Weather Comparison
Tokyo vs Osaka
Side-by-side weather comparison for January
January Weather: Tokyo vs Osaka
| Metric | Tokyo | Osaka | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 8°C (46°F) | 8°C (46°F) | Tie |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 0°C (32°F) | 1°C (34°F)▲ | Osaka |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 6 days | 6 days | Tie |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 68 mm | 58 mm▲ | Osaka |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 8h/day▲ | 7h/day | Tokyo |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65%▲ | 70% | Tokyo |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 2 | 2 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 21 km/h | 17 km/h▲ | Osaka |
Which City is Better in January?
Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Tokyo edges ahead as the better destination in January. Tokyo offers 8 hours of daily sunshine with only 6 rain days, while Osaka sees 7 sunshine hours and 6 rain days.
Tokyo is on the cooler side at 8°C, requiring warmer clothing. Osaka is cooler at 8°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, both cities are equally dry in January. Tokyo receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Temperature Comparison in January
Tokyo reaches an average high of 8°C (46°F) and drops to 0°C (32°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 8°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.
Osaka averages 8°C (46°F) for the high and 1°C (34°F) for the low, with a daily range of 7°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.
Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in January.
Rainfall Comparison in January
Tokyo receives approximately 68 mm of rainfall across 6 rain days during January. Rain is occasional, so a light rain jacket should suffice.
Osaka sees 58 mm over 6 rain days. Both cities are equally rainy this month.
Humidity also differs: Tokyo averages 65% while Osaka sits at 70%. Osaka will feel muggier, especially at higher temperatures.
What to Pack: Tokyo vs Osaka
Packing for Tokyo in January
Highs of 8°C, lows of 0°C, 6 rain days
- ✓heavy winter coat
- ✓thermal base layers
- ✓warm gloves and hat
- ✓insulated boots
- ✓a packable rain jacket
- ✓an umbrella
- ✓a warm scarf
Packing for Osaka in January
Highs of 8°C, lows of 1°C, 6 rain days
- ✓heavy winter coat
- ✓thermal base layers
- ✓warm gloves and hat
- ✓insulated boots
- ✓a packable rain jacket
- ✓an umbrella
- ✓a warm scarf
Pack for both: heavy winter coat, thermal base layers, warm gloves and hat, insulated boots, a packable rain jacket, an umbrella, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during January.
Year-Round Comparison: Tokyo vs Osaka
The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.January is highlighted for quick reference.
| Month | Tokyo | Osaka | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 8°C | 6d | 8°C | 6d |
| Feb | 9°C | 8d | 9°C | 8d |
| Mar | 12°C | 12d | 13°C | 11d |
| Apr | 17°C | 11d | 18°C | 10d |
| May | 22°C | 11d | 23°C | 10d |
| Jun | 25°C | 15d | 26°C | 13d |
| Jul | 28°C | 13d | 30°C | 14d |
| Aug | 30°C | 11d | 32°C | 12d |
| Sep | 26°C | 14d | 28°C | 12d |
| Oct | 21°C | 13d | 22°C | 10d |
| Nov | 16°C | 9d | 16°C | 8d |
| Dec | 11°C | 7d | 11°C | 7d |
Tokyo Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Osaka Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities