Planning a trip to Tokyo and wondering what to pack?
Many travelers ask questions like:
- Can I wear short sleeves?
- How cold is Tokyo in winter?
- What should I pack for my kids?
Tokyo has four distinct seasons, and the weather changes dramatically throughout the year. Summers are extremely hot and humid, while winters are cold and dry. Choosing the right clothing can make your trip much more comfortable—especially if you’re traveling with children.
In this guide, you’ll find average temperatures, recommended clothing, and useful packing tips for every month of the year.
January – Cold and Dry
Average temperature: 2–10°C (36–50°F)
January is usually the coldest month in Tokyo. Snow is rare, but mornings and evenings can feel very cold. The air is also quite dry, so moisturizing products are useful.
If you find that the clothes you packed aren’t warm enough, don’t worry. You can easily buy UNIQLO HEATTECH thermal innerwear almost anywhere in Tokyo. HEATTECH Extra Warm can be especially helpful on colder days.
One thing many visitors don’t expect is that trains, shopping malls, department stores, and hotels are usually very well heated. Wear layers so you can easily take off your jacket indoors.
Recommended clothing
Adults
- Down jacket or warm winter coat
- Sweater
- Long pants
- Sneakers or boots
Children
- Down jacket
- Gloves
- Scarf
- Knit hat
Useful items
- Disposable hand warmers
- Lip balm
- Hand cream
February – Still Cold
Average temperature: 3–11°C (37–52°F)
February feels very similar to January. Although some afternoons may be a little warmer, winter clothing is still necessary.
If you’re spending several hours outdoors, young children can get cold quickly. Warm accessories such as gloves and hats are a good idea.
Recommended clothing
- Warm winter coat
- Sweater
- Long pants
- Gloves or a hat for children
March – Early Spring and Changing Temperatures
Average temperature: 6–14°C (43–57°F)
Spring begins in March, but temperatures can change a lot from one day to the next.
Cherry blossom season also starts around this time, and many visitors spend hours outdoors enjoying the parks. Bringing an extra layer is a good idea, especially in the morning and evening.
Recommended clothing
Adults
- Light down jacket
- Trench coat
- Cardigan
Children
- Hoodie
- Light jacket
April – Mild Spring Weather
Average temperature: 11–19°C (52–66°F)
April is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing. The weather is mild, making it perfect for walking around parks, shopping streets, and popular attractions.
Recommended clothing
- Long-sleeve shirt
- Cardigan
- Light jacket
Family travel tip
Temperatures can drop after sunset, so carrying a light jacket is recommended.
May – Warm and Comfortable
Average temperature: 16–24°C (61–75°F)
May is considered one of the best months to visit Tokyo. Humidity is still low, and sunny days are common.
Short sleeves are comfortable during the day, but mornings and evenings can still feel cool.
Recommended clothing
- T-shirts
- Long-sleeve shirts
- Cardigan
Useful items
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
June – Rainy and Humid
Average temperature: 20–27°C (68–81°F)
June marks the beginning of Japan’s rainy season. Rain showers become frequent, and humidity rises quickly.
Recommended clothing
- T-shirts
- Breathable clothing
Useful items
- Foldable umbrella
- Rain jacket
- Waterproof bag
Family travel tip
Children often get wet from both rain and sweat, so packing extra clothes is highly recommended.
If rain changes your sightseeing plans near Tokyo Disney Resort, check out our guide to things to do near Tokyo Disneyland on a rainy day.
July – Hot and Humid
Average temperature: 24–32°C (75–90°F)
July marks the start of Tokyo’s intense summer.
If you’re visiting with children in July or August, read our complete guide to summer travel in Japan with kids.
Many travelers only check the temperature before visiting Japan, but humidity is what surprises most people. Even 30°C (86°F) can feel much hotter than expected.
Recommended clothing
- T-shirts
- Shorts or lightweight pants
- Hat
Useful items
- Sunscreen
- Portable fan
- Cooling towel
- Reusable water bottle
Family travel tip
Children sweat much more than adults, so bring two or three extra sets of clothes for each day.
August – Peak Summer Heat
Average temperature: 26–34°C (79–93°F)
August is usually the hottest month in Tokyo.
The combination of high temperatures and extreme humidity makes heatstroke a serious concern.
Recommended clothing
- T-shirts
- Lightweight breathable pants
- Hat
Family travel tips
Many Japanese families try to avoid spending long periods outdoors during the hottest part of the day.
Japan sometimes issues official Heatstroke Alerts, advising people to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities because the heat can be dangerous.
Many families spend the hottest part of the day in shopping malls, museums, aquariums, or indoor play centers with air conditioning.
Even after sunset, temperatures often stay above 25°C (77°F). These “tropical nights” can still feel very hot, so don’t assume evenings are always comfortable.
Some preschools and daycare centers even cancel outdoor pool time when temperatures become dangerously high.
If you’re visiting Tokyo with children, it’s best to sightsee early in the morning or later in the evening and plan indoor activities during the hottest hours of the day.
September – Still Hot with Typhoon Risk
Average temperature: 23–30°C (73–86°F)
Although September is technically autumn, Tokyo often remains very hot.
Some days are still too hot for comfortable sightseeing outdoors.
Short sleeves are often comfortable during the day, but September is also typhoon season.
Major typhoons can temporarily suspend trains and buses, and some attractions may close for safety reasons. Always check the weather forecast during your trip.
Recommended clothing
- T-shirts
- One light long-sleeve layer
Useful items
- Foldable umbrella
- Rain jacket
October – Mild Autumn Weather
Average temperature: 17–24°C (63–75°F)
October offers pleasant temperatures and comfortable walking weather.
Halloween decorations appear throughout the city, especially in shopping malls and popular neighborhoods, making it a fun time to explore Tokyo.
Recommended clothing
- Long-sleeve shirt
- Cardigan
- Light jacket
November – Cooler Days and Autumn Colors
Average temperature: 11–18°C (52–64°F)
November is one of the best months for autumn leaves.
Mornings and evenings become chilly, so a light coat is recommended.
Recommended clothing
- Long-sleeve shirt
- Jacket
- Light coat
December – Cold Winter Weather
Average temperature: 5–13°C (41–55°F)
Tokyo becomes festive with Christmas lights and winter illuminations.
Evenings are cold, so warm clothing is essential.
Recommended clothing
- Down jacket
- Sweater
- Long pants
- Scarf
Family Packing Checklist
No matter what season you visit, these items are useful when traveling with children:
- Extra clothes (1–2 additional sets)
- Hat
- Foldable umbrella
- Small towel
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Portable charger
- Wet wipes
- Plastic bags
In summer, portable fans and cooling towels are especially helpful. In winter, disposable hand warmers are inexpensive and can be found at almost any convenience store.
If you need additional clothing during your trip, don’t worry. Stores like UNIQLO, GU, and children’s clothing retailers are easy to find throughout Tokyo.
Final Thoughts
Packing for Tokyo is mostly about preparing for the season while keeping some flexibility.
When traveling with children, layers, extra clothes, and weather-appropriate accessories can make sightseeing much more comfortable. Check the latest weather forecast shortly before your trip, especially during the rainy season, summer heat, and typhoon season.
With a little preparation, your family can enjoy Tokyo comfortably at any time of year.
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