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Weather Comparison

Osaka vs Tokyo

Side-by-side weather comparison for May

Osaka: 23°CTokyo: 22°C392 km apart

May Weather: Osaka vs Tokyo

MetricOsakaTokyoBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer23°C (73°F)22°C (72°F)Osaka
Average LowHigher is milder15°C (59°F)14°C (57°F)Osaka
Rain DaysFewer is drier10 days11 daysOsaka
PrecipitationLess is drier141 mm131 mmTokyo
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier9h/day9h/dayTie
HumidityLower is more comfortable70%65%Tokyo
UV IndexLower is safer99Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better16 km/h23 km/hOsaka

Which City is Better in May?

Osaka and Tokyo are closely matched in May. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.

Osaka sits in the comfortable travel range at 23°C. Tokyo is also comfortable at 22°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Osaka is the stronger choice in May.

Temperature Comparison in May

Osaka reaches an average high of 23°C (73°F) and drops to 15°C (59°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 8°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.

Tokyo averages 22°C (72°F) for the high and 14°C (57°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 May.

Rainfall Comparison in May

Osaka receives approximately 141 mm of rainfall across 10 rain days during May. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Tokyo sees 131 mm over 11 rain days. That makes Osaka the drier option by 1 rain day and 10 mm of total precipitation.

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 May

Highs of 23°C, lows of 15°C, 10 rain days

  • light layers
  • a light jacket for evenings
  • sunscreen
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes

Packing for Tokyo in May

Highs of 22°C, lows of 14°C, 11 rain days

  • light layers
  • a light jacket for evenings
  • sunscreen
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes

Pack for both: light layers, a light jacket for evenings, sunscreen, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes. These items are useful in either destination during May.

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.May 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
23°

Osaka Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

22°

Tokyo Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Osaka warmer than Tokyo in May?
Yes. In May, Osaka is warmer with an average high of 23°C (73°F) compared to Tokyo at 22°C (72°F), a difference of 1°C.
Which city gets more rain in May, Osaka or Tokyo?
Tokyo gets more rain in May with 11 rain days and 141 mm of precipitation. Osaka is the drier option with 10 rain days.
Is it better to visit Osaka or Tokyo in May?
It depends on your preferences. Osaka averages 23°C and 9 hours of daily sunshine with 10 rain days. Tokyo averages 22°C with 9 sunshine hours and 11 rain days. If you prefer warmer weather, choose Osaka. For drier weather, Osaka is the better pick.
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