Monthly weather averages & travel planning

Asia › 🇯🇵 Japan › Tokyo
Updated: March 2026
March is a fair time to visit Tokyo (5/10). With 8 daily sunshine hours and only 12 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 7th sunniest of the year in Tokyo. Culture-focused travellers and those who prefer lighter crowds will find March a practical choice, with prices running lower than peak August without sacrificing all the good weather. Cherry Blossom Season takes place this month, adding cultural value for those planning around it. The main practical note: Tokyo's popular sites are busiest between 10am and 3pm regardless of season. Arriving at opening time or after 4pm makes a significant difference to the experience. Planning tips: accommodation is generally available without long lead times, and flight prices are typically lower than peak season. Flexible travellers will find the best deals by booking 2-4 weeks ahead. Mid-week arrivals consistently unlock lower hotel rates than weekend check-ins.
Step off the plane in Tokyo in March and the air meets you at around 12°C, crisp and clear, the kind of chill that sharpens your senses and makes the first coffee taste twice as good. By the time evening arrives and temperatures settle near 4°C, the city takes on a different character entirely. With 8 hours of daylight sun on offer, March gives you the raw material for a genuinely memorable trip.
12°C
54°F
Avg High
4°C
39°F
Avg Low
12 days
111 mm total
Rain Days
8h
per day avg
Sunshine
65%
Moderate
Humidity
The 8°C day-night temperature range is typical for continental climates: a light jacket in the morning that you shed by midday and need again after sunset. Humidity averages 65%, which is comfortable for most visitors. On warmer days, lighter fabrics help with the mild stickiness in the afternoon. UV index averages 6 this month, classed as moderate. Sunscreen is a sensible precaution for extended outdoor time, particularly at midday. Wind averages 24 km/h, light enough to be refreshing on warm days but noticeable in open coastal areas or elevated viewpoints. In Fahrenheit: 54°F average high, 39°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).
Packing for Tokyo in March means dressing for 12°C days and 4°C evenings. Layering is key: a thermal base, mid-layer fleece, and a windproof outer jacket for 12°C highs that feel colder in the wind. Evening temperatures settle at 4°C, a modest 8°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. Comfortable walking trainers are the versatile choice for both outdoor sightseeing and indoor venues. A compact foldable umbrella weighs almost nothing and earns its keep across 12 potential rainy days.
Local tip: Temple and religious site visits require covered shoulders and knees in most of Tokyo's heritage areas. A lightweight scarf or sarong weighs almost nothing and solves the problem instantly.
Late March to Early April
Japan's most celebrated seasonal event. Parks citywide open for hanami (flower viewing). Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen are the most popular spots. Expect crowds and premium hotel prices.
TokyoBased on 12°C average highs and 12 rainy days
March marks the transition into warmer conditions in Tokyo, as the sun angle climbs and day length extends. Temperatures averaging 12°C by day and 4°C overnight reflect a city shaking off winter: the morning air still carries a cool edge, but afternoons are noticeably warmer than even four weeks prior. At 36 degrees north latitude, spring is one of the most dynamic periods in the annual cycle, with weekly temperature changes that can be larger than the month-to-month shifts of summer. This volatility is part of the appeal: Tokyo in March has a freshness and energy that peak-summer heat tends to mute. Layers remain essential, but there are reliable pockets of warmth that reward patience. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).
Sunshine Hours
The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.
UV Index
A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate, wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High, hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High, limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme, seek shade between 10am-4pm.
Rain Days
A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.
Humidity
Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry, skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable, ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky, light breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy, heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.
Tokyo in March
March ranks 7th sunniest of the year in Tokyo, with an average 8 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are January, December, and February. August is the hottest month (30°C avg high); January is the coolest (8°C). From here, temperatures rise 5°C into April. Compared to last month (February: 9°C high, 8 rain days), March is warmer and wetter. March sits in the middle of the annual sunshine ranking for Tokyo, offering a reasonable balance of good weather and manageable crowds.
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sun | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C | 0°C | 6 | 8h | View |
| February | 9°C | 1°C | 8 | 8h | View |
| March | 12°C | 4°C | 12 | 8h | View |
| April | 17°C | 9°C | 11 | 9h | View |
| May | 22°C | 14°C | 11 | 9h | View |
| June | 25°C | 18°C | 15 | 8h | View |
| July | 28°C | 22°C | 13 | 9h | View |
| August | 30°C | 24°C | 11 | 10h | View |
| September | 26°C | 20°C | 14 | 8h | View |
| October | 21°C | 14°C | 13 | 7h | View |
| November | 16°C | 8°C | 9 | 7h | View |
| December | 11°C | 3°C | 7 | 7h | View |
January
6 rain days, 8h sun
February
8 rain days, 8h sun
March
12 rain days, 8h sun
April
11 rain days, 9h sun
May
11 rain days, 9h sun
June
15 rain days, 8h sun
July
13 rain days, 9h sun
August
11 rain days, 10h sun
September
14 rain days, 8h sun
October
13 rain days, 7h sun
November
9 rain days, 7h sun
December
7 rain days, 7h sun
Cities within 500 km with comparable weather conditions
Data Sources for Tokyo
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.