Added: 03/16/2006 |
Tokyo Climate - It's not Just About the WeatherTokyo is not just the capital of Japan; it is also one of the biggest cities. There are about 12 million people who live and also have jobs in Tokyo. Except state institutions, banks and offices there are great deal of sightseeing. One of them is the Imperial Palace in the centre of Tokyo. Every year millions of tourists throng in this wonderful city of business and culture. Tokyo can amaze you with an exceptional architecture as well as with its climate.
Tokyo climate is in large part influenced by the mountains and by the sea. Tokyo, being in a temperate zone, has a comparatively moderate and comfortable climate throughout the year. Climate in Tokyo in many respects resembles that of the coastal regions in the South-eastern United States. So things will change from season to season and you need to be aware of that when planning your trip. Tokyo has four distinct seasons, similar to New York. Average temperature in Tokyo is 16°C (61°F), August being the hottest and January the coldest. There's about 20°C difference between summer and winter. Of course, you can make sure and feel in the diversity of Tokyo climate only visiting this city.
Summer is hot, humid and generally uncomfortable. There is a month long rainy season called baiu or plum rain from the middle of June to July. This is characterized by sticky weather and there are a great number of bugs and insects in the city. But don't worry! Tokyo has a very good public transportation system, and you can catch any mode of transport almost everywhere. Moreover, large key stations usually have wide spread underpass with many exits, so you can reach your destination without being wet.
The very heat falls on the second part of July and August. In the summer of 2004, temperature went record high up to 42.7°C (109°F) in the middle of Tokyo, and days over 30°C (86°F) continued for 40 days. It was hotter in Tokyo than in the subtropical islands of Okinawa. In August, there are quite a few days when the temperature does not fall lower than 25 C° even after the sunset. Such nights are called the tropical nights when it is difficult to sleep well due to the heat.
The Autumn months are September, October and November. In September, there are still hot days when the temperature rises above 30 C° in the daytime. In October, Tokyo sometimes is hit by typhoons. But in general, the temperature and humidity gradually fall and you can see the examples of pleasant "glorious autumnal days". When the leaves turn to take on their autumn tints Tokyo settles down into fascinating gold of autumn.
Winter lasts from December to February.
Winters are cool, although only a few days have temperatures below freezing. It sometimes snows in the central part of the city, although the snow seldom piles up. Meanwhile, in the neighborhood of the Ogasawara islands, the temperature stays somewhere around 20 C° even in mid-winter. The daytime hours are shortened, as the sun sets around 4:30-5:30 p.m. As you see, winter weather conditions in Tokyo depend on the area. Clear sunny weather predominates with little or no snow.
Spring is the most comfortable of all the seasons. Spring is from March to May. Although there may be days when it gets colder in the morning and evening, most days are generally warm and comfortable. The spring is characterized by pleasant weather, with only occasional showers, and flowers grace landscapes in both rural and urban areas. Early April is the cherry blossom season in Tokyo. Depending on the weather, cherry blossoms will be in bloom for one or two weeks around late March through mid April. During the cherry blossom season, Japanese people enjoy "Hanami" (cherry blossom viewing).
As you've no doubt gathered, the Tokyo climate is rather diverse. The best time to visit Tokyo is during the spring and autumn, but it's in the summer when we have large and energetic festivals and fireworks all around Japan. Keep in mind that the Tokyo climate is not always the guidepost when to visit.
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