Climate Overview
Okinawa has a humid-subtropical climate with warm 20°C winters and hot 31–32°C summers at 82–87% humidity. Rain is heavy year-round, peaking with plum rains and typhoons (460mm in Jun, recurring threats through Oct). Apr–May and Oct–Nov sit between the rains and the typhoons — the clearest windows for beaches and Shuri Castle.
Monthly Climate
Temperature range, rainfall, and humidity by month
Monthly Data
| Month | High | Low | Rainfall | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 19.1° | 14.3° | 117mm | 67% |
| Feb | 18.4° | 13.5° | 91mm | 70% |
| Mar | 22.1° | 16.9° | 88mm | 78% |
| Apr | 23.3° | 17.3° | 180mm | 79% |
| May | 26.9° | 21.6° | 341mm | 84% |
| Jun | 30.9° | 26.2° | 155mm | 82% |
| Jul | 31.4° | 26.6° | 338mm | 82% |
| Aug | 31.9° | 26.9° | 142mm | 80% |
| Sep | 32.4° | 27.3° | 58mm | 75% |
| Oct | 30.4° | 25.4° | 96mm | 74% |
| Nov | 25.5° | 20.5° | 88mm | 70% |
| Dec | 22.5° | 16.9° | 62mm | 70% |
When to Visit
Experiences to seek out and peak periods to plan around
Experiences & Highlights
Japan's earliest sakura — deep-pink Taiwan cherries bloom along Yogi Park in Naha and Mt. Yaedake in Motobu while highs sit at a mild 20°C; the Nago festival runs 31 Jan – 1 Feb 2026.
600-year-old Ryukyu tradition at Nahashin Port during Golden Week; 150,000 spectators, eisa drumming and karate demos, with pleasant 27°C highs before the rainy season peaks.
Three-day Obon drum-dance festival at Koza Athletics Park in Okinawa City (12–14 Sep 2026), drawing 300,000; still 31°C and humid but rainfall eases from the summer typhoon peak.
Ryukyu Dynasty procession of 3,000 costumed participants around Shuri on 3 Nov, plus Kokusai Street parades; cooler 26°C days and 185mm rainfall make outdoor sightseeing easy.
Peak Periods & Travel Advisories
Peak typhoon months average 249–275mm rainfall and 82% humidity; flights to Naha are regularly cancelled and ferries to outer islands suspended — build 1–2 buffer days into itineraries.
Wettest stretch of the year — June alone averages 460mm with 87% humidity and overcast 30°C days; reef snorkeling visibility drops, so favour indoor aquarium and castle visits.
Domestic travellers flood the islands during Golden Week (overlapping Naha Hari) and Obon; hotel rates jump 40%+ and Kerama ferry queues spike — book 2+ months ahead.
Japan Destination Comparison
Compare climate across destinations in Japan
| City | Avg High | Avg Low | Annual Rain | Season Overview |
|---|---|---|---|---|
🇯🇵 Okinawa | 26° | 21° | 1756 mm | |
🇯🇵 Kyoto | 21° | 13° | 1426 mm | |
🇯🇵 Osaka | 21° | 14° | 1533 mm | |
🇯🇵 Tokyo | 21° | 14° | 1117 mm |
Official Resources
Government portals and tourism boards for Okinawa, Japan