What May feels like in Tokyo
For Tokyo, May is late spring on the calendar. Mild afternoons make it easy to spend hours outdoors. After dark the temperature drops clearly: nights stay mild. The air is fairly humid, though at these temperatures it rarely feels oppressive.
Rain in Tokyo in May
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. When rain comes it is heavy, about 12.2 mm (0.5 in) per wet day, often in short, strong bursts. The yearly figure is similar, around 11.4 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in May
In mid-May, sunrise is at about 4:37 am and sunset at about 6:38 pm (local time) — 14 h 1 min of daylight. Since mid-April the day has gained 58 min. Measured sunshine covers about 63% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, May comes out as the 5th warmest month in Tokyo. Afternoons run 4.6°C (8.3°F) warmer than in April, with 12 mm more rain. The warm-up continues into June. The next month's average high: 25.4°C (77.7°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — pleasant for gardens, parks and riversides.
- Beach: less ideal — too many rainy days.
Tips for visiting Tokyo in May
Versatile Layers
Pack pieces you can take off by noon and put back on at dusk.
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Tokyo in May?
Afternoons average 22.4°C (72.3°F) and nights about 14.3°C (57.7°F) — mild by most people's standards. It is the 5th warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Tokyo in May?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 147 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Tokyo in May?
The numbers point to versatile layers, rain protection and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is May or June better for visiting Tokyo?
May scores better on our climate ranking (#2 of 12 vs #3), rated Good against Good. June is warmer and has more rainy days.