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Weather Comparison

Osaka vs Tokyo

Side-by-side weather comparison for January

Osaka: 8°CTokyo: 8°C392 km apart

January Weather: Osaka vs Tokyo

MetricOsakaTokyoBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer8°C (46°F)8°C (46°F)Tie
Average LowHigher is milder1°C (34°F)0°C (32°F)Osaka
Rain DaysFewer is drier6 days6 daysTie
PrecipitationLess is drier58 mm68 mmOsaka
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier7h/day8h/dayTokyo
HumidityLower is more comfortable70%65%Tokyo
UV IndexLower is safer22Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better17 km/h21 km/hOsaka

Which City is Better in January?

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Tokyo edges ahead as the better destination in January. Tokyo offers 8 hours of daily sunshine with only 6 rain days, while Osaka sees 7 sunshine hours and 6 rain days.

Osaka is on the cooler side at 8°C, requiring warmer clothing. Tokyo is cooler at 8°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, both cities are equally dry in January. Tokyo receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Temperature Comparison in January

Osaka reaches an average high of 8°C (46°F) and drops to 1°C (34°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 7°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Tokyo averages 8°C (46°F) for the high and 0°C (32°F) for the low, with a daily range of 8°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in January.

Rainfall Comparison in January

Osaka receives approximately 58 mm of rainfall across 6 rain days during January. Rain is occasional, so a light rain jacket should suffice.

Tokyo sees 68 mm over 6 rain days. Both cities are equally rainy this month.

Humidity also differs: Osaka averages 70% while Tokyo sits at 65%. Osaka will feel muggier, especially at higher temperatures.

What to Pack: Osaka vs Tokyo

Packing for Osaka in January

Highs of 8°C, lows of 1°C, 6 rain days

  • heavy winter coat
  • thermal base layers
  • warm gloves and hat
  • insulated boots
  • a packable rain jacket
  • an umbrella
  • a warm scarf

Packing for Tokyo in January

Highs of 8°C, lows of 0°C, 6 rain days

  • heavy winter coat
  • thermal base layers
  • warm gloves and hat
  • insulated boots
  • a packable rain jacket
  • an umbrella
  • a warm scarf

Pack for both: heavy winter coat, thermal base layers, warm gloves and hat, insulated boots, a packable rain jacket, an umbrella, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during January.

Year-Round Comparison: Osaka vs Tokyo

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.January is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthOsakaTokyo
HighRainHighRain
Jan8°C6d8°C6d
Feb9°C8d9°C8d
Mar13°C11d12°C12d
Apr18°C10d17°C11d
May23°C10d22°C11d
Jun26°C13d25°C15d
Jul30°C14d28°C13d
Aug32°C12d30°C11d
Sep28°C12d26°C14d
Oct22°C10d21°C13d
Nov16°C8d16°C9d
Dec11°C7d11°C7d
8°

Osaka Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

8°

Tokyo Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Osaka warmer than Tokyo in January?
Osaka and Tokyo have the same average high temperature of 8°C (46°F) in January. The average lows are 1°C and 0°C respectively.
Which city gets more rain in January, Osaka or Tokyo?
Both cities average 6 rain days in January with similar precipitation levels.
Is it better to visit Osaka or Tokyo in January?
It depends on your preferences. Osaka averages 8°C and 7 hours of daily sunshine with 6 rain days. Tokyo averages 8°C with 8 sunshine hours and 6 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Tokyo. For fewer rain days, both are equal.
How far apart are Osaka and Tokyo?
Osaka and Tokyo are approximately 392 km (243 miles) apart. Osaka is located in Japan (Asia) while Tokyo is in Japan (Asia).
What is the best month to visit Osaka and Tokyo?
For Osaka, August tends to be the best month with 11 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 32°C. For Tokyo, April is typically ideal with 9 sunshine hours and 17°C highs.

Compare Osaka and Tokyo in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Osaka coordinates: 34.69°N, 135.50°E | Tokyo coordinates: 35.68°N, 139.65°E