Japan (Tokyo) · May
Low seasonJapan · Asia
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 10° (50°)4– (39–)15 (59) | 11° (52°)4– (39–)19 (66) | 14° (57°)6– (43–)22 (72) | 19° (66°)10– (50–)25 (77) | 23° (73°)16– (61–)28 (82) | 25° (77°)19– (66–)30 (86) | 29° (84°)21– (70–)34 (93) | 31° (88°)24– (75–)35 (95) | 27° (81°)21– (70–)32 (90) | 22° (72°)15– (59–)28 (82) | 17° (63°)10– (50–)23 (73) | 12° (54°)7– (45–)19 (66) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | -1° (30°)-6– (21–)5 (41) | 1° (34°)-5– (23–)8 (46) | 4° (39°)-3– (27–)11 (52) | 9° (48°)0– (32–)15 (59) | 14° (57°)7– (45–)19 (66) | 18° (64°)12– (54–)23 (73) | 22° (72°)18– (64–)25 (77) | 24° (75°)19– (66–)26 (79) | 21° (70°)14– (57–)25 (77) | 15° (59°)7– (45–)20 (68) | 8° (46°)0– (32–)14 (57) | 2° (36°)-5– (23–)9 (48) |
☀️Sunshine | 7h | 7h | 7h | 7h | 8h | 7h | 7h | 8h | 6h | 5h | 5h | 6h |
🌊Water Temp | 14° (57°) | 13° (55°) | 14° (57°) | 16° (61°) | 18° (64°) | 20° (68°) | 22° (72°) | 25° (77°) | 25° (77°) | 22° (72°) | 19° (66°) | 16° (61°) |
🌧Rain Days | 5d73mm (2.9") | 6d80mm (3.1") | 8d116mm (4.6") | 9d132mm (5.2") | 10d139mm (5.5") | 10d169mm (6.7") | 8d137mm (5.4") | 8d131mm (5.2") | 10d202mm (8.0") | 11d230mm (9.0") | 8d100mm (3.9") | 5d75mm (2.9") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Still off-season — flights and hotels significantly cheaper than in June.
May in Japan (Tokyo) is generally manageable, but with 10 rain days it's not a reliably sunny month. Better conditions can be found in June, July, August, and September.
Daytime highs average 23°C (73°F), cooling to 14°C (57°F) at night (daily average: 18°C (64°F)). Peaks reach around 28°C (82°F), the coldest nights around 7°C (45°F). The sun shines an average of 8 hours per day; there are 10 rain days with 139 mm (5.5 in) total. The sea is 18°C (64°F) — refreshing and manageable for confident swimmers.
A jacket for cool evenings should not be left behind. Sightseeing and excursions can be enjoyed comfortably at this time of year.
Golden Week in May, then early summer: a green city, pleasant temperatures, still ahead of the humid rainy season. At the end of June, tsuyu (the rainy season) begins with weeks of drizzle.
Packing list for Japan (Tokyo) in May
- T-shirts and shorts
- Light jacket for cool evenings
- SPF 50 sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Light umbrella or rain poncho
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is May a good time to visit Japan (Tokyo)?
- May is not an optimal month for Japan (Tokyo) (Score: 64/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider June, July, August, and September.
- How warm is it in Japan (Tokyo) in May?
- In May, Japan (Tokyo) sees daily highs of 23°C (73°F). Nights cool to 14°C (57°F), with a daily average of 18°C (64°F). Peaks reach around 28°C (82°F), the coldest nights around 7°C (45°F).
- How much rain falls in Japan (Tokyo) in May?
- In May, Japan (Tokyo) receives an average of 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain over 10 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Japan (Tokyo) get in May?
- Japan (Tokyo) averages 8 sunshine hours per day in May — above the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Japan (Tokyo) in May?
- Water temperature in Japan (Tokyo) in May averages 18°C (64°F) — refreshing but slightly cool for sensitive swimmers.
