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Okinawa Weather Guide

Okinawa Weather in December: What to Wear & Expect

December is the start of winter in Okinawa. Naha's high is 21.5°C, with mornings around 17°C. It's much warmer than mainland Japan, but strong northerly winds and more cloudy days can make it feel chilly on some days. Early in the month the NAHA Marathon is held in Naha, and late in the month whale watching season begins. Flights and accommodation get crowded over the year-end and New Year holidays.

Naha high
21.5℃
Naha low
16.8℃
Naha rainfall
110mm
Naha sunset
17:40
Search by dates and destination
Overview

Okinawa in December: Key Points

  • ✓Naha's high is 21.5°C, with mornings around 17°C
  • ✓Strong northerly winds and more cloudy days
  • ✓NAHA Marathon early in the month. Whale season from late in the month
  • ✓Flights and accommodation get crowded over year-end and New Year
By Area

December Weather by Area

Temperature, precipitation and sunshine are climate normals (1991-2020). Sunset is for December 15.

Naha→

Station: Naha

Naha, Kokusai-dori, Shurijo Castle, Naminoue Shrine

High
21.5℃
Low
16.8℃
Precip.
110mm
Sunshine
107h
Sunset
17:40

Highs around 22°C. Busy with the NAHA Marathon early in the month

Onna & West Coast Resorts→

Station: Naha

Onna, Cape Manzamo, Blue Cave, Chatan

High
21.5℃
Low
16.8℃
Precip.
110mm
Sunshine
107h
Sunset
17:38

Northerly winds are strong on the coast. Make use of resort pools and indoor attractions

Motobu & Churaumi→

Station: Nago

Churaumi Aquarium, Kouri Island, Sesoko Island, Nago

High
21.1℃
Low
15.6℃
Precip.
109.7mm
Sunshine
108h
Sunset
17:38

Highs around 21°C. Churaumi Aquarium is popular in winter too

Yanbaru→

Station: Oku

Kunigami, Cape Hedo, Daisekirinzan, Hiji Falls

High
19.1℃
Low
14.6℃
Precip.
155.2mm
Sunshine
80h
Sunset
17:36

Highs around 19°C, the coolest on the main island. Bring a jacket

Kerama Islands→

Station: Tokashiki

Tokashiki Island, Zamami Island, Aka Island

High
19.5℃
Low
15.7℃
Precip.
135.8mm
Sunshine
106h
Sunset
17:41

Humpback whale season begins late in the month

Miyakojima→

Station: Miyakojima

Yonaha Maehama Beach, Irabu Bridge, Cape Higashi-Hennazaki

High
22.2℃
Low
18.2℃
Precip.
147.2mm
Sunshine
93h
Sunset
17:52

Highs around 22°C. Windy days become more common

Ishigaki→

Station: Ishigakijima

Kabira Bay, Ishigaki Port, Cape Tamatorizaki

High
23.0℃
Low
18.4℃
Precip.
155.2mm
Sunshine
89h
Sunset
17:58

Highs around 23°C: warm even in winter

Iriomote & Taketomi→

Station: Iriomotejima

Iriomote, Taketomi, Yubu Island, Urauchi River

High
22.4℃
Low
17.9℃
Precip.
176.9mm
Sunshine
71h
Sunset
17:59

Highs around 22°C. More cloudy and rainy days

What to Wear

What to Wear in Okinawa in December

Tops
Long-sleeve shirts or T-shirts
Outerwear
A light jacket or hoodie
Bottoms
Long pants
Shoes
Comfortable walking shoes like sneakers
Accessories
A scarf or shawl; on sunny days, a hat and sunglasses too

You don't need a thick winter coat, but 1 outer layer that blocks the northerly wind will keep you comfortable.

Good to Know

Good to Know

Northerly winds make it feel cooler

In December the northerly winds grow stronger, and on the coast it feels colder than the numbers suggest. A windproof outer layer is a good idea.

Book early for year-end and New Year

From late December to early January, flights and accommodation fill up with homecoming and holiday travelers, and prices go up.

Opening hours over year-end and New Year

Over the year-end and New Year holidays, tourist sites and shops may change their hours or close.

The sea is mostly for looking at

The water has cooled and is too cold for swimming. For fun in the sea, choose tours that include a wetsuit.

Events

December Events & Highlights

NAHA Marathon

NahaUsually early December

Okinawa's signature citizens' marathon, running through Naha and nearby areas. Cheering crowds line the route.

Read the guide：NAHA Marathon →

Whale Watching

Kerama Islands & NahaUsually from late December

Humpback whales arrive in Okinawa's waters, and the winter whale watching season begins.

Winter Illuminations

All over OkinawaAround November–January

At botanical gardens, theme parks and elsewhere, you can enjoy illuminations that light up tropical plants.

Dates change every year. Please check the official websites before you go.

Recommended Tours & Activities in DecemberPR
🐳Whale watchingHumpback whale season runs January to MarchKlook🐋Churaumi Aquarium ticketsA top pick that works rain or shineKlook👘Ryukyu costume experienceA Naha cultural experience for any weatherKlook
FAQ

FAQ

Q. What's the temperature in Okinawa in December?＋

In Naha, the average high is 21.5°C and the low is 16.8°C. Northerly winds are strong, so it feels colder than the numbers suggest.

Q. Can you swim in Okinawa in December?＋

It's too cold for swimming. For fun in the sea, join a tour that lends you a wetsuit.

Q. What should I wear in Okinawa in December?＋

We recommend long sleeves with a light jacket or hoodie layered on top.

Plan Your Trip

Plan Your Okinawa TripPR

🏨Find hotels in NahaHotels.com🎫Find tours & activities in OkinawaKlook📱eSIM for JapanGet online as soon as you landAiralo
Other Months

Okinawa Weather in Other Months

Back to the Okinawa Weather Guide (all months & areas) →

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (climate normals 1991-2020). Compiled by tripuuu.log. Temperatures are from a representative station in each area; actual weather varies from year to year.

PRKlookWhale watchingHumpback whale season runs January to MarchView