Tokyo weather
in January
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 5 rainy days across the month, on average.
In january, Tokyo settles into its cold, contemplative stillness. The city keeps a different pulse than in summer or midwinter, and travellers who arrive with the right expectations are rewarded.
Days average around 9°C (48°F), cooling to 0°C after sunset. Rainfall is moderate — around 5 rainy days spread through the month.
These figures are climatological averages, drawn from a decade of daily records via the Open-Meteo Archive — not a forecast. But they are honest, and they are the sort of thing a good travel guide ought to tell you before you book the flight.
What to pack for Tokyo in January
- •A properly warm coat — not a fashion piece
- •A merino base layer for the cold evenings
- •Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- •A small daypack that won't look like a tourist beacon
What to pack for Tokyo in January
- →Lightweight fleeceAmazon · shop this
- →Merino travel socksAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
- →Compression packing cubesAmazon · shop this
- →Anti-theft crossbody bagAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Tokyo
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Tokyo in January — FAQ
Q01Is January a good time to visit Tokyo?
Is January a good time to visit Tokyo?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In January, Tokyo averages a high of 9°C (48°F) and a low of 0°C (32°F), with 58mm of rainfall across roughly 5 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Tokyo in January?
What is the average temperature in Tokyo in January?
The average high temperature in Tokyo during January is 9°C (48°F), with an average low of 0°C (32°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Tokyo have in January?
How many rainy days does Tokyo have in January?
Tokyo averages approximately 5 rainy days in January, with a total monthly rainfall of about 58mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Tokyo in January?
What should I pack for Tokyo in January?
For Tokyo in January, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is Tokyo in January?
How crowded is Tokyo in January?
Tourist crowds in Tokyo during January are typically low — winter is off-season, meaning quiet streets and better hotel deals. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.