Japan's seasons and the appropriate clothing to wear for each

Japan has four distinct seasons. Each season has different temperatures and weather, so it is important to choose the appropriate clothing for each of them.
In this article, we will explain how to choose the right clothing for each of Japan's four seasons.

Four Seasons in Japan and How to Choose Your Wear

Spring (March - May)

Spring is the season for warmer weather.
In Tokyo, the average temperature in March is about 10°C (50°F), but in May it reaches about 20°C (68°F).
 
The weather is gradually getting warmer, but there are still some cold days. It gets especially cold in the mornings and at night.
It is better to wear clothes that can be layered so that the temperature can be easily adjusted.
 
In addition, if you have pollen allergies, we recommend that you choose clothes made of materials that do not easily get pollen on them.
Of course, wearing masks, as well as clothing, is another effective measure during this time of year.

Summer (June-August)

Summer is a very hot season.
Average temperatures in Tokyo range from about 25°C to 35°C. Humidity is also quite high, making it easy to perspire.
Since it is a hot and sweaty season, clothes made of breathable and sweat-absorbent materials are good.

Fall (September to November)

Fall is a cool and comfortable season.
The average temperature in Tokyo is about 25°C in September but drops to about 15°C in November.
As in spring, temperatures can vary depending on the time of day, so it is best to wear clothes that are easy to adjust to the temperature.
Have a jacket or cardigan ready that you can easily layer up with.

Winter (December to February)

Winter is a very cold season.
The average temperature in Tokyo is about 5°C to 10°C, but in January and February, temperatures can drop to 0°C on some days.
 
The average temperature in Tokyo is around 5°C.
Wear warm clothing such as down jackets and coats.
Scarves, gloves, and boots are also recommended.

Source　東京の平均気温：気象庁　東京　月ごとの気温（2023年）

What to wear at work

About Cool Biz

Cool Biz is a way to dress comfortably in the office during the hot summer season.
Even in workplaces where people always wear suits and jackets, during the Cool Biz period, instead of wearing suits and jackets, people wear cool and comfortable clothes.
If the company has its own uniform, it may change from long-sleeved to short-sleeved or cooler materials.
 
The purpose of this change in clothing is to avoid overcooling the workplace and to reduce the consumption of air-conditioning.
Whether or not to introduce Cool Biz may vary from company to company.
The time of implementation also differs according to the company, but it is generally from May to October.
 

If you work in an office where you wear a suit and jacket

Although it varies depending on the company and the person, suit and shirt materials are often changed between the hot summer and the cold winter months.
 
Summer
Swap to a light suit or jacket to protect against the heat.
Some wear short-sleeved shirts.
During Cool Biz, employees may not wear ties or jackets.
 
Winter
Many people change the material of their suits and jackets to something warmer, like thick wool.
Wear a sweater or vest over your shirt so that you can stay warmer.

Finally

Japan has a wide range of temperatures throughout the year. By choosing clothes that match the season, you can stay comfortable. Make sure to pick clothing that helps you enjoy each season!