Tokyo in summer: heat, festivals and how to plan around both
Tokyo in summer, June to August.
Summer in Tokyo is hot and very humid, especially July and August, and June brings the rainy season. But it is also festival and fireworks season, and if you plan like a local, out early, indoors in the afternoon, alive again at dusk, it is a great time to be here.
What to do in Tokyo in summer
Do your walking and sightseeing in the morning, retreat to a museum, department store or cafe in the hottest hours, and come back out in the evening for the summer festivals (matsuri) and riverside fireworks. The old-town streets of Asakusa and the riverside at Oshiage are especially good after dark, and a cold drink from any vending machine is your friend.
Tokyo in summer: frequently asked questions
How hot is Tokyo in summer?
July and August are genuinely hot, often around 33 to 35 degrees with high humidity that makes it feel worse. Carry water, use the vending machines, and plan air-conditioned breaks in the early afternoon.
Is summer a good time to visit Tokyo?
It is the hardest season for weather but the best for events: fireworks festivals, summer matsuri and a real seasonal energy. If you can handle the heat and plan your days around it, summer has a charm the cooler months do not.
When is the rainy season in Tokyo?
Roughly early June to mid-July. It is not constant rain, more grey days and showers, and tourist numbers dip, so it can be an underrated time to visit if you do not mind carrying an umbrella.