Naha→
Station: NahaNaha, Kokusai-dori, Shurijo Castle, Naminoue Shrine
High
19.8℃
Low
14.9℃
- Precip.
- 101.6mm
- Sunshine
- 93h
- Sunset
- 17:58
Highs around 20°C. Naminoue Shrine is busy with New Year visitors
Okinawa Weather Guide
Okinawa Weather in January: What to Wear & Expect
January is Okinawa's coolest month of the year. Even so, Naha's high is 19.8°C, mornings are around 14.9°C, and it never snows. However, strong northerly winds and frequent cloudy days make it feel chillier than the numbers suggest. From mid-month, deep pink kanhizakura (Taiwan cherry blossoms) start to bloom in the north of the main island, and it's whale watching season for humpback whales around the Kerama Islands and Naha. The sea is too cold for swimming, but there are relatively few tourists and accommodation is easy to book.
- Naha high
- 19.8℃
- Naha low
- 14.9℃
- Naha rainfall
- 101.6mm
- Naha sunset
- 17:58
Overview
Okinawa in January: Key Points
- ✓Naha's high is 19.8°C, with mornings around 15°C. It never snows
- ✓Strong northerly winds and lots of clouds. It feels colder than the numbers
- ✓Kanhizakura cherry blossoms start blooming in the north of the main island from mid-month
- ✓Whale watching season. The sea is too cold for swimming
By Area
January Weather by Area
Temperature, precipitation and sunshine are climate normals (1991-2020). Sunset is for January 15.
Onna & West Coast Resorts→
Station: NahaOnna, Cape Manzamo, Blue Cave, Chatan
High
19.8℃
Low
14.9℃
- Precip.
- 101.6mm
- Sunshine
- 93h
- Sunset
- 17:57
Northerly winds are strong on the coast. Make use of resort pools and indoor attractions
Motobu & Churaumi→
Station: NagoChuraumi Aquarium, Kouri Island, Sesoko Island, Nago
High
19.4℃
Low
13.7℃
- Precip.
- 96.8mm
- Sunshine
- 95h
- Sunset
- 17:56
Kanhizakura at Mt. Yaedake peak late in the month. Churaumi Aquarium is popular in winter too
Yanbaru→
Station: OkuKunigami, Cape Hedo, Daisekirinzan, Hiji Falls
High
17.4℃
Low
12.7℃
- Precip.
- 143.9mm
- Sunshine
- 78h
- Sunset
- 17:55
Highs around 17°C, the coolest on the main island. Bring a jacket for forest walks
Kerama Islands→
Station: TokashikiTokashiki Island, Zamami Island, Aka Island
High
17.8℃
Low
13.8℃
- Precip.
- 134.2mm
- Sunshine
- 90h
- Sunset
- 17:59
Humpback whale season. A base for whale watching
Miyakojima→
Station: MiyakojimaYonaha Maehama Beach, Irabu Bridge, Cape Higashi-Hennazaki
High
20.6℃
Low
16.3℃
- Precip.
- 138.8mm
- Sunshine
- 86h
- Sunset
- 18:10
Highs around 21°C. The sea is cold, with many windy days
Ishigaki→
Station: IshigakijimaKabira Bay, Ishigaki Port, Cape Tamatorizaki
High
21.5℃
Low
16.7℃
- Precip.
- 135mm
- Sunshine
- 85h
- Sunset
- 18:15
Highs around 22°C, one of Okinawa's warmer areas. Sunny spells are great for exploring
Iriomote & Taketomi→
Station: IriomotejimaIriomote, Taketomi, Yubu Island, Urauchi River
High
20.9℃
Low
16.4℃
- Precip.
- 162.9mm
- Sunshine
- 72h
- Sunset
- 18:17
Cloudy and rainy days are common. Jungle walks are cool and easy going
What to Wear
What to Wear in Okinawa in January
Tops
Long-sleeve shirts or T-shirts, or a light knit
Outerwear
A light jacket or hoodie; something windproof is best
Bottoms
Long pants
Shoes
Comfortable walking shoes like sneakers
Accessories
A scarf or shawl; on sunny days, a hat and sunglasses too
If you're coming from mainland Japan, you'll only need your winter down coat as far as the airport. In Okinawa, layer a light jacket or hoodie to adjust.
Good to Know
Good to Know
Northerly winds make it feel cooler
In winter, Okinawa gets strong northerly winds, and on the coast it feels colder than the numbers suggest. A windproof outer layer keeps you comfortable.
The sea is mostly for looking at
The water has cooled and is too cold for swimming. For marine activities, choose tours that lend you a wetsuit.
Cherry blossoms move from north to south
Unlike on mainland Japan, Okinawa's kanhizakura start blooming in the cooler north. Mt. Yaedake in Motobu and Nago are among the earliest spots to peak.
A good time to visit
From after New Year through February, there are relatively few tourists, and accommodation and flights are easy to book.
Events
January Events & Highlights
Kanhizakura (Taiwan Cherry Blossoms)
Mt. Yaedake in Motobu, Nago and moreUsually mid-January to early FebruaryOkinawa's cherry blossoms, with deep pink flowers that hang facing downward. Cherry blossom festivals are held at Mt. Yaedake and Nago Castle Park.
Whale Watching
Kerama Islands & NahaUsually January–MarchSee humpback whales from a boat as they come to Okinawa's waters to raise their calves.
Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year)
Naminoue Shrine and moreAround January 1–3The Japanese custom of visiting a shrine at the start of the new year. Naha's Naminoue Shrine stands on a clifftop overlooking the sea.
Dates change every year. Please check the official websites before you go.
FAQ
FAQ
Q. What's the temperature in Okinawa in January?＋
In Naha, the average high is 19.8°C and the low is 14.9°C. Northerly winds are strong, so it feels colder than the numbers suggest.
Q. Can you swim in Okinawa in January?＋
The water is cool and too cold for swimming. For snorkeling and the like, join a tour that lends you a wetsuit.
Q. What should I wear in Okinawa in January?＋
We recommend long sleeves with a light jacket or hoodie layered on top. You won't need a thick winter coat.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Okinawa TripPR
Other Months
Okinawa Weather in Other Months
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.
