Tokyo, Japan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2018]

Traveling to Tokyo, Japan? If you're planning to go to Tokyo, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack:

When to go to Tokyo, Japan

Based on the climate and weather in Tokyo, the best time to go is May. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Tokyo, Japan by month

January

January in Tokyo is cold. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

If you plan to ski, ski equipment
Fleeces
Umbrella
Jacket or coat
Waterproof coat
Waterproof boots
Light gloves or mittens
Socks
Warm pants or jeans
Standard footwear

February

Traveling to Tokyo in February, you will notice that it is cold. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Waterproof luggage
Umbrella
Standard footwear
Fleeces
Socks
Waterproof footwear
Light gloves or mittens
Warm pants or jeans
Rain coat
Jacket or coat

March

March in Tokyo can be very chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Waterproof footwear
Rain coat
Dresses
Socks
Light jacket or fleece
Umbrella
Pants or jeans
Waterproof luggage
Standard footwear
Long skirts
Long sleeve shirts or blouses

April

If you vacation in Tokyo during April, you are likely to find that it is cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).

Humidity is generally around 60 during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Light jacket or fleece
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Rain coat
Standard footwear
Long skirts
Waterproof footwear
Dresses
Socks
Umbrella
Waterproof luggage
Pants or jeans

May

In May, Tokyo is mild. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

This is also a rainy time for Tokyo, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In May, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Umbrella
Waterproof luggage
Light footwear
Dresses
Skirts
Long and short sleeve shirts
Sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Shorts or short pants
Waterproof footwear
Rain coat

June

June for Tokyo is warm. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Skirts
Umbrella
Shorts or short pants
Long and short sleeve shirts
Waterproof luggage
Waterproof footwear
Rain coat
Light footwear
Dresses
Sandals
Sunscreen lotion

July

July in Tokyo is hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Waterproof footwear
Sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Waterproof luggage
Dresses
Shorts or short pants
Umbrella
Rain coat
Long and short sleeve shirts
Light footwear
Skirts

August

August for Tokyo can be very hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Sunglasses
Waterproof luggage
Short sleeve shirts
Rain coat
Sunscreen lotion
Umbrella
Shorts
Waterproof footwear
Dresses
Sandals
Skirts

September

September in Tokyo is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) to high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Long and short sleeve shirts
Waterproof footwear
Shorts or short pants
Umbrella
Light footwear
Waterproof luggage
Rain coat
Skirts
Dresses

October

In October, Tokyo is balmy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 60s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

This is also a rainy time for Tokyo, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In October, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Waterproof luggage
Pants or jeans
Long skirts
Umbrella
Standard footwear
Light jacket or fleece
Dresses
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Waterproof footwear
Socks
Rain coat

November

If you go to Tokyo in November, you will notice that it is crisp. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Rain coat
Dresses
Socks
Umbrella
Pants or jeans
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light jacket or fleece
Standard footwear
Waterproof luggage
Waterproof footwear
Long skirts

December

December is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Waterproof luggage
Umbrella
Fleeces
Rain coat
Socks
Jacket or coat
Light gloves or mittens
Standard footwear
Warm pants or jeans
Waterproof footwear

Year-round what to wear/what to pack for Tokyo, Japan

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Tokyo, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

A plug adadpter that supports outlet types A and B
A SIM card that works in Tokyo
If you are visiting a temple, pack respectful clothing
Theft can be a problem, so pack theft protection, including locks for luggage and a money belt or pouch
Appropriate museum wear
Bicycle friendly attire, if you plan on biking anywhere

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