Tokyo Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Tokyo. The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Now, let’s break down all the details for a clearer picture.

Tokyo is known for its substantial rain/snowfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1528 mm.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm)

The climate in Tokyo shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect 211 mm of precipitation during the wettest month October, distributed over 17 rainy days.

In contrast, December offers drier and sunnier days, with around 62 mm of rainfall over 9 rainy days.

October, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 23°C. During the driest month December you can expect a temperature of 13°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Tokyo Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in Japan

The map below shows the annual precipitation across Japan. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Tokyo’s average annual precipitation is 1528 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

New York City, USA, receives 1276 mm of rainfall annually, with precipitation evenly distributed throughout the year.

In Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm, with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.

Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

Mumbai, India, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1860 mm of annual rainfall, with the majority of precipitation happening during the monsoon season from June to September.

How is Precipitation Measured?

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

Global Precipitation Patterns

Tropical Rainforests: In tropical regions, rainfall is generally abundant year-round. Areas near the equator, like the Amazon rainforest, can receive up to 3000 mm of rain annually.

Desert Regions: Deserts such as the Sahara and Arabian deserts typically see less than 250 mm of rainfall annually. Rainfall tends to be infrequent, but when it does occur, it is often intense.

Temperate Zones: In temperate regions, precipitation tends to be more evenly distributed, though areas closer to the ocean may see more rain in the winter months, and areas further inland experience drier summers.

Polar Regions: Precipitation in polar regions, like Antarctica, is extremely low, often falling as snow. Average annual precipitation in Antarctica is less than 200 mm, with some areas receiving as little as 50 mm annually.

For more detailed information about Tokyo’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Tokyo Climate page.