Average annual temperature Tokyo 1900-2024

In 2024, the average air temperature in Japan's capital reached around 18.8 degrees Celsius. Tokyo's annual mean air temperature increased by four degrees Celsius since 1900, showing the progress of global warming. 

Weather in Tokyo

Tokyo lies in the humid subtropical climate zone. It is affected by the monsoon circulation and has mild, sunny winters and hot, humid, and rainy summers. In most of Japan, the rainy season lasts from early June to mid-July. Furthermore, heavy rainfall is often caused by typhoons, which develop over the Pacific Ocean and regularly approach the archipelago between July and October. In recent years, the Kanto region, including Tokyo Prefecture, was approached by at least two typhoons each year. Since the winters are rather mild in Tokyo, the capital city does not often see snowfall and the snow rarely remains on the ground for more than a few days.

Effects of global warming in Japan

The increasing air temperature is one of the main consequences of global warming. Other effects are increased flooding frequency and a rise in sea levels due to melting ice caps. Global warming has already influenced Japan's climate in recent years, resulting in more frequent heat waves as well as increased annual rainfall. These weather changes can intensify natural disasters such as typhoons and inhibit the growth of crops. To counter global warming, Japan aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by increasing its renewable and nuclear energy share.