When to visit Tokyo without the crowds
Tokyo (Japan) is calmest in January, February, June and September: fewer people and better prices. It gets busiest in April. Below is every month with crowds, temperatures and festivals. Careful with June and September: the calm has a reason (see the seasonal heads-ups).
Best months
Feb, Jun & Sep
When everyone heads home
Right after Golden Week.
Tip
June is rainy season (tsuyu), so pack an umbrella.
Month by month
| Month | Crowds | Avg. high | Festivals & holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2/5 · calm | 10 °C (49 °F) | New Year (Jan 1–3): many closures, Coming of Age Day |
| February | 2/5 · calm | 11 °C (51 °F) | Foundation Day, The Emperor's Birthday |
| March | 3/5 · moderate | 15 °C (58 °F) | Vernal Equinox Day |
| April | 4/5 · busy | 19 °C (66 °F) | Hanami cherry blossoms (late Mar–Apr), Shōwa Day |
| May | 3/5 · moderate | 23 °C (74 °F) | Golden Week (Apr 29–May 5), Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day, Children's Day |
| June | 2/5 · calm ⚠ | 26 °C (79 °F) | |
| July | 3/5 · moderate | 30 °C (86 °F) | Sumida River fireworks (late Jul), Marine Day |
| August | 3/5 · moderate ⚠ | 32 °C (89 °F) | Obon: the city empties out (mid-Aug), Mountain Day |
| September | 2/5 · calm ⚠ | 28 °C (82 °F) | Respect for the Aged Day, Autumnal Equinox Day |
| October | 3/5 · moderate | 22 °C (71 °F) | Sports Day |
| November | 3/5 · moderate | 17 °C (62 °F) | Culture Day, Labour Thanksgiving Day |
| December | 3/5 · moderate | 12 °C (53 °F) |
⚠ = seasonal heads-up.
Before you go: seasonal heads-ups
- Rainy season (tsuyu): rain most days until mid-July.
- Typhoon season (Aug–Sep): flights and trains can be cancelled.
Crowds are a relative index for each place: 1 is its calmest month and 5 its busiest. Temperatures: Copernicus ERA5, 2016–2025 average. Includes official tourism statistics (e-Stat, Tokyo (whole metropolis), 2023-2025). How it works
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Tokyo without the crowds?
The calmest month is usually January, February, June and September (crowds 2/5). In June the average high is 26 °C (79 °F). All the calm months: January, February, June and September.
When is Tokyo most crowded?
The busiest season is April. Right after Golden Week.
What is the weather like in Tokyo?
Average highs range from 10 °C (49 °F) in January to 32 °C (89 °F) in August, from Copernicus ERA5 (2016–2025).
What should I know before going to Tokyo?
Rainy season (tsuyu): rain most days until mid-July. Typhoon season (Aug–Sep): flights and trains can be cancelled.
What festivals are there in Tokyo?
The main ones: Hanami cherry blossoms (late Mar–Apr) (April); Golden Week (Apr 29–May 5) (May); Sumida River fireworks (late Jul) (July); Obon: the city empties out (mid-Aug) (August).
More places in Japan
- Kyoto calm in January, February and June; busiest in March, April, May and November
- Osaka calm in January, February and June; busiest in March, April, May, August and November
- Hiroshima & Miyajima calm in January, February, June and December; busiest in April, May, August and November
- Nara calm in January, February, June and December; busiest in April, May, August, October and November
- Sapporo (Hokkaido) calm in March, April, May and November; busiest in February, July and August
- Naha (Okinawa) calm in January, February, April, June and December; busiest in July and August
- Hakone calm in January, February, June, July and September; busiest in August and November
- Kanazawa calm in January, February, June and July; busiest in May, August and November
- Nikko calm in January, February, March, April, June and December; busiest in August, October and November
- Fukuoka calm in January, February and June; busiest in May, August and November
- Kawaguchiko (Mount Fuji) calm in January, February, March, June, October and December; busiest in August