The month in detail
What to expect in May
Spring marks the start of the good season in Tokyo. Temperatures rise (23°C) and tourists have not yet arrived en masse. Expect rain on 29% of days — a light raincoat in the bag is recommended. A good balance between weather and crowds, even if September (7.9/10) remains theoretically better.
May ranks 2 out of 12 months in Tokyo. Compared to April: +4°C daytime.
This month's conditions
What it's like in May
UV index
6 · high
sunscreen and hat advised
Feels like
dry air
8°
Sea
18°C
cool, invigorating
Daylight
13.9h of daylight
Air quality
fair
AQI 52
Compare
Is May the right month?
The best month in Tokyo is September (7.9/10), 0.1 pt higher than May.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Tokyo
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
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Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Tokyo
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach holiday.
Country · Japan
🗣️LanguageJapanese
💶CurrencyYen japonais (¥)
🚗DrivingLeft-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘSafe · 2/5
💰Cost of living ⓘModerate · 3/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘ+2.01°C/decade
🔥Hottest monthAugust · 32°C
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 9°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘSeptember · 37%
🏖️ Beach holiday
📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
Explore
Other destinations in May
If May doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Tokyo ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
JapanTemperate oceanic climate with a 7.9 → 4.2 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
35.69°N · 139.69°E
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Tokyo?
September is the best month with 28.0°C highs, 21.0°C lows, 4.2h of sunshine and 37.0% rainy days. The months of September & May offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Tokyo get in September?
Tokyo averages 4.2 sunshine hours per day in September. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.4/10.
What is the rainiest month in Tokyo?
January is the most unfavourable month with January has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Tokyo in September?
In September, overnight lows reach 21.0°C, while afternoon highs average 28.0°C.
Is Tokyo good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Tokyo scores 4.1/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains September with a score of 7.4/10.
When should you avoid Tokyo?
January is the most difficult month to visit Tokyo, with January has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Tokyo in May?
In May, the sea averages 18°C in Tokyo: cool, invigorating. Swimming is possible but brisk; sensitive swimmers may prefer a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Tokyo in May?
The average UV index reaches 6 in May in Tokyo (high), with about 13.9h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.