humidity level of 81%. In contrast, August sees significantly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 18°C (65°F), an average of 28°C (83°F), and a maximum of 36°C (98°F). Although August has slightly less precipitation at 103 mm (4.1 in) over 12 days, the humidity increases to 90%, making the air feel more oppressive. For a more detailed look at the weather conditions in August, visit Tokyo weather in August.
May and September in Tokyo present distinct weather patterns. May typically enjoys mild temperatures with an average of 20°C (68°F), ranging from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F). However, it also experiences a fair amount of rainfall, accumulating 111 mm (4.4 in) over approximately 11 days, coupled with a relative humidity of 81%.
In contrast, September is warmer, featuring an average temperature of 24°C (75°F) and maximums reaching up to 35°C (96°F). This month sees even more rainfall, with precipitation totaling 186 mm (7.3 in) over around 16 days, and a slightly higher humidity level of 86%. For a more detailed look at September's climate, check out Tokyo weather in September.
In comparing the weather between May and October, both months exhibit similar temperature ranges, with May averaging 20°C (68°F) and October slightly cooler at 19°C (66°F). However, October experiences significantly more precipitation, with 273 mm (10.7 in) over 15 days compared to May's 111 mm (4.4 in) over 11 days. Humidity also rises slightly in October, averaging 83% compared to 81% in May. Therefore, while daytime temperatures may feel warm in both months, October's increased rain and humidity can create a distinctly different atmosphere. For more detailed information on Tokyo's October weather, visit Tokyo weather in October.
May and November present contrasting weather experiences. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F), with an average temperature of 20°C (68°F). This month is characterized by higher humidity at 81% and more precipitation, averaging 111 mm (4.4 in) over about 11 days. In stark contrast, November sees cooler temperatures with a range from 1°C (34°F) at night to a maximum of 24°C (75°F) during the day, and an average of 13°C (56°F). The month receives less rainfall at 77 mm (3.0 in) distributed over 9 days, while the humidity remains similar at 80%. For more details, you can check out Tokyo weather in November.
May and December present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a mild 8°C (46°F) to a warm 31°C (88°F), with an average of 20°C (68°F). The month is marked by higher humidity at 81% and more frequent rainfall, totaling 111 mm (4.4 in) over about 11 days. In contrast, December experiences much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (28°F) and a maximum of 21°C (70°F), averaging only 8°C (46°F). Precipitation is less frequent, amounting to 56 mm (2.2 in) over 7 days, and humidity is slightly lower at 78%. For more details on the weather during this time, you can check Tokyo weather in December.
As May unfolds in Tokyo, it ushers in a vibrant transition from the cooler months to warmer summer days. With average temperatures climbing, residents and visitors alike can expect more comfortable and pleasant outings. However, this month also brings its share of rainfall, making it one of the year’s wetter periods, characterized by frequent, yet brief, showers. The high humidity can add to the feeling of warmth, especially during the peak heat of the day. Whether you're exploring the city's blooming parks or enjoying indoor attractions, May's unique blend of warmth and moisture sets the stage for a lively experience. For a deeper dive into the seasonal shifts of this dynamic city, visit Tokyo Climate.