It's easy to pack Tokyo for the temperature and forget the humidity, which is what makes August, with its 34°C (93°F) average high, so hard. Pack for the season you're visiting, expect a lot of walking between train stations, and bring shoes that slip on and off fast. Outlets are 100V and take two-pin US-style plugs.
Tokyo weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 10°C50°F | 11°C52°F | 15°C59°F | 20°C68°F | 23°C73°F | 27°C81°F | 33°C91°F | 34°C93°F | 30°C86°F | 23°C73°F | 17°C63°F | 12°C54°F |
| Low | 1°C34°F | 2°C36°F | 5°C41°F | 11°C52°F | 14°C57°F | 19°C66°F | 24°C75°F | 26°C79°F | 23°C73°F | 15°C59°F | 9°C48°F | 3°C37°F |
| Rain days | 5 | 7 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryCool, clear and dry. Highs run 10–12°C (50–54°F), lows drop to 1–3°C (34–37°F), and there are only 5 to 7 rain days a month. A warm jacket, a sweater and a scarf cover most days, and you'll shed layers on heated trains and in the Ginza and Shinjuku department stores.
Spring
March–MaySpring warms fast, from a 15°C (59°F) high in March to 23°C (73°F) in May, with lows from 5°C (41°F) to 14°C (57°F). Rain climbs too, from 12 days in March to 14 in May. Pack light layers, a light jacket for cool mornings and something waterproof for Ueno Park and the Meguro River.
Summer
June–AugustHot and humid. June averages 27°C (81°F) with 14 rain days, then July hits 33°C (91°F) and August 34°C (93°F), and nights stay at 24–26°C (75–79°F). Pack breathable, quick-drying clothes, a hat, sunscreen and a way to cool down between air-conditioned trains and shops.
Fall
September–NovemberSeptember is still hot at a 30°C (86°F) high with 13 rain days. It cools to 23°C (73°F) in October and 17°C (63°F) in November, with lows falling from 23°C (73°F) to 9°C (48°F). Pack summer clothes for early fall and add a light jacket and sweater for November evenings in Shibuya or Asakusa.
What to bring to Tokyo
0 of 24 packed- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
The US plug fits Japan's type A outlets, and five ports charge everything off one socket in a small Tokyo hotel room.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
Directed airflow makes a crowded platform or an August walk, when highs average 34°C (93°F), a lot easier to bear.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Keeps water cold all day through Tokyo summers, when highs run 33–34°C (91–93°F) in July and August.
- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
A light, breathable women's walking shoe for warm Tokyo days, though the knit soaks through on the 12 to 14 rain days of summer.
- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
The men's version, light and breathable for long station transfers in the heat, with the same catch that the knit upper gets wet in rain.
- Tru Earth Eco-Strips Laundry Detergent (Unscented)Travel Laundry
Dry strips make sink laundry easy when humid summers have you sweating through shirts.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
Keeps a laptop and layers dry on rainy days from spring through September.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
A pocket-size top-up for long days of train maps, translation apps and photos.
Clothing
- Breathable, quick-drying shirts · 5August averages 34°C, nights stay at 24–26°C
- Neat, understated layers in muted colorsSmart casual fits nearly everywhere
- Warm jacket · 1Winter lows drop to 1–3°C
- Sweater and scarfDec–Feb, and November evenings at 9°C
- Light jacket · 1Cool spring mornings, lows from 5°C in March
- Socks without holes · 6 pairsShoes come off at temples, ryokan and fitting rooms
- Sun hatHot, humid summers
Footwear
- Slip-on or easy-lace shoes · 1 pairLaces cost you time; long transfers at Shinjuku
Gear
- Compact umbrella or parasol14 rain days in May, June and August
- Small towelLocals carry one against the summer heat
- Small bag for trashPublic trash cans are rare
- Soft bag instead of a big rollerStation stairs, packed trains, small hotel rooms
Health and toiletries
- SunscreenJuly 33°C, August 34°C
Documents and money
- Passport
- Cash and a card
Tech
- Dual-voltage chargersJapan runs at 100V; check hair tools
What shoes should you pack for Tokyo?
Laces cost you time here. You'll take shoes off at temples, traditional restaurants, ryokan and fitting rooms, and you'll walk a lot, including long transfers at stations like Shinjuku and stairs at many exits. Pick slip-on or easy-lace shoes, and pack socks without holes, because people will see them.
What do people wear in Tokyo?
Tokyo dress is neat and understated, with clean sneakers, simple layers and muted colors. In summer lots of people carry a small towel and a parasol against the heat. Smart casual fits nearly everywhere, from cafés in Daikanyama to dinner in Roppongi.
What plugs does Tokyo use?
Japan uses type A and B plugs at 100V. Two-pin US plugs fit, three-pin grounded plugs often don't, and European and UK plugs need an adapter. Most phone and laptop chargers are rated 100 to 240V and work fine, but hair tools and other heating appliances from 220 to 240V countries may not, so check the label.
Tours and things to do in Tokyo
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Tokyo.
What should you leave at home for Tokyo?
Leave the big rolling suitcase if you can. Station stairs, packed trains and small hotel rooms make it hard work. Heavy winter gear is rarely needed, as January lows average 1°C (34°F), and public trash cans are rare, so carry a small bag for wrappers instead of packing extra disposables.
Around Tokyo
Packing for Tokyo: questions people ask
How hot does Tokyo get in summer?
July averages a 33°C (91°F) high and August 34°C (93°F), and nights stay around 24–26°C (75–79°F). It's humid too, so pack light, breathable clothes.
Do I need a plug adapter in Japan?
Two-pin US plugs fit Japan's type A and B outlets. European, UK and Australian plugs need an adapter, and with a 100V supply you should check heating appliances before you bring them.
What is the driest time to visit Tokyo?
December and January, with 5 rain days each. February and November are next, with 7.
Do I need to take my shoes off in Tokyo?
Often, yes. Temples, ryokan, some restaurants and fitting rooms ask you to, so slip-on shoes and clean socks make life easier.
What should I wear in Tokyo in winter?
Highs are 10–12°C (50–54°F) and lows 1–3°C (34–37°F), and it's mostly dry. A warm jacket, a sweater and a scarf are enough for most days.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.