The average temperature is 61 degrees F and it is far hotter in the summer than it is colder in the winter. In August 2004, the city's all-time high temperature hit a record of 109 degrees F. On the other hand, while there is occasional snow in the winter, there are rarely the type of snowstorms that can cripple the city or cause problems for the residents. Spring and fall are considered the best seasons for vacationers since the weather is mild and usually quite pleasant.
Summer in Tokyo is significantly hotter now than it was in the previous 20 years. That is in large part to the development of the city. Tokyo is quite windy and those breezes used to do an excellent job of cooling off the city on a hot summer day. However, the city has been built up dramatically in recent years and high-rise buildings have impacted the wind. Instead of sweeping through the city, the wind gets blocked and Tokyo stays hot.
Tokyo is usually considered to be at its most beautiful when the cherry blossoms are blooming. Plan a vacation in the city from March through May if you want to see the beautiful flowers. There are also many summer festivals in Tokyo. If dealing with the heat and humidity is not an issue, plan a summer visit as festivals and fireworks shows highlight the summer months.
Rain can be a factor in June and July. However, this rain is not a heavy, soaking rain but merely showers that should not impact visitors' daily activity. The heavy rains don't come until the typhoon season which is in September. In addition to heavy rain with wind, typhoons can impact many aspects of daily life including public transportation and airplane travel.
The city has not had any major earthquakes since 1923, but Tokyo was hit by a massive quake in 1923 that killed 142,000 people and registered a magnitude of 8.3. There were also two major earthquakes in the 18th and 19th centuries. While no major earthquakes have hit since 1923, there have been tremors and the potential still exists for another to hit.
