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Weather Comparison

Tokyo vs Osaka

Side-by-side weather comparison for May

Tokyo: 22°COsaka: 23°C392 km apart

May Weather: Tokyo vs Osaka

MetricTokyoOsakaBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer22°C (72°F)23°C (73°F)Osaka
Average LowHigher is milder14°C (57°F)15°C (59°F)Osaka
Rain DaysFewer is drier11 days10 daysOsaka
PrecipitationLess is drier131 mm141 mmTokyo
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier9h/day9h/dayTie
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%70%Tokyo
UV IndexLower is safer99Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better23 km/h16 km/hOsaka

Which City is Better in May?

Tokyo and Osaka 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.

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

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

Temperature Comparison in May

Tokyo reaches an average high of 22°C (72°F) and drops to 14°C (57°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 8°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.

Osaka averages 23°C (73°F) for the high and 15°C (59°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

Tokyo receives approximately 131 mm of rainfall across 11 rain days during May. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Osaka sees 141 mm over 10 rain days. That makes Osaka the drier option by 1 rain day and 10 mm of total precipitation.

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 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

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

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: 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.May 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
22°

Tokyo Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

23°

Osaka Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tokyo warmer than Osaka in May?
No. 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, Tokyo or Osaka?
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 Tokyo or Osaka in May?
It depends on your preferences. Tokyo averages 22°C and 9 hours of daily sunshine with 11 rain days. Osaka averages 23°C with 9 sunshine hours and 10 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Osaka. For fewer rain days, Osaka is the better pick.
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