Best Time to Visit Okinawa

Quick facts & TL;DR

• 🌤️ Climate: Humid subtropical — mild winters, long warm summers, and plenty of sunshine.
• 🏊 Sea temperatures: ~21 °C in winter rising to nearly 30 °C in August; you can swim year‑round.
• ☔ Rainy season: Mid‑May to late June; pack an umbrella and quick‑dry clothing.
• 🌀 Typhoon season: June through September — the number of storms peaks in August.
• 🏖️ Best beach months: April–early May and October–early November offer warm seas without summer crowds.
• 🐋 Wildlife highlights: Humpback whales (Jan–Mar); manta rays & sea turtles in summer.
• 🌸 Cherry blossoms: Mid‑January to early February at Nago.
• 🎉 Festivals: Dragon boat races (May 3–5), Naha Tug‑of‑War (mid‑October) and autumn eisa dances.
• 💰 Budget tips: Cheaper stays in winter and shoulder seasons; book early for summer/Golden Week.

Okinawa’s climate at a glance

Okinawa sits at the same latitude as Florida and the Canary Islands, giving it a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and long, hot summers. The average daytime temperature in Naha stays around 20 °C in January and climbs to about 32 °C in July–August. Sea temperatures rarely drop below 21 °C and peak near 30 °C in August, so beaches are swimmable all year.

The rainy season (baiu) starts in early May and ends in late June. A second wet period often returns in August–September, while July tends to be sunnier.

Typhoons are a fact of life in the Ryukyu Islands, peaking in August. The surrounding ocean moderates temperatures, so extreme heat is uncommon.

Winter (December–February) is cooler and windier, with cloudy or rainy days from northerly winds — but temperatures remain mild and above freezing.

Month‑by‑month weather chart

Figures are Naha averages; conditions vary across islands and by year.

Season‑by‑season guide

Spring (March–May)

Temperatures climb into the low 20s °C. Beach season opens in March with dragon boat traditions. Swim comfortably by late April; the rainy season usually starts by mid‑May. Pack a light jacket, umbrella and waterproof shoes.

Summer (June–August)

Early June is peak rainy season; by late June, skies clear and temps reach ~30 °C. July–August are prime beach months with excellent underwater visibility. It’s also typhoon season — monitor forecasts and consider travel insurance.

Autumn (September–November)

Early autumn can be hot and wet. By October, drier air and 25–28 °C days arrive. Cultural highlights include the Naha Great Tug‑of‑War and the Shuri Castle Festival. Beaches stay inviting until mid‑November.

Winter (December–February)

Short, mild winters: daytime highs near 20 °C. Fewer tourists, lower prices, whale watching (Jan–Mar) and early cherry blossoms (mid‑Jan–early Feb).

Events & festivals

• Nago Cherry Blossom Festival (mid‑Jan–early Feb): Deep‑pink sakura with eisa and Ryukyu dance at Nago Central Park.
• Naha Hari Dragon Boat Races (May 3–5): 14.5‑m dragon boats, entertainment and fireworks.
• Shuri Castle Festival (late Oct–early Nov): Processions and court music celebrating Ryukyu heritage.
• Naha Great Tug‑of‑War (mid‑Oct): Tens of thousands pull a 200‑m, 43‑ton rope; souvenir rope pieces for good luck.
• Summer fireworks & eisa: July–August evenings across the islands.

Water activities & wildlife

Whale watching

Humpback whales migrate to the Kerama Islands January–March. Typical tours: ~¥6,000 adult / ¥3,000 child. Bring a windbreaker and seasickness tablets.

Diving & snorkelling

Year‑round diving with 21.5–28.6 °C water. Two‑tank boat dives ~¥11,000–15,000; three‑tank ~¥15,000–20,000. Snorkel tours are cheaper and often include gear. Use reef‑safe sunscreen and avoid touching coral.

Sea turtles, manta rays & more

June–September: sea turtle nesting and manta encounters near Ishigaki and Miyako. Typhoons may cause last‑minute cancellations.

Travel tips & costs

• Book early: Golden Week (late Apr–early May) and summer sell out.
• Stay flexible: Typhoons (Jun–Sep) can delay flights/ferries; consider insurance.
• Pack smart: Breathable clothing, sunscreen, hats, reusable bottle; light jacket for evenings and boat trips.
• Save money: Winter or autumn for lower prices; use IC cards and transport passes.
• Respect nature: Follow reef etiquette; many beaches request rinsing sunscreen before swimming.

Recommended experiences

Frequently asked questions