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Should I open the windows in Tokyo right now?

Live decision for Tokyo. Updated every 30 minutes.

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Read next Airing in winter: how much heat do you really lose? Work it out for your home with our calculator. Read next When to open windows in summer The hours that cool your home fastest.

Ventilation guide for Tokyo

Tokyo's ventilation challenges are defined by its humid subtropical climate and extreme seasonal variation. The rainy season (tsuyu) in June–July brings weeks of 85–95% humidity — a period when opening windows brings in air that is warmer, wetter, and less comfortable than staying sealed. This is followed by the hot, humid summer peak in August (33°C, 75% humidity).

Outside the rainy season, Tokyo has excellent ventilation windows. Spring (March–May before humidity builds) and autumn (October–November) offer mild temperatures, low humidity, and clear skies. The Japanese concept of kazadōshi (wind-through ventilation) — creating cross-ventilation by opening windows on opposite sides of a room — maximises the benefit of these comfortable windows.

Air quality in Tokyo has improved dramatically since the 1960s, with typical AQI readings of 20–40. However, spring brings significant cross-border PM2.5 from China, and high-pollution days occasionally warrant keeping windows closed even in otherwise comfortable weather conditions.

Tokyo: climate and the best hours to open the windows

In August, the warmest month in Tokyo, afternoons reach 33 °C on average and nights fall to 25 °C. The coolest air arrives between 04:00 and 07:00 (25 °C on average): that is when opening the windows cools the home fastest.

On the hottest nights the outdoor air may stay warmer than indoors — open only if it is cooler outside, and close again by 07:00.

In January, the coldest month, air the rooms for 5–10 minutes around 14:00, the mildest hour (9 °C on average). Average humidity is 62%, so short, wide-open airing keeps condensation and mould away without losing much heat.

Fine particles (PM2.5) are usually lowest around 15:00 (18 µg/m³) and highest around 21:00 (36 µg/m³).

MonthAvg highAvg lowHumidityCoolest hoursPM2.5
January9 °C0 °C62%05:00–08:0028
February11 °C1 °C59%05:00–08:0023
March15 °C6 °C68%04:00–07:0026
April20 °C10 °C71%04:00–07:0027
May23 °C15 °C75%03:00–06:0023
June27 °C19 °C79%03:00–06:0027
July32 °C24 °C76%03:00–06:0028
August33 °C25 °C76%04:00–07:0020
September29 °C22 °C79%04:00–07:0021
October22 °C14 °C77%04:00–07:0025
November17 °C9 °C73%05:00–08:0033
December12 °C3 °C66%05:00–08:0036

Data: Open-Meteo historical archive, hourly averages 2021–2025 (air quality 2023–2025), local time.

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Frequently asked questions

When is it best to open windows in Tokyo?

In Tokyo, the best ventilation times are typically early morning (5–8 AM) and late evening (after sunset) when outdoor temperatures drop below indoor levels.

Is it safe to leave windows open at night in Tokyo?

Yes, in most weather conditions. Open windows can drop indoor temperature by 2–5°C in 30 minutes if outdoor air is cooler. Check the live recommendation above for tonight.

What outdoor humidity is too high for ventilation?

Above 80% humidity, opening windows can make indoor air feel sticky. Combine with dehumidifier or wait for drier hours.