Tokyo Weather in October: Autumn Colors & What to Wear

October is the month autumn finishes arriving in Tokyo.

Starting from the end of September (24.7℃), by the end of October it is more than 5℃ lower at 19.6℃, and the morning low falls from 17℃ to 11℃. October and April are the only months where the temperature shifts this much in four weeks. Halloween season peaks on 31 October, and from late in the month the autumn colors start turning across central Tokyo.

This guide covers how the weather changes through early, mid and late October, plus Halloween, what to wear and sunset times, based on Japan Meteorological Agency normals (1991 to 2020) and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan's official 2026 data.

Early October: autumn starts

1 to 10 October: days are still warm, mornings have changed

In early October the daytime high is 23 to 24.5℃, warm enough for short sleeves on some days, but the morning low comes down to 16 to 17.4℃, opening a gap of more than 7℃ between the two. The trend carries on from the end of September (24.7℃), and autumn becomes clear in the mornings and evenings.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency normals 1991 to 2020, Tokyo station 47662

☔ Rainfall by week

Rainfall is heaviest in the first part of October and eases toward the end. The autumn rain concentrates in weeks 1 and 2, and clear days increase from week 3 onward.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency normals 1991 to 2020 / October monthly rainfall about 198mm

Mid and late October: the temperature drops and the colors start

11 to 20 October: a jacket becomes necessary

From the middle of October the daytime high comes down to 21 to 22.8℃ and the morning low to 14 to 15.8℃. More days feel cool in short sleeves even at midday, and mornings and evenings start to need more than a thin jacket.

21 to 31 October: autumn complete, colors starting

At the end of October the daytime high is 19 to 21℃ and the morning low comes down to 11 to 13.7℃. A morning low of 11℃ is the temperature for a thin knit or a sweater. Compared with the start of September (30.0℃), the high has dropped more than 10℃ in only two months.

🍁 Autumn colors and Halloween

Tokyo's autumn colors peak in November, but from late October they start turning at some spots, including Shinjuku Gyoen, Inokashira Park and Hibiya Park. Visit at the end of October and you can expect the colors to have begun.

Around Halloween on 31 October, Ikebukuro and Harajuku get busier than usual, so it is worth checking your route in advance.

What to wear in October: a layering guide

October is a month where what you wear changes completely depending on the date.

Early and late October differ by more than 5℃, so check your travel dates first and pack accordingly.

✅ Early October

Short sleeves work during the day, but you need a thin jacket in the morning and evening. The same layering as the end of September is enough.

Suggested combination: a thin long-sleeve top or short sleeves, a cardigan, a thin jacket

✅ Mid October

Long sleeves become the base even during the day, and mornings and evenings need a jacket or a coat. This is the point where dressing for the outdoor temperature matters more than for indoor air conditioning.

Suggested combination: a long-sleeve tee, a thin knit, a jacket or trench coat

✅ Late October

With the morning low down to 11 to 12℃, an autumn coat is necessary. If you are planning a Halloween costume, watch how cold it feels when you are outside for a long stretch.

Suggested combination: long sleeves, a knit or sweater, an autumn coat

✅ Clothing summary by period

October sunset times and autumn night views

October is the month the sunset pulls back fastest. The 17:30 sunset of 28 September becomes 39 minutes earlier by the end of October (16:51). It is also the month the sun starts setting before 17:00.

Sunrise and sunset times for Tokyo in October, from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan's official 2026 calendar:

Source: National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Koyomi Yoko, 2026 Tokyo sunrise and sunset

With sunset at 17:02 on the 18th and 16:51 on the 28th, aim to be inside a night-view spot by 17:00 to 17:15 and you get both the sunset and the night view. Now that the sun sets earlier, it helps to move your evening plans forward.

🗼 Sunset and night-view spots for October

① Shibuya Sky

October is cool enough to stay on the rooftop deck for a while. It is one of the best times of year for the combination of an autumn sunset and the city at night.

② Tokyo Skytree

From late October the colors start turning around it, so you get a golden landscape before sunset.

③ Roppongi Hills observation deck

Late October into November is when the Tokyo Tower night view overlaps with the autumn colors, so you can expect the most beautiful view of the year.

👉 Tokyo Observatories Compared: 5 Decks & Free Options

October is the month the temperature changes most within four weeks in Tokyo. It is also when Halloween, the autumn colors and autumn night views all overlap. Pack for the temperature on your travel dates and check the Halloween schedule, and you can enjoy Tokyo's best season.

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