Last updated: January 18, 2025
Okinawa, Japan, classified within the Köppen-Geiger climate class Cfa, experiences a humid subtropical climate characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. The minimum temperature dips to around 11°C (52°F) in February, while the average annual temperature hovers around 24°C (75°F). The region basks in warmth during the peak of summer, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 31°C (87°F) in June, contributing to Okinawa’s lush vegetation and vibrant ecosystems. This climatic rhythm presents a unique blend of seasonal experiences that shape both the local environment and culture.
Okinawa, Japan, experiences distinct yet mild temperature patterns throughout the year, reflecting its humid subtropical climate. Winters, from January to February, feature cooler temperatures with minimums around 11°C (52°F) and maximums reaching 25°C (77°F), while the average remains steady at about 19°C (66°F). As spring approaches in March and April, temperatures gradually rise, with average values increasing to 21°C (71°F) and maxima extending to 28°C (83°F) by April. The onset of summer in May brings a more pronounced warmth, with averages climbing to 24°C (76°F) and maximum temperatures hitting 29°C (85°F). The peak of summer from June to August sees consistently high temperatures, with averages around 28°C (83°F) and maximums soaring to 31°C (87°F). As the year progresses into autumn, temperatures begin to cool, dropping to averages of 26°C (79°F) in October and 23°C (74°F) in November, before settling into a mild winter once again in December. Overall, Okinawa’s climate promotes a long warm season that supports its lush landscape and rich biodiversity.
Motobu experiences a minimum temperature of 11°C (52°F) in February and peaks at 30°C (87°F) in August, while Miyakojima has a slightly warmer minimum of 12°C (55°F) in January and also reaches 30°C (87°F) during July. Naha shares a minimum of 12°C (54°F) in February with a maximum of 30°C (87°F) in August. For detailed monthly temperatures, you can visit monthly temperatures in Motobu, monthly temperatures in Miyakojima, and monthly temperatures in Naha.
Okinawa, Japan, experiences a precipitation pattern marked by a distinct wet season, especially during the summer months. Throughout the year, rainfall begins to intensify in May with 203 mm (8.0 in), peaking in June at 311 mm (12.3 in), which is accompanied by an increased number of rainy days, reaching 19 days. Following June, July and August also experience substantial rainfall—186 mm (7.3 in) and 202 mm (7.9 in) respectively—maintaining the characteristic humidity of the region. The wettest months contribute significantly to the region's lush landscapes, with September seeing 234 mm (9.2 in) of rainfall due to the residual effects of typhoon season.
Conversely, the winter months see relatively lower precipitation levels, with January recording 97 mm (3.8 in) and February at 98 mm (3.8 in), lending to a dryer climate during this time. The transition into spring brings a slight increase, with March achieving 117 mm (4.6 in) and April further rising to 140 mm (5.5 in). Even in the rainy months, the number of rainy days fluctuates, with June having the highest at 19 days, compared to lower counts during the winter. Overall, Okinawa's annual precipitation showcases a clear seasonal shift, shaping its unique environmental conditions.
Okinawa, Japan, showcases a remarkable seasonal variation in sunshine duration, with a clear progression from the cooler winter months to the sun-drenched summer. January and February see relatively low sunshine hours, with 153 hours and 203 hours, respectively, creating a serene atmosphere during the cooler season. As spring unfolds, there is a noticeable increase in sunshine, peaking in May at 306 hours, which sets the stage for the vibrant summer ahead. The transition from winter to spring is characterized by this gradual rise, a trend that continues seamlessly into the summer months.
Summer is truly a golden period for sunshine seekers in Okinawa, with July reaching its zenith at 319 hours, closely followed by August with 318 hours. These months not only offer the most sunlight but also feature warm temperatures, making them quintessential for beachgoers and outdoor activities. As summer wanes into autumn, sunshine hours begin to taper off, with September recording 295 hours and October 273 hours. The decline continues into the winter months, where November and December witness fewer sunny days, translating to 228 hours and 193 hours, respectively. This seasonal ebb and flow of sunshine not only shapes Okinawa's picturesque landscapes but also influences the lifestyle and activities of its inhabitants.
Okinawa, Japan, exhibits significant variations in its ultraviolet (UV) index throughout the year, reflecting the region's strong sun exposure. The year begins with a very high UV index of 8 in January, escalating to 10 in February. As spring arrives, March sees a dramatic increase with a peak UV index of 12 categorized as extreme, which persists through April and May. This elevated UV exposure heightens the risk of skin damage, with burn times decreasing to as little as 10 minutes during these months, emphasizing the need for sun protection.
The summer months continue this trend, with the UV index plateauing at 13, maintaining an extreme classification from June through September. This consistent intensity of UV radiation necessitates heightened awareness, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts, as the shortest burn time remains at 10 minutes. As the year transitions to fall and winter, a decline in UV levels is observed, with October registering a UV index of 10 and November a 9, both remaining in the very high category. December sees a further drop to 7, categorized as high, allowing for longer exposure times of 25 minutes before risk sets in. Overall, Okinawa’s UV index underscores the importance of sun safety throughout the year, particularly during the peak summer months.
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In Okinawa, Japan, daylight duration experiences a clear seasonal rhythm, with noticeable fluctuations throughout the year. Starting from January, the region enjoys approximately 10 hours of daylight, which gradually increases to 11 hours in February. As spring approaches, daylight extends further, reaching 12 hours in both March and April. This upward trend culminates in the late spring and summer months, where daylight duration peaks at 13 hours from May through August, allowing residents and visitors ample time to partake in outdoor activities during the warmest seasons.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight duration begins to decline, reverting back to 12 hours in September. The subsequent months bring a gradual decrease, with October and November offering 11 hours and 10 hours of daylight, respectively. By December, daylight once again settles at 10 hours, mirroring the beginning of the year. This cyclical pattern of daylight duration not only influences the lifestyle in Okinawa but also plays a pivotal role in the region's agricultural practices and natural ecosystems, creating a harmonious balance between light and time across the seasons.
The climate in Ginowan, Japan, is characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. January temperatures range from 12°C (54°F) to 24°C (75°F), while July and August see highs of up to 30°C (87°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in June with 302 mm (11.9 in), but the summer also enjoys plenty of sunshine, notably with over 300 hours in both July and August. Overall, Ginowan enjoys a subtropical climate with significant rainfall and warm temperatures year-round. For more details, visit Ginowan climate.
Ishigaki, Japan, enjoys a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. January and February see mild temperatures ranging from 12°C to 25°C (55°F to 77°F), while summer months (June to September) are warmer, with averages around 28°C to 29°C (83°F to 84°F). Precipitation peaks in August, accumulating 280 mm (11.0 in), making it the wettest month, while sunshine hours are highest during summer, particularly in July with 334 hours. This combination of warmth, rainfall, and sunshine makes Ishigaki an inviting destination throughout the year. For more details, visit Ishigaki climate.
Ishikawa, Japan experiences a humid subtropical climate characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Winter temperatures range from 12°C (53°F) to 24°C (75°F), while summer temperatures can reach up to 30°C (87°F) with high humidity. Precipitation is abundant, peaking in June with 328 mm (12.9 in), and significant sunshine is recorded from May through August, offering over 300 hours of sunshine each month. The weather fluctuates throughout the year, making it essential for visitors to plan accordingly for rain and humidity. For more detailed information, visit Ishikawa climate.
Miyakojima, Japan, enjoys a subtropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. Average temperatures range from a mild 20°C (68°F) in January to around 29°C (84°F) in the summer months of July and August. Precipitation is highest during the summer, peaking at 279 mm (11.0 in) in August, while sunshine hours are abundant, particularly in May and July, with over 300 hours. The combination of warmth and moisture creates a lush environment ideal for outdoor activities. For more details, visit Miyakojima climate.
Motobu, Japan, enjoys a mild climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from a low of 11°C (52°F) in February to a high of 30°C (87°F) in summer months like July and August. The region experiences significant rainfall, peaking at 356 mm (14.0 in) in June, while the driest months are typically January and February, each receiving 101 mm (4.0 in). Sunshine is abundant during the summer, with July and August offering over 300 hours of sunlight, making it a desirable destination year-round. For more detailed information, visit Motobu climate.
Nago, Japan, enjoys a subtropical climate characterized by mild winters and warm summers. Temperatures range from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) in January to as high as 30°C (87°F) during the peak summer months of July and August. Rainfall is significant, particularly in June, which sees the highest precipitation at 331 mm (13.0 in). Despite the rain, Nago enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in the summer, with July and August recording over 300 hours of sunshine each. For more detailed information, visit Nago climate.
Naha, Japan, experiences a subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. January and February have average temperatures around 19°C (66°F) and receive significant rainfall, peaking in June with 302 mm (11.9 in). The warmest months are July and August, with average temperatures of 28°C (83°F) and abundant sunshine, often exceeding 300 hours. The rainfall totals in the summer months contribute to lush greenery in the region, while the spring and autumn months see pleasant weather with moderate precipitation. For more details, visit Naha climate.
Okinawa, Japan, experiences a subtropical climate characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Average temperatures range from 19°C (66°F) in January to 28°C (83°F) in July and August, with notable rainfall peaking during the summer months, particularly in June with 302 mm (11.9 in). Sunshine hours are ample, especially from May to August, where monthly averages exceed 300 hours. While the winter months see less precipitation and cooler temperatures, the overall climate remains warm and inviting year-round. For more details, visit Okinawa climate.
Yomitan, Japan, enjoys a subtropical climate characterized by mild winters and warm, humid summers. During the winter months, temperatures range from a minimum of 12°C (53°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), while summers can see highs of 30°C (87°F) accompanied by substantial rainfall, particularly in June with 328 mm (12.9 in). Sunshine hours peak in July and August, averaging 317 and 319 hours, respectively. The region experiences significant precipitation, especially in May and June. For more details on the weather patterns, check the Yomitan climate.
Yonakuni, Japan, experiences a subtropical climate characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. January and February are the coolest months, with average temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and significant rainfall peaking in December at 237 mm (9.3 in). The summer months, particularly July and August, average around 29°C (84°F) and receive substantial rainfall, with August recording 221 mm (8.7 in). Sunshine hours are abundant from May to July, reaching a peak of 339 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Yonakuni climate.
Zamami, Japan experiences a warm maritime climate with mild winters and hot summers. Average temperatures range from 19°C (66°F) in January to 28°C (83°F) in July and August, with maximum temperatures peaking around 30°C (87°F) during the summer months. Precipitation is significant, particularly in June with 328 mm (12.9 in), contributing to a lush environment. The region enjoys ample sunshine, especially in summer, with July and August boasting around 319 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Zamami climate.
In conclusion, Okinawa, Japan, presents a captivating interplay of climatic features, including temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight. With its humid subtropical climate, the region offers mild winters and long, warm summers, fostering unique ecological and cultural experiences. The distinct patterns in precipitation highlight a pronounced wet season, primarily during the summer months, while sunlight hours peak, providing ample opportunities for outdoor engagement. Coupled with consistently high UV index values, particularly in summer, residents and visitors are reminded of the importance of sun protection. Overall, understanding these climatic dynamics not only enhances appreciation for Okinawa's natural beauty but also underscores the critical role climate plays in shaping everyday life on this vibrant island.