Okinawa Weather Guide

Okinawa Weather in May: What to Wear & Expect

May is when Okinawa moves from early summer into the rainy season. Naha's high is 27.0°C, with mornings around 22°C — warm enough for short sleeves. The Naha Haari dragon-boat races take place during Golden Week early in the month, and in the Okinawa region the rainy season usually starts around May 10. Even in the rainy season it doesn't necessarily rain all day, and you can enjoy the sea during sunny spells. After Golden Week, tourist numbers drop and prices fall, making it a good time to visit.

Naha high
27.0℃
Naha low
22.1℃
Naha rainfall
245.3mm
Naha sunset
19:08
Search by dates and destination
Overview

Okinawa in May: Key Points

  • ✓Naha's high is 27.0°C: warm enough for short sleeves
  • ✓The rainy season usually starts around May 10
  • ✓Naha Haari early in the month. Beach season gets into full swing
  • ✓After Golden Week, prices drop: a good time to go
By Area

May Weather by Area

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

Naha→

Station: Naha

Naha, Kokusai-dori, Shurijo Castle, Naminoue Shrine

High
27.0℃
Low
22.1℃
Precip.
245.3mm
Sunshine
138h
Sunset
19:08

Naha Haari on the 3rd–5th. On rainy days, explore Kokusai-dori and museums

Onna, Cape Manzamo, Blue Cave, Chatan

High
27.0℃
Low
22.1℃
Precip.
245.3mm
Sunshine
138h
Sunset
19:07

Head to the beach in sunny spells. On rainy days, relax at a resort hotel

Churaumi Aquarium, Kouri Island, Sesoko Island, Nago

High
26.7℃
Low
21.2℃
Precip.
220.1mm
Sunshine
137h
Sunset
19:08

Churaumi Aquarium, fun even on rainy days, is popular

Yanbaru→

Station: Oku

Kunigami, Cape Hedo, Daisekirinzan, Hiji Falls

High
25.1℃
Low
19.5℃
Precip.
281.8mm
Sunshine
145h
Sunset
19:07

Lots of rain brings the forest to life. Watch out for slippery paths

Kerama Islands→

Station: Tokashiki

Tokashiki Island, Zamami Island, Aka Island

High
24.6℃
Low
20.4℃
Precip.
269.1mm
Sunshine
164h
Sunset
19:09

The water is very clear. Dive on sunny days

Miyakojima→

Station: Miyakojima

Yonaha Maehama Beach, Irabu Bridge, Cape Higashi-Hennazaki

High
27.7℃
Low
23.0℃
Precip.
222.3mm
Sunshine
149h
Sunset
19:15

Highs around 28°C. The sea is beautiful in rainy-season sunny spells

Ishigaki→

Station: Ishigakijima

Kabira Bay, Ishigaki Port, Cape Tamatorizaki

High
28.7℃
Low
23.9℃
Precip.
190.7mm
Sunshine
164h
Sunset
19:19

Highs around 29°C. Plenty of sunny spells even in the rainy season

Iriomote & Taketomi→

Station: Iriomotejima

Iriomote, Taketomi, Yubu Island, Urauchi River

High
28.3℃
Low
23.1℃
Precip.
175.6mm
Sunshine
166h
Sunset
19:20

Highs around 28°C. Bring rain gear for canoeing and jungle walks

What to Wear

What to Wear in Okinawa in May

Tops
Short sleeves; quick-drying fabrics are best
Outerwear
A light shirt for air conditioning and rainy days
Bottoms
Lightweight pants or shorts
Shoes
Sandals or sneakers that don't mind getting wet
Accessories
Folding umbrella, hat, sunscreen and swimsuit

Carry a folding umbrella and a hat to be ready for both rain and strong sun.

Good to Know

Good to Know

Sunny spells even in the rainy season

In Okinawa's rainy season, heavy rain is often followed by sunshine. Check the forecast and schedule your beach time for the sunny spells.

Have rainy-day plans ready

Plan in places you can enjoy even in the rain, such as Churaumi Aquarium, the area around Shurijo Castle, and museums.

After Golden Week is a good time to go

From mid-May to early June, there are fewer tourists and flight and accommodation prices go down.

Watch out for heavy rain

During the rainy season, intense downpours can hit in a short time. Jungle and riverside tours are sometimes canceled.

Events

May Events & Highlights

Rainy Season Begins

Okinawa regionUsually around May 10

The rainy season starts about 1 month earlier than in mainland Japan.

Beach Season

Beaches all over OkinawaFrom May

The water warms up, and snorkeling and diving become comfortable.

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

FAQ

FAQ

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

In Naha, the average high is 27.0°C and the low is 22.1°C. It's warm enough for short sleeves.

Q. When does the rainy season start in Okinawa?+

In the Okinawa region, the rainy season usually starts around May 10 and ends around June 21.

Q. Can you still enjoy Okinawa during the rainy season?+

It doesn't necessarily rain all day, and there are days when you can enjoy the sea during sunny spells. There are fewer tourists and prices are lower, so with some rainy-day plans ready, you can have a great trip.

Plan Your Trip

Plan Your Okinawa TripPR

Other Months

Okinawa Weather in Other Months

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

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.