Weather in Okinawa

Stay up to date with the current weather conditions in Okinawa. In this section, you will find the latest data, forecasts, and useful charts to plan your day.

Okinawa welcomes guests with a pleasant subtropical climate, characterized by hot and humid summers and very mild winters. Temperatures here are comfortable for travel almost all year round, making the islands an attractive destination for sun and sea lovers, as well as for those looking to escape harsh cold weather.

Two main seasons can be distinguished in Okinawa, although the transitional periods – spring and autumn – also have their own charm. Summer, lasting approximately from June to September, is hot and humid, with average temperatures often reaching 28-29°C. During this period, especially in June and September, the highest number of rainy days is observed. Winter, from December to February, remains very mild: the average temperature hovers around 18-19°C, allowing for comfortable exploration of Okinawa's attractions even at this time of year.

A distinct feature of Okinawa's climate is the constant warmth and fairly frequent rainfall, especially judging by the number of rainy days. For example, up to 18 rainy days are recorded in June (with a total rainfall of about 10 mm), and up to 19 rainy days in September (with 7 mm of rainfall). This suggests that light and perhaps short-lived rains are not uncommon here, so a compact umbrella or a light raincoat may prove to be useful companions on your journey, regardless of the chosen season.

Okinawa delights its guests with warmth almost all year round. The annual temperature progression here is smooth, without sharp spikes, with average values ranging from 18.0°C in the coolest month to 28.4°C in the hottest. The sultriest months are traditionally July and August, when the average daytime temperature steadily holds at 28.3-28.4°C, and maximum thermometer readings can reach 29.0-29.2°C. January is considered the coolest period, but even then the average temperature is a comfortable 18.0°C, with minimum nighttime temperatures usually not dropping below 16.9°C.

The summer months in Okinawa, from June to September, are characterized by consistently high temperatures. In June, the average temperature is about 26.4°C, gradually rising to peak values in July and August. Even in September, when summer begins to give way to autumn, the average temperature still holds at 27.7°C. Daytime and nighttime temperatures during the summer period differ slightly, usually by only 1.5-2°C, which means warm nights complementing the hot days. This creates a sensation of constant tropical warmth typical for the region.

Winter in Okinawa, covering December, January, and February, is distinguished by exceptional mildness. Average temperatures in these months range from 18.0°C in January to 19.5°C in December. Minimum values rarely drop below 16.9-18.5°C, and maximum daytime temperatures reach 19.0-20.6°C. Thus, even in the coldest season, the weather remains very comfortable for walking and sightseeing. As in summer, daily temperature fluctuations in winter are small, usually within 2-2.2°C, ensuring a steady and pleasant temperature background without sudden changes.

In Okinawa, precipitation is distributed throughout the year in such a way that there is practically no clearly defined absolutely dry season. Rain is a characteristic feature of the local climate, and the probability of it occurring remains even in months with minimal rainfall. Given the warm subtropical climate, precipitation here falls mainly in the form of rain; snow is not typical for Okinawa.

Precipitation takes on its most intense and frequent character in the period from May to September. Judging by the total volume, the wettest month is June, when an average of 10 mm of precipitation falls. May is also distinguished by a significant amount of moisture (8 mm), and about 7 mm falls in August and September. In terms of the frequency of rainy days, September leads, with an average of 19 days with precipitation. June is also very rainy (18 days), followed by August (16 days) and May (15 days). This combination of rainfall amount and the number of rainy days suggests that in these months it rains often, but it may not be too heavy or prolonged, rather resembling frequent but light showers or drizzle.

The months with the least amount of precipitation include January (averaging 3 mm), as well as February, March, and November (4 mm each). However, even during these periods, the number of days with precipitation remains quite high – about 13 days for each of these months. April and July, bringing about 5 mm of precipitation, have 11 and 12 rainy days respectively. This means that even during relatively "dry" periods, it is worth having an umbrella or raincoat with you. Interestingly, December, with 6 mm of precipitation, also has quite a lot of rainy days – an average of 16.

When packing your suitcase for a trip to Okinawa, it is worth considering its subtropical climate with warm weather all year round and a high probability of precipitation. The basis of your wardrobe should be light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Indispensable companions will be comfortable shoes for walking, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as the sun here is active even on cloudy days. Considering that even in months with lower rainfall volume (for example, January-March with 3-4 mm) there are about 13 rainy days, and in June and September their number reaches 18-19, a compact umbrella or a light raincoat are mandatory attributes of your luggage.

In the summer months (June-September), when the average temperature hovers around 26-28°C and high humidity is felt, give preference to the lightest and loosest clothing: shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and, of course, swimwear. In winter (December-February), the weather in Okinawa remains very mild, with an average temperature of about 18-19°C. For this period, light trousers, long-sleeved t-shirts, as well as a thin sweater, cardigan, or fleece jacket in case of cool evenings or windy weather are suitable. In spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November), the weather is also very comfortable. The principle of layering in clothing will be your best helper at any time of the year, allowing you to easily adapt to temperature changes and possible precipitation during the day.