Quick picks: Best months at a glance – If you’re deciding when to visit Okinawa, here are three top choices:

**Best overall:**October – Warm days (~28°C highs) with less rain and typhoon risk, and the ocean still ~27°C. Crowds thin out after summer.
**Warmest water:**August – Peak summer heat (31°C highs) and sea temperatures around 29°C (84°F) for prime beach time. (Be aware: this is also peak typhoon season.)
**Least rain & crowds:**January – Cooler (20°C daytime) but one of the driest months (~100 mm). It’s off-season, meaning lower prices and quiet sights, though the ocean is a brisk ~22°C for swimming.

How Okinawa’s Climate Works (30-Second Guide)

Okinawa has a humid subtropical/tropical climate, with gloriously long summers and mild winters. Unlike mainland Japan, Okinawa’s winter is comfortable (around 17–20°C daily average) and snow-free. Summers are hot and humid (July–August highs ~32°C) with intense UV levels (index often Extreme at 11+).

There’s a distinct rainy season (“tsuyu”) from mid-May to late June, bringing frequent short showers (it rarely rains all day). The typhoon season overlaps late summer: storms can form June–September (most common in August/September). These tropical storms bring heavy rain and wind but are predictable a few days in advance.

Regional differences:

Main Island (Okinawa Hontō): Naha (south) is slightly warmer in winter; Yanbaru (north) is wetter and cooler.
Miyakojima: Flatter and windier; winters a touch warmer. Rainy season is short but sharp.
Yaeyama (Ishigaki, Taketomi, Iriomote): Tropical rainforest climate – warmer winters, very humid year-round, wetter in summer with more thunderstorms.

Climate Charts for Okinawa (Naha, Miyako & Ishigaki)

Month	Naha (Main Isl.) Avg High / Low °C – Rain (mm) – Sea °C	Miyakojima Avg High / Low °C – Rain (mm) – Sea °C	Ishigaki Avg High / Low °C – Rain (mm) – Sea °C
Jan	20 / 15°C – 102 mm – 22°C	21 / 16°C – 139 mm – 23°C	22 / 17°C – 135 mm – 23°C
Feb	20 / 15°C – 115 mm – 22°C	21 / 17°C – 120 mm – 23°C	22 / 17°C – 124 mm – 23°C
Mar	22 / 17°C – 143 mm – 22°C	23 / 18°C – 139 mm – 23°C	24 / 19°C – 134 mm – 23°C
Apr	24 / 19°C – 161 mm – 23°C	25 / 20°C – 149 mm – 24°C	26 / 21°C – 147 mm – 25°C
May	27 / 22°C – 245 mm – 25°C	28 / 23°C – 222 mm – 26°C	29 / 24°C – 191 mm – 26°C
Jun	30 / 25°C – 284 mm – 27°C	30 / 26°C – 195 mm – 28°C	31 / 27°C – 208 mm – 28°C
Jul	32 / 27°C – 188 mm – 29°C	32 / 27°C – 152 mm – 29°C	32 / 28°C – 142 mm – 29°C
Aug	32 / 27°C – 240 mm – 29°C	31 / 27°C – 257 mm – 29°C	32 / 27°C – 250 mm – 29°C
Sep	31 / 26°C – 275 mm – 28°C	30 / 26°C – 259 mm – 28°C	31 / 26°C – 260 mm – 28°C
Oct	28 / 24°C – 179 mm – 27°C	28 / 24°C – 158 mm – 27°C	29 / 24°C – 211 mm – 27°C
Nov	25 / 20°C – 119 mm – 25°C	25 / 21°C – 140 mm – 26°C	26 / 22°C – 138 mm – 26°C
Dec	22 / 17°C – 110 mm – 24°C	22 / 18°C – 147 mm – 25°C	23 / 18°C – 155 mm – 25°C

Notes: Humidity ranges 70–84%. Sunshine peaks in July (7–8 hrs/day) and lowest in winter (3–4 hrs). UV index is Extreme (11+) in May–Aug, Very High (8–10) in spring/autumn, Moderate (5–6) in winter.

Season-by-Season Weather Snapshot

Winter (Dec–Feb): Cool but comfortable (highs ~19–22°C). Driest season (~100–140 mm/month). Ocean ~21–23°C. Best for hiking, cultural sites, diving with wetsuit, whale watching. Pack light jacket, sweater, pants.

Spring (Mar–May): Warms quickly (22°C in March to 27°C in May). Rain increases by May (start of rainy season). Ocean warms to ~25°C. Best for beaches (April sweet spot), dragon boat races, flowers. Pack layers + umbrella.

Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot & humid (30–32°C, humidity ~80%). Ocean ~28–30°C, UV extreme. Rainy season ends in June; July clearer, August peak typhoon risk. Best for beach, diving, festivals. Pack very light clothing, swim gear, rash guards, sunscreen, rain poncho.

Autumn (Sep–Nov): Still hot in Sept (30°C), cooler by Nov (25°C). Typhoon risk high in Sept, drops sharply by late Oct. Ocean ~28°C in Sept, ~24°C in Nov. Best for fewer crowds, hiking, festivals. Pack summer gear in Sept, add jacket for Nov.

Month-by-Month Weather & Packing Advice

January

Weather: 20/15°C, driest month (~102 mm), sea ~22°C.
Best for: hiking, culture, whale watching.
Watch-outs: cool winds, limited swimming.
Pack: layers, light jacket, umbrella, wetsuit for diving.
Local tip: Earliest cherry blossoms bloom in late Jan.

February

Weather: 20/15°C, sea coolest (~21°C), ~115 mm rain.
Best for: sightseeing, hiking, whale watching.
Watch-outs: windy, overcast spells.
Pack: same as Jan, add rain jacket.
Local tip: Cherry blossoms peak in early Feb.

March

Weather: 22/17°C, ~143 mm rain, sea ~22°C.
Best for: outdoor exploring, early beach days.
Watch-outs: light jackets for evenings, late-month rains.
Pack: t-shirts + layers, umbrella, rash guard for sea.
Local tip: Beach “opening” ceremonies start.

April

Weather: 24/19°C, ~161 mm rain, sea ~23°C.
Best for: beach vacations, water sports.
Watch-outs: Golden Week crowds late month.
Pack: summer wear, swimsuit, umbrella, sun gear.
Local tip: Clear turquoise seas; Flower Carnival.

May

Weather: 27/22°C, ~245 mm rain, start of rainy season. Sea ~25°C.
Best for: diving, lush scenery.
Watch-outs: frequent rain, thunderstorms.
Pack: rain gear, breathable clothes, sandals, bug spray.
Local tip: Dragon Boat Races in early May.

June

Weather: 30/25°C, ~284 mm rain (peak rainy season), sea ~27°C.
Best for: late-month beach & diving (after rains ease).
Watch-outs: lingering rain, start of typhoon season, mosquitoes.
Pack: full summer gear, rain jacket/umbrella, sandals, rash guard, bug spray.
Local tip: Late June often has fewer crowds and mango season begins.

July

Weather: 32/27°C, ~188 mm rain, sea ~29°C. Very humid, 7–8 hrs sun.
Best for: peak beach season, snorkeling, diving, festivals.
Watch-outs: extreme heat/UV, jellyfish season, typhoon risk.
Pack: ultra-light clothes, swimwear, rash guard, sunscreen, rain poncho.
Local tip: Plan outings in mornings/evenings; enjoy summer fireworks & festivals.

August

Weather: 32/27°C, ~240 mm rain, sea ~29–30°C (warmest). Peak typhoon season.
Best for: warmest ocean, diving, Obon cultural events.
Watch-outs: high typhoon risk, jellyfish stings, intense heat index (40°C feels-like).
Pack: as for July, plus power bank, poncho, book/entertainment for storm days.
Local tip: Stock snacks before typhoons; post-storm skies are crystal clear.

September

Weather: 31/26°C, ~275 mm rain, sea ~28°C. Still hot and humid.
Best for: bargain beach trips (after summer holidays), surfing typhoon swells.
Watch-outs: September is peak typhoon month; mosquitoes thrive post-rain.
Pack: summer gear + rain prep, bug spray, portable charger.
Local tip: Watch for local typhoon numbers (“No. 18” etc.); sunsets post-storm are stunning.

October

Weather: 28/24°C, ~179 mm rain, sea ~27°C. Lower humidity, fewer typhoons after mid-month.
Best for: balanced all-around travel (sightseeing + beach). Great diving visibility.
Watch-outs: UV still high early in the month; cool breezes start late Oct.
Pack: summer clothes + light jacket, swimsuit, umbrella.
Local tip: Naha Tug-of-War festival; Orion Beer Festival; clearer skies ideal for photography.

November

Weather: 25/20°C, ~119 mm rain, sea ~24–25°C. Comfortable humidity (~65–70%).
Best for: hiking Yanbaru forests, cycling, cultural sites.
Watch-outs: occasional cold fronts bring cooler, gray days.
Pack: layers (shorts + pants), sweater, jacket for evenings. Rash guard if swimming.
Local tip: Gorgeous sunsets, flat seas for SUP/kayaking; Shuri Castle Festival in November.

December

Weather: 22/17°C, ~110 mm rain, sea ~23°C. Mild winter.
Best for: escaping colder climates, diving visibility, whale watching.
Watch-outs: occasional cold winds, rougher seas.
Pack: light jacket, sweaters, pants, umbrella. Wetsuit for diving.
Local tip: Join locals for New Year’s Eve sunrise on the beach; enjoy quiet low season.

Regional Climate Differences

Main Island: Naha is warmer in winter, Yanbaru (north) wetter and slightly cooler. Seasonal winds affect dive/snorkel sites (north rough in winter, south rough in summer).
Miyakojima: Flatter, windier, slightly shorter rainy season. Typhoons can sideswipe here even if they miss Okinawa Island.
Yaeyama (Ishigaki/Iriomote): More tropical, winters ~2–3°C warmer than Naha, rainfall spread year-round, more thunderstorms. Iriomote is very wet and jungle-heavy. UV slightly stronger here.
Kerama/Kume Islands: Similar to nearest big island, slightly drier with clearer waters.

Typhoons & Rainy Season

Rainy Season (mid-May–late June): Short bursts of heavy rain, high humidity, but not 24/7 downpours. Flexible planning, umbrellas, and indoor backups keep trips enjoyable.
Typhoon Season (Jun–Oct, peak Aug–Sep): Predictable a few days out. Flights/ferries cancel during storms. Stay indoors when advised, stock water/snacks, and bring power banks. After storms, skies are clear and seas calm.

Packing Lists

By Season

Winter (Dec–Feb): light jacket, sweaters, long pants, umbrella.
Spring (Mar–May): mix of tees and long sleeves, shorts + jeans, umbrella, swim gear by Apr.
Summer (Jun–Aug): ultra-light clothing, swimwear, rash guards, sun protection, rain poncho.
Autumn (Sep–Nov): summer wear in Sept, add jacket/long pants by Nov.

Activity Add-Ons

Beach/Snorkel: rash guard, reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, mesh bag, snorkel gear.
Diving: cert card, wetsuit (thicker in winter), torch, ear drops, mesh bag.
Hiking/Trekking: quick-dry clothes, sturdy water shoes, dry bag, bug spray, towel.
City/Nightlife: one dressier outfit, light sweater for AC breezes, comfy shoes.
Kids/Babies: swim diapers, hats, sunscreen, stroller/fan, toys, snacks.

Pro Tips: Quick-dry fabrics, UPF clothing, reef etiquette (don’t step on coral), earplugs for cicadas/frogs at night.

FAQs

Best beach month? August (warmest seas, 29°C), or October (warm seas + fewer crowds).

Rainy season? Mid-May to late June. Showers frequent but not all-day.

Typhoons? June–Oct, peak Aug–Sep.

How hot in July–Aug? 32°C + 80% humidity; feels like 38–40°C.

Winter too cold for beach? Sea ~22–23°C, air ~20°C – chilly for swims, fine for walks.

Water temp by month? 22°C in Feb → 29°C in Aug → 24°C in Nov.

What to pack? Winter = jackets/layers; Spring = layers + raincoat; Summer = ultra-light + swim gear; Autumn = summer wear + jacket by Nov.

Miyako/Yaeyama warmer? Yes, ~2°C warmer than Naha in winter; summer similar.

Clearest water? October, also winter calm days.

River trekking clothes? Quick-dry pants/shorts, water shoes, rash guard.

Need wetsuit/jellyfish guard? Wetsuit Dec–Mar; rash guard Jul–Sep (jellyfish season).

UV index? Extreme (11+) in summer; use sunscreen, hats, and cover-ups.

Okinawa Weather by Month: Climate Chart & Packing Tips