Weather Comparison
Tokyo vs Osaka
Side-by-side weather comparison for May
May Weather: Tokyo vs Osaka
| Metric | Tokyo | Osaka | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 22°C (72°F) | 23°C (73°F)▲ | Osaka |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 14°C (57°F) | 15°C (59°F)▲ | Osaka |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 11 days | 10 days▲ | Osaka |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 131 mm▲ | 141 mm | Tokyo |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 9h/day | 9h/day | Tie |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65%▲ | 70% | Tokyo |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 9 | 9 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 23 km/h | 16 km/h▲ | Osaka |
Which City is Better in May?
Tokyo and Osaka are closely matched in May. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.
Tokyo sits in the comfortable travel range at 22°C. Osaka is also comfortable at 23°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Osaka is the stronger choice in May.
Temperature Comparison in May
Tokyo reaches an average high of 22°C (72°F) and drops to 14°C (57°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 8°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.
Osaka averages 23°C (73°F) for the high and 15°C (59°F) for the low, with a daily range of 8°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 May.
Rainfall Comparison in May
Tokyo receives approximately 131 mm of rainfall across 11 rain days during May. You can expect rain roughly every other day.
Osaka sees 141 mm over 10 rain days. That makes Osaka the drier option by 1 rain day and 10 mm of total precipitation.
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 May
Highs of 22°C, lows of 14°C, 11 rain days
- ✓light layers
- ✓a light jacket for evenings
- ✓sunscreen
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
Packing for Osaka in May
Highs of 23°C, lows of 15°C, 10 rain days
- ✓light layers
- ✓a light jacket for evenings
- ✓sunscreen
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
Pack for both: light layers, a light jacket for evenings, sunscreen, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes. These items are useful in either destination during May.
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.May 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 May
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Osaka Weather in May
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities