Season by season
Spring (March–May)
Mild and pleasant for the walk to Zoshigaya, where cherry trees line the cemetery paths. Spring school holidays make Sunshine City busy.
Summer (June–August)
Hot and humid; the indoor attractions are in peak demand during the summer holidays from late July to August, and the aquarium’s outdoor area is best early or late in the day.
Autumn (September–November)
Two lively street festivals: Fukuro Matsuri in late September and its yosakoi dance contest in October. Kishimojin’s lantern procession follows in mid-October.
Winter (December–February)
Cold and clear, with the best visibility from the observatory and illuminations around Sunshine City.
Month by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°C | 1°C | 60 mm | Busy |
| February | 11°C | 2°C | 57 mm | Quiet |
| March | 14°C | 5°C | 116 mm | Very busy |
| April | 19°C | 10°C | 134 mm | Very busy |
| May | 24°C | 15°C | 140 mm | Very busy |
| June | 26°C | 19°C | 168 mm | Busy |
| July | 30°C | 22°C | 156 mm | Busy |
| August | 31°C | 24°C | 155 mm | Busy |
| September | 28°C | 20°C | 225 mm | Busy |
| October | 22°C | 15°C | 235 mm | Very busy |
| November | 17°C | 9°C | 96 mm | Very busy |
| December | 12°C | 4°C | 58 mm | Busy |
Temperatures are approximate long-term averages; individual years vary.
Festivals & events
- Late September: Fukuro Matsuri, with portable shrines around the west exit
- Early October: Tokyo Yosakoi dance contest, part of the same festival
- 16–18 October: Oeshiki lantern procession to Kishimojin temple in Zoshigaya
- Late October: Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival around the east side
- November–December: winter illuminations at Sunshine City
Our advice
Keep Ikebukuro for a wet day or a late-afternoon-into-evening visit. Go to the aquarium at opening time at weekends, and pick a clear day for the observatory.
