Seoul vs Tokyo Weather
Side-by-side climate comparison for travelers
Planning a trip from Seoul to Tokyo?
Weather can make or break a journey between Seoul and Tokyo. This page combines a same-period monthly climate baseline with current temperature, feels-like, wind, humidity, air quality and a 5-day forecast, so you can choose a season and then check the dates that matter.
Seoul (South Korea) and Tokyo (Japan) have noticeably different climates. Use the live comparison below, pick your travel dates, and get packing suggestions tailored to conditions at your destination.
Monthly climate comparison (1991-2020)
Compare the usual temperature range and modeled precipitation before choosing travel dates. These long-term averages are climate context, not a forecast for a specific trip.
- Lowest combined modeled rainfall
- Dec: 81.5 mm (3.2 in) combined
- Largest average-high difference
- Dec: 6.8°C apart
| Month | SeoulAverage high / low | TokyoAverage high / low | SeoulMonthly precipitation | TokyoMonthly precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.4 / -6.5°C (36 / 20°F) | 8.8 / 0.9°C (48 / 34°F) | 18.9 mm (0.7 in) | 66.5 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 5.3 / -4.3°C (42 / 24°F) | 9.6 / 1.5°C (49 / 35°F) | 25.9 mm (1.0 in) | 62.6 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 11.0 / 0.5°C (52 / 33°F) | 12.9 / 4.7°C (55 / 40°F) | 38.3 mm (1.5 in) | 112.9 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 17.9 / 6.5°C (64 / 44°F) | 17.8 / 9.9°C (64 / 50°F) | 69.7 mm (2.7 in) | 112.6 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 23.3 / 12.6°C (74 / 55°F) | 22.3 / 15.1°C (72 / 59°F) | 96.2 mm (3.8 in) | 128.8 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 27.1 / 18.1°C (81 / 65°F) | 25.0 / 19.1°C (77 / 66°F) | 126.4 mm (5.0 in) | 159.2 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jul | 28.8 / 22.3°C (84 / 72°F) | 28.9 / 23.0°C (84 / 73°F) | 313.5 mm (12.3 in) | 149.1 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 29.6 / 22.7°C (85 / 73°F) | 30.5 / 24.3°C (87 / 76°F) | 257.6 mm (10.1 in) | 110.1 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 25.9 / 17.0°C (79 / 63°F) | 26.6 / 20.8°C (80 / 69°F) | 124.1 mm (4.9 in) | 179.6 mm (7.1 in) |
| Oct | 20.0 / 9.5°C (68 / 49°F) | 21.2 / 15.0°C (70 / 59°F) | 54.9 mm (2.2 in) | 208.7 mm (8.2 in) |
| Nov | 12.0 / 2.4°C (54 / 36°F) | 16.1 / 9.0°C (61 / 48°F) | 47.3 mm (1.9 in) | 91.2 mm (3.6 in) |
| Dec | 4.4 / -4.4°C (40 / 24°F) | 11.2 / 3.6°C (52 / 38°F) | 22.7 mm (0.9 in) | 58.8 mm (2.3 in) |
AnyWeather calculated both city baselines from daily ERA5 reanalysis for 1991-2020, retrieved through the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API. ERA5 combines models and observations on a grid; it is not a city-center station record. Local terrain, coastlines, elevation, urban heat, and storms can differ from these values.
Seoul to Tokyo: similar seasons, different daily decisions
The cities share broad seasonal timing, but that does not make their weather interchangeable. Seoul can have greater winter cold, while Tokyo often presents a different combination of rain, humidity, and tropical-cyclone exposure.
What changes through the year
| Period | Seoul | Tokyo | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| December-February | Seoul can be very cold with wind, snow, or icy surfaces during outbreaks. | Tokyo is often milder but still needs a coat, especially mornings and evenings. | Dress for the colder Seoul leg and use removable layers after arrival rather than packing only for Tokyo. |
| March-May and October-November | Large day-night temperature ranges and occasional dust or rain can affect plans. | Tokyo also varies between mild sun, cool evenings, and rain. | Check air quality separately from weather and carry one rain layer plus an adaptable mid-layer. |
| June-September | Heat, humidity, heavy rain, and monsoon-period impacts can affect transport and outdoor comfort. | Tokyo is also hot and humid, with heavy rain and possible typhoon impacts later in the period. | Compare rain timing and warnings rather than assuming the two cities will share the same wet day. |
Route-specific checks
- Short flight
- The route is short enough for one weather system to evolve while you travel. Refresh Tokyo immediately before boarding and after landing.
- Outdoor itinerary
- Use feels-like temperature, rain timing, and air quality as separate decisions; one combined comfort label can hide the limiting factor.
- Heavy rain or typhoon
- KMA governs Seoul warnings and JMA governs Tokyo. Check both even when the airline still shows the flight on time.
How to interpret this comparison
Broad seasonal similarity is not same-day similarity. Use local hourly forecasts for the actual neighborhoods and let each national warning service define severe-weather risk.
Official warning sources
- Korea Meteorological Administration alerts
Official severe-weather status for Seoul and Korea.
- Japan Meteorological Agency warnings
Official warnings and advisories for Tokyo and Japan.
Route guidance reviewed July 16, 2026
How this comparison is produced
The live cards compare current observations and short forecasts; the monthly table uses the same ERA5 source and 1991-2020 reference period; route and packing context is maintained editorially. Weather changes quickly, so check again close to departure.
How the climates differ
Seoul: Seoul has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid; winters are cold and dry with occasional snow.
Tokyo: Tokyo has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Rainy season (tsuyu) occurs in June-July.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather difference between Seoul and Tokyo?
Use the monthly table for the usual temperature and rainfall difference, then use the live comparison for current temperature, feels-like, wind and humidity. Conditions change daily, so check again close to departure.
When is the best time to travel from Seoul to Tokyo?
Seoul: April to May (spring) for cherry blossoms and September to November (autumn) for beautiful fall colors. Tokyo: March to May (cherry blossom season) and October to November (autumn colors) are the most popular times to visit. Compare the 5-day forecast and comfort scores on this page to pick the best arrival day.
What should I pack when traveling from Seoul to Tokyo?
Heavy winter clothing from December to February. Light layers for spring/autumn. Light, breathable clothes for summer. Masks for fine dust days. For Tokyo: Summer: Light, breathable clothing. Winter: Medium-weight coat. Rainy season: Waterproof items essential. The packing recommendations below update based on live conditions at your destination.
Is this weather comparison free?
Yes. It's completely free with no signup. Enter your travel dates, compare both cities instantly, and get packing tips in your browser.