Rain by Month in Japan

January — Dry, Cold, Occasionally Icy

January is one of the driest months across most of Japan. If you're visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka during New Year, you'll likely see clear blue skies and cold, dry air. Average rainfall on Honshu sits around 50-60mm for the month — barely anything. It's not rain you need to worry about in January. It's the cold.

Temperatures in Tokyo hover around 1-10°C (34-50°F), and nights can drop below freezing. Kyoto gets similar temperatures but feels colder due to the humidity. Osaka is slightly milder but not by much. You're not getting rained on in January — you're getting chilled to the bone waiting for a train on an open platform.

Where January does get wet is Hokkaido. Sapporo sees about 110mm in January, but it's almost entirely snow, not rain. If you're heading north, pack for winter conditions. The rest of the country? Leave the heavy rain gear at home and bring a warm coat instead. A light compact umbrella will handle the occasional drizzle.

One thing to note: January 1st through 3rd is the New Year holiday, and most Japanese people return to their hometowns. Trains are packed, hotels charge premium rates, and many restaurants close. The weather cooperates, but the crowds don't. Plan accordingly.

February — Still Dry, Still Cold

February is essentially January's slightly warmer twin. Rainfall stays low across Honshu — roughly 55-65mm in Tokyo, 60-70mm in Kyoto, 50-60mm in Osaka. The skies stay clear for days at a stretch, and the air has that crisp winter quality that makes Mount Fuji visible from Tokyo more often than any other time of year.

The further north you go, the more precipitation you'll see, and again it's mostly snow. Sapporo gets about 95mm in February, much of it falling as the famous powder snow that makes Hokkaido a skiing destination. If you're not into winter sports, there's really no reason to endure the cold this month.

February does have one upside for travelers: plum blossoms. Late February into early March, plum trees start blooming, particularly in Kyoto's Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and Tokyo's Hanegi Park. It's not the famous cherry blossom season, but it's quieter and honestly more pleasant without the tourist mobs. And the dry weather means you've got excellent odds of sunny days to enjoy them.

Packing for February is straightforward: warm layers, a good coat, and a compact umbrella you probably won't use. Waterproof shoes aren't a bad idea since melted snow and ice can make sidewalks slick, but you're not dealing with heavy rain.

March — Unpredictable, Pack Everything

March is when things start getting weird. The transition from winter to spring creates unpredictable weather patterns that can deliver a perfect sunny day followed by a cold, driving rain that comes out of nowhere. Average rainfall jumps to about 110-120mm in Tokyo, 110mm in Kyoto, and 100mm in Osaka. It's not the volume that's challenging — it's the inconsistency.

Temperatures swing wildly. You might get a 18°C (64°F) afternoon that feels like spring has arrived, then wake up to 4°C (39°F) the next morning. This is the month where you see Japanese locals wearing layers that make no sense — a heavy scarf with a light jacket, or shorts with a down coat. They're not confused. They've just lived through enough Marches to know better.

Cherry blossom season typically starts in late March in Tokyo and Osaka, though the exact timing varies by year. The Japan Meteorological Corporation releases forecasts starting in January, and by March they've usually narrowed it down to a specific week. If you're visiting for the blossoms, keep an eye on these forecasts — and bring an umbrella. Nothing sours a hanami picnic faster than a surprise shower.

Our advice for March? Pack layers. A waterproof outer shell you can throw on over a light jacket. Shoes that can handle wet pavement. And check the 10-day forecast obsessively before you leave. March doesn't give you the consistent dry weather of January, but it's not the deluge you'll see in summer either. It's the weather equivalent of a coin flip.

April — Spring Rains, Frequent But Gentle

April is peak cherry blossom season and one of the most popular months to visit Japan. It's also when the rain starts becoming a regular companion. Tokyo sees about 130mm in April, Kyoto around 120mm, Osaka roughly 105mm. The rain tends to come in frequent light showers rather than sustained downpours — drizzly mornings that clear by afternoon, or a brief afternoon shower that sends everyone scurrying into coffee shops.

The good news: April rain is rarely disruptive. It's the kind of weather where you pop open a convenience store umbrella, walk a few blocks, and forget about it. Temperatures are pleasant — 10-19°C (50-66°F) in most regions — so getting a little wet isn't miserable. And the rain actually enhances some experiences. Kyoto's temple gardens look their most vibrant after a light spring shower. The moss at Ginkakuji practically glows.

Golden Week — a cluster of national holidays from late April into early May — brings domestic travel chaos. Everyone in Japan is off work, hotels are booked solid, and prices spike. The weather during this period is generally cooperative, but the crowds more than make up for it. If you can, visit in early April before Golden Week starts.

What to pack for April: a reliable travel umbrella, waterproof shoes or sneakers you don't mind getting wet, and a light rain jacket for the cooler mornings. The rain is manageable, but it's frequent enough that you'll want proper gear, not a hotel lobby umbrella that's been bent by a hundred previous guests.

May — Increasing Humidity, Pre-Tsuyu Tension

May is the calm before the storm. Literally. Rainfall creeps up to around 140mm in Tokyo, 150mm in Kyoto, 145mm in Osaka. The humidity starts climbing, and you can feel the air getting heavier as the month progresses. By late May, especially in southern and western Japan, you'll start seeing the occasional pre-tsuyu downpour — intense, short-lived storms that dump a lot of water in a hurry.

Temperatures are lovely for the first half of May, ranging from 15-23°C (59-73°F). It's arguably the best weather month of the year before the humidity kicks in. The late May heat can surprise you though — days in the upper 20s (80°F+) aren't uncommon, and the rising humidity makes it feel hotter than the thermometer suggests.

If you're visiting in May, the first two weeks are golden. Comfortable temperatures, manageable rain, and the last of the spring flowers. Wisteria season hits in early May, and places like Ashikaga Flower Park and Kameido Tenjin in Tokyo are spectacular. After mid-May, start watching the humidity. Once it climbs above 65%, you know tsuyu is coming.

Packing for May means adding quick-dry clothing to your list. Cotton t-shirts will stay damp for hours in the building humidity. Synthetic fabrics or lightweight merino wool work much better. A compact umbrella is still essential, but you might want to upgrade to something sturdier — those pre-tsuyu storms can be surprisingly fierce.

June — Tsuyu Begins, and It Doesn't Stop

June is when Japan's rainy season — tsuyu — officially begins in most regions. And when we say rainy season, we mean it. Tokyo gets hammered with roughly 170mm of rain in June. Kyoto sees about 210mm. Osaka? Around 226mm, making it one of the wettest major cities this month. In southern Japan, tsuyu starts even earlier — Fukuoka begins seeing sustained rain in late May and gets hit with 250mm+ in June.

Tsuyu isn't dramatic rain. There's no thunder, no howling wind. It's a slow, persistent, never-ending gray drizzle that settles over the country like a wet blanket. Day after day of overcast skies, occasional showers, and humidity that climbs to 85% or higher. Your clothes won't dry properly. Your hotel room will feel clammy. Your camera lens will fog up when you step outside.

Here's the thing about tsuyu though: it's predictable. It starts in early June and ends in mid-July for most of Honshu. Okinawa gets it earlier (May). Hokkaido mostly skips it entirely — Sapporo gets only about 80mm in June and is genuinely pleasant. If you're flexible, go north during tsuyu. Hokkaido's lavender fields start blooming in late June, the weather is clear, and you'll avoid the misery entirely.

If you're stuck in tsuyu territory, indoor activities are your friend. Museums, shopping arcades, covered markets, department store basements (the food halls at places like Daimaru and Takashimaya are incredible), and of course onsen. Nothing takes the edge off tsuyu like soaking in a hot spring while rain drums on the roof above you.

June in Kyushu is basically a swimming pool. Avoid unless you enjoy being damp 24/7. David learned this the hard way in Fukuoka. Three days of nonstop rain, every outdoor plan scrapped, and a newfound appreciation for indoor shopping malls.

July — Tsuyu Ends, Tropical Downpours Begin

July is a tale of two halves. For most of Honshu, tsuyu wraps up around mid-July with a dramatic shift — the gray skies suddenly clear, the humidity stays but the rain stops, and summer arrives with a vengeance. Tokyo's rainfall drops to about 155mm after a wet first half. Kyoto sees about 221mm, but much of it falls in the first two weeks. Osaka gets around 160mm with a similar pattern.

The second half of July brings something else though: intense tropical heat. Temperatures regularly hit 30-35°C (86-95°F) with humidity that makes it feel closer to 40°C (104°F). This is not comfortable weather. The Japanese government has started issuing heat stroke warnings during this period, and you'll see cooling shelters set up in public spaces. Don't be a hero — drink water, use air conditioning, and rest during the hottest part of the day.

Down south, July is a different story. Fukuoka gets absolutely drenched with around 299mm — one of the wettest months for any major Japanese city. The rain here isn't the gentle tsuyu drizzle anymore. It's tropical downpours — heavy, sudden, intense. One minute it's sunny, the next you're in a monsoon. These storms can flood streets in minutes and turn a pleasant walk into a sprint for cover.

Hokkaido, as always, is the exception. July in Sapporo is beautiful — clear skies, comfortable temperatures around 20-26°C (68-79°F), and only about 80mm of rain. It's peak summer tourist season for a reason. Lavender fields, farm-to-table food, and weather that actually makes you want to be outside. Everyone from Tokyo flies north this month.

July packing list: maximum-strength deodorant, quick-dry everything, a seriously good umbrella, and patience. The weather is challenging no matter where you are. But the fireworks festivals — hanabi taikai — that start in July make it worth considering despite the conditions.

August — Typhoon Peak, Pray for Clear Skies

August is statistically the peak of typhoon season, and it's the month that causes the most travel disruption. Tokyo averages about 155mm, but that number is deceptive — much of it comes from one or two intense typhoon events rather than steady rain. Kyoto sees around 150mm, Osaka about 115mm, and Sapporo stays relatively dry at around 142mm. Fukuoka gets roughly 175mm as tropical systems track up from the south.

Typhoons are the wildcard. These massive tropical cyclones typically form in the western Pacific and track northwest toward Japan, making landfall somewhere along the southern or eastern coast before moving north and weakening. A single typhoon can drop 200-300mm of rain in 24 hours, trigger landslide warnings, and shut down transportation across entire regions.

Not every August week brings a typhoon. You might get lucky and have a perfectly clear, brutally hot week with no rain at all. But the risk is real, and it's concentrated in this month. If you're booking a non-refundable trip to Japan, August carries the highest weather-related cancellation risk.

The heat in August is arguably worse than July. Tokyo's urban heat island effect pushes temperatures above 35°C (95°F) regularly. The humidity doesn't drop. Walking around the city feels like being in a sauna wearing clothes. Combined with typhoon risk, August is genuinely our least favorite month to visit Japan.

That said, August has Obon — one of Japan's most important cultural festivals. It's a Buddhist custom where families return to their hometowns to honor ancestors. The atmosphere is unique, and events like the Bon dances and lantern floating ceremonies are beautiful. Just keep one eye on the typhoon forecast.

September — Typhoon Tail, Lingering Systems

September is our personal nemesis. It doesn't get the attention August does for typhoons, but it absolutely should. Tokyo gets absolutely walloped with about 210mm of rain in September — the wettest month of the year for the capital. Kyoto sees around 195mm. Sendai, up north on the coast, gets roughly 202mm as typhoon remnants track up the Pacific coast. Even Sapporo sees a bump to about 140mm.

What makes September particularly frustrating is the lingering tropical systems. August typhoons tend to blow through quickly. September storms — the remnants of typhoons that have weakened over land or tropical lows that develop close to Japan — can stall. That means days of continuous moderate to heavy rain rather than a quick intense blast. David's infamous Osaka typhoon experience? That was September 2019. A slow-moving system that just wouldn't leave.

The silver lining: September temperatures start cooling down. Tokyo drops from the mid-30s to the mid-20s (77-86°F). Humidity eases slightly. The first hints of autumn appear in northern regions. If you catch a clear stretch, it's actually quite pleasant. The problem is those clear stretches are increasingly rare.

We don't recommend September for first-time visitors. The combination of lingering typhoon risk, high rainfall totals, and the psychological toll of day after day of gray skies makes it a tough month. Experienced Japan travelers who can roll with disruptions might find fewer tourists and lower prices, but go in with realistic expectations.

October — Autumn Drizzle, Mostly Pleasant

October is when the weather gods smile on Japan again. Rainfall drops dramatically — Tokyo sees about 165mm, Kyoto around 120mm, Osaka roughly 110mm. The brutal summer heat is gone, replaced by comfortable temperatures of 14-22°C (57-72°F). Humidity plummets. The skies clear. And the autumn foliage starts appearing in northern and mountain regions.

This is one of the best months to visit Japan, full stop. The weather is cooperative, the crowds are manageable (though increasing as October has become more popular), and the fall colors provide a spectacular backdrop. Late October brings peak koyo season to Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps, spreading south through November.

October rain tends to be light and brief. A passing shower, an overcast morning that burns off by noon. It's not the kind of rain that ruins plans. You might need an umbrella a couple days during a week-long trip, but you won't be living under it. Compare that to June or September, and it's night and day.

The only downside? Everyone else has figured out October is great. Hotels in Kyoto and Tokyo book up well in advance, particularly around the Silver Week holiday in mid-October. Prices are higher than the summer months. And the popular autumn foliage spots get packed with day-trippers from the cities. Still worth it.

November — Dry, Clear, Crisp

November is arguably the driest and most pleasant month in Japan. Tokyo gets about 85mm of rain. Kyoto sees roughly 75mm. Osaka around 70mm. Sapporo stays dry at about 100mm, mostly as early snow rather than rain. The skies are consistently clear, the air is crisp and cool, and the autumn colors reach their peak across most of Honshu.

Temperatures drop to 8-17°C (46-63°F), which feels cold compared to the humid warmth of summer but is perfectly comfortable with a light jacket. The low humidity means you can walk all day without feeling sticky or exhausted. It's the kind of weather that makes you want to be outside constantly — temple hopping, hiking, exploring neighborhoods on foot.

Late November is particularly special in Kyoto. The maple trees at temples like Eikando, Tofukuji, and Kiyomizudera turn brilliant red and orange, drawing visitors from across the country. The illuminated evening light-ups at select temples create one of the most beautiful travel experiences Japan offers. And the dry weather means you have excellent odds of clear evenings to enjoy them.

If we had to pick one month for a first-time visitor who wants to minimize rain risk and maximize pleasant weather, November would be it. Pack a warm jacket, a light umbrella just in case, and layer-friendly clothing. You probably won't need waterproof shoes — regular sneakers or boots handle November conditions fine.

December — Cold Rain, Rare but Miserable

December closes out the year with low rainfall and cold temperatures. Tokyo sees about 45mm — one of the driest months. Kyoto gets around 40mm, Osaka roughly 38mm. Up in Sapporo, December brings winter proper with about 110mm of precipitation, almost entirely snow. The ski season kicks into gear.

When December rain does come, it's unpleasant. Cold rain hits different than warm summer rain. A 5°C (41°F) drizzle with biting wind will cut through insufficient clothing faster than you'd expect. December rain isn't dangerous — it's just miserable. The kind of weather that drives you into the nearest warm building and makes you reconsider your outdoor plans.

December also brings shorter days. The sun sets around 4:30 PM in Tokyo by mid-December, giving you a narrow window for outdoor sightseeing. Many attractions close earlier in winter, and some rural restaurants shut entirely for the holidays. New Year preparations start in late December, and the country gradually winds down.

The Christmas and New Year period deserves special mention. Japan doesn't celebrate Christmas as a national holiday (it's a normal workday), but the commercial decorations are spectacular — especially in Tokyo's Omotesando and Roppongi districts. New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are the most important holidays of the year, and everything shuts down. Seriously. Don't plan to eat at a local restaurant on January 1st. Most are closed.

Packing for December: a warm, waterproof coat is ideal since you'll be protected from both cold and the occasional rain. Warm shoes with grip for potentially slick surfaces. A compact umbrella. And hand warmers — the disposable kairo packets sold at every convenience store are a lifesaver on cold, wet days.

Monthly Rainfall at a Glance (Tokyo, in mm)

Here's a quick reference table for Tokyo's average monthly rainfall. Use it to spot the patterns at a glance.

The pattern is clear: the wettest months cluster from June through October, with September being the single worst offender in Tokyo. The driest months are December through February — but you're trading rain for cold. Our sweet spot recommendations? Late April to early May, or mid-October through November. You'll get the best balance of comfortable temperatures and manageable rainfall.

Regional Variations — Same Month, Different Experience

One crucial thing to understand is that a single month can feel completely different depending on which island you're visiting. Let's compare June across three cities to illustrate how dramatically the same month can vary:

In Tokyo (Honshu), June means tsuyu — steady, gray, drizzly rain that lasts for days. Temperatures hover around 20-25°C (68-77°F) with 80%+ humidity. It's uncomfortable but not debilitating. You'll need an umbrella every day and waterproof shoes are strongly recommended.

In Fukuoka (Kyushu), June is tsuyu on steroids. The same seasonal rain front hits Kyushu harder because it's further south and closer to the moisture source. Expect heavier rainfall totals, more intense downpours, and even higher humidity. David describes Fukuoka in June as "like breathing through a wet washcloth."

In Sapporo (Hokkaido), June is genuinely pleasant. Tsuyu barely reaches this far north. You'll get occasional light rain, but also plenty of clear days. Temperatures are comfortable at 15-22°C (59-72°F), and the famous lavender fields are starting to bloom. Rachel calls Sapporo in June "the best-kept secret in Japanese travel."

This regional variation is why we always tell people to check our city-specific guides rather than relying solely on month-based advice. National averages don't tell you what your specific destination will be like. June is the perfect example — it ranges from miserable in Fukuoka to magical in Sapporo.

The Typhoon Wildcard

No monthly guide can fully account for typhoons because they're unpredictable by nature. A single typhoon can dump more rain in 24 hours than an entire typical month. In September 2019, Typhoon Faxai dropped over 300mm of rain on parts of Tokyo in a single day — that's more rain than the entire month of December typically sees.

Typhoons typically form in the western Pacific and track toward Japan between August and October, with September being the peak risk month. Not every typhoon makes direct landfall — some curve away and only bring peripheral rain. But when they do hit, they can disrupt travel for days. Flights cancel, trains suspend service, and attractions close.

If you're visiting during typhoon season, we strongly recommend building flexibility into your itinerary. Don't schedule non-refundable activities during August or September. Keep a "typhoon day" backup plan — indoor attractions, hotel lobbies with good WiFi, and a willingness to change plans on short notice. And monitor the Japan Meteorological Agency typhoon tracker daily.

We've learned to respect typhoons the hard way. David's infamous Osaka experience involved being stranded for a full day when all trains were suspended, watching convenience store shelves empty of food, and discovering that his "waterproof" jacket wasn't actually waterproof when faced with horizontal rain driven by 100km/h winds. He now carries a disposable emergency poncho even on sunny days during typhoon season. Just in case.