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Tokyo, Japan·Marathon· First Sunday of March

Tokyo Marathon Weather & What to Wear

The first World Marathon Major of the year, Shinjuku to Tokyo Station. Early March is late winter here: often 40s, sometimes cold rain, rarely warm.

By Brett Heimlich, part-time runner.

The quick answer

Plan for about 48°F (9°C) at the 09:00 start, feeling like 41°F (5°C), with 59% humidity and 7 mph wind, warming to roughly 56°F (13°C) by the finish. It rained on 3 of the last 10 race days. Wear: Long Sleeve Tech Shirt, Capris or Light Tights, Running Cap, Waterproof Jacket.

Average start

48°F (9°C)

Average finish

56°F (13°C)

Rain days

3 of 10 years

Start range

40° to 58°F

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Race-day weather, 2016 to 2025

Conditions at the 09:00 start on the race's usual date each year (first Sunday of March). Years when the race was cancelled or moved still show that date's weather. Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 archive.

YearStart tempFeels likeFinishHumidityWindRainSky
202558°F (14°C)54°F66°F48%1 mph–Clear
202440°F (4°C)35°F51°F55%2 mph–Mostly clear
202347°F (8°C)38°F54°F50%11 mph0.20 inOvercast
202248°F (9°C)38°F52°F27%10 mph–Clear
202142°F (6°C)33°F49°F54%10 mph–Mostly clear
202053°F (12°C)45°F60°F63%12 mph0.05 inClear
201940°F (4°C)32°F44°F70%10 mph0.51 inDrizzle
201850°F (10°C)47°F66°F70%1 mph–Clear
201748°F (9°C)42°F57°F67%6 mph–Clear
201651°F (11°C)49°F62°F82%3 mph–Overcast

Coldest start: 40°F (4°C) in 2024. Warmest: 58°F (14°C) in 2025. Wettest: 0.51 in in 2019.

What to wear for a typical Tokyo

Built from the 10-year average start conditions by the same engine as the live tool. Treat optional items as corral-only layers you can shed.

Upper body

  • essential

    Long Sleeve Tech Shirt

    Breathable moisture-wicking fabric

  • essential

    Waterproof Jacket

    Breathable rain protection

Lower body

  • essential

    Capris or Light Tights

    3/4 length for moderate warmth

Accessories

  • recommended

    Light Gloves

    Thin running gloves

  • recommended

    Headband

    Ear coverage without overheating

  • essential

    Running Cap

    Keep rain out of eyes

Footwear

  • recommended

    Trail or Waterproof Shoes

    Better grip and water resistance

Race-day tips for the Tokyo

  • •This is near-ideal racing weather. Dress as if it were 15°F warmer than the start temperature and resist the urge to add a layer.
  • •It has rained on 3 of the last 10 race days. Pack a brimmed cap and a disposable poncho for the start, and consider a second pair of socks for the drop bag.
  • •Nothing new on race day: run your long runs in exactly what you plan to race in, including the socks.

Race-day gear picks

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Frequently asked questions

What is the weather usually like for the Tokyo Marathon?

Over 2016 to 2025 the start averaged 48°F (9°C) (feels like 41°F (5°C)) with 59% humidity and 7 mph wind, warming to about 56°F (13°C) by the finish. It rained measurably on 3 of those 10 race days. The coldest start was 40°F (4°C) in 2024; the warmest was 58°F (14°C) in 2025.

What should I wear for the Tokyo?

For a typical 48°F (9°C) start: Long Sleeve Tech Shirt, Capris or Light Tights, Running Cap, Waterproof Jacket. Dress for about 15°F warmer than the start temperature, since the race itself adds that much, and plan to shed anything you only need in the corral.

When is the next Tokyo?

The Tokyo Marathon is usually held on first Sunday of March. The next expected date is Sunday, March 7, 2027. Confirm on the official site, since dates occasionally move.

How accurate is the race-day forecast?

The live forecast on this page comes from Open-Meteo and unlocks 16 days before the race. Forecasts inside 7 days are reliable for temperature within a few degrees; rain timing firms up in the last 2 to 3 days. Until then, the 10-year history above is the best planning guide.

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