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Weather Comparison

Tokyo vs Osaka

Side-by-side weather comparison for January

Tokyo: 8°COsaka: 8°C392 km apart

January Weather: Tokyo vs Osaka

MetricTokyoOsakaBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer8°C (46°F)8°C (46°F)Tie
Average LowHigher is milder0°C (32°F)1°C (34°F)Osaka
Rain DaysFewer is drier6 days6 daysTie
PrecipitationLess is drier68 mm58 mmOsaka
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier8h/day7h/dayTokyo
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%70%Tokyo
UV IndexLower is safer22Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better21 km/h17 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.

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

Tokyo reaches an average high of 8°C (46°F) and drops to 0°C (32°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 8°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.

Osaka averages 8°C (46°F) for the high and 1°C (34°F) for the low, with a daily range of 7°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

Tokyo receives approximately 68 mm of rainfall across 6 rain days during January. Rain is occasional, so a light rain jacket should suffice.

Osaka sees 58 mm over 6 rain days. Both cities are equally rainy this month.

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

What to Pack: Tokyo vs Osaka

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

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

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: Tokyo vs Osaka

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.

MonthTokyoOsaka
HighRainHighRain
Jan8°C6d8°C6d
Feb9°C8d9°C8d
Mar12°C12d13°C11d
Apr17°C11d18°C10d
May22°C11d23°C10d
Jun25°C15d26°C13d
Jul28°C13d30°C14d
Aug30°C11d32°C12d
Sep26°C14d28°C12d
Oct21°C13d22°C10d
Nov16°C9d16°C8d
Dec11°C7d11°C7d
8°

Tokyo Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

8°

Osaka Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Compare Tokyo and Osaka 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.

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