Published: 11/01/2023
If you're planning a trip to Okinawa in winter, you'll be happy to know that it's still warm enough to enjoy the beach and other outdoor activities.
Okinawa is a great destination for winter travel. The weather is mild and pleasant — it rarely gets colder than 15 ℃ in January and February. You may still go swimming or partake in water sports like canoeing and kayaking, but it's best to wear a wet suit. Although people often think of Okinawa as hot all year round, most people are surprised when they hear how cool it can get during winter (particularly in the early mornings and late evenings)! It's definitely not as cold as it gets further north, but you will still want to pack something warm for your trip.
The best time to visit Okinawa in winter is from mid-February until April. This is because there are fewer crowds than at other times of the year, but there are still plenty of activities to enjoy! Winter is the best time to go whale watching in Okinawa. Boats take off from Naha on the main island and the Kerama Islands, and you can almost guarantee a sighting of humpback whales. If you aren't into whale watching, perhaps you'd prefer to watch the early blooming of cherry blossoms.
These 10 things to do in Okinawa in winter will keep any traveler busy! Pack your bags, and let's go!
1. Humpback whale watching tours in Okinawa
Experience the thrill of encountering majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat with Okinawa whale watching tours. You'll be able to see them swimming less than 20ft away from the boat!
Half-day whale watching tour with 99.9% encounter rate | Departure from Naha
Inanse, Urasoe, Okinawa
Family-friendly whale watching tour | Departure from Naha
Nishi, Naha, Okinawa
2. For a fun-filled trip, hop on an Okinawa bus tour
Taking a bus tour is a perfect way to see the natural light piercing through 10 million liters of blue water to illuminate mammoth whale sharks at the Okinawa Churaumi aquarium. Other great sites include Nago Pineapple Park, Kouri Island, and Cape Manzamo.
3. A kayaking trip into the mangroves
Hop into a kayak or canoe and paddle into the mangrove forest, where you will get an up-close look at native wildlife with a local guide.
Explore the mangroves on a kayaking tour
Mizugama, Kadena-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa
World heritage Iriomote island mangrove SUP or canoeing tour (Winter recommended)
Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa
Have an endless fun day with mangrove SUP / canoe and blue cave snorkeling in Ishigaki Island
Ichibanchi, Misaki-cho, Ishigaki-shi, Okinawa
4. Okinawa: A dream destination for underwater exploration
Because of the island's tropical weather, diving and snorkeling can be enjoyed year-round in Okinawa. So put on your wet suit, grab a mask and a snorkel, or dive into the ocean to explore the coral reef. You'll have a blast swimming alongside the fish!
Family-friendly snorkeling tour: Experience swimming and feeding fish at the blue cave of okinawa
Onna, Okinawa
Blue cave experience diving in Okinawa Prefecture!
Maeda, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa
Blue cave snorkel & Onna village sea walk experience
Onna, Okinawa
5. Explore the nocturnal side of Okinawa's subtropical island
The subtropical island of Okinawa is a jungle of glowing bugs, brilliant stars, exotic flowers, and charismatic creatures like the coconut crab. An adventure lies in wait for you at night.
Explore the bright night sky of Iriomote island and the subtropical jungle creatures in a guided night tour
Uehara, Taketomi, Okinawa
Enjoy an exciting guided night tour in the subtropical jungle of Ishigakijima and watch the starry sky
Uehara, Taketomi, Okinawa
Starry sky & night mangrove sup or canoeing adventure in Ishigaki island
Ishigaki City, Okinawa
6. Gaze upon the Milky Way on a winter night in Okinawa
Imagine finding a place where you can escape the city lights, camp out under the stars, and have a photoshoot with the Milky Way and your favorite people in mind. You can do all this and more when you travel to Okinawa. The island is home to some of the best stargazing spots in Japan.
Let's experience photo shooting under the night sky with the shining stars and the Milky way!
Kouri, Nakijin Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture
Starry sky photo shooting tour in Southern Okinawa
Nishizaki-cho, Itoman-shi, Okinawa
Get your photos taken under the night sky by a professional photographer in Miyakojima
Shimoji, Miyakojima, Okinawa
Starry sky night snorkeling tour & mysterious noctiluca tour
Arakawa, Ishigaki, Okinawa
7. Adventurous off-roading on all-terrain vehicles in Okinawa
Choose from various buggy tours through the vast green land and enjoy the superb views of the natural flora and fauna of Okinawa's Islands. Plans are available for all ages, and no driver's license is required for most plans.
Go on a leisurely buggy tour in Ishigaki island (Normal License required - 120 minutes course)
Kabira, Ishigaki, Okinawa
Explore the jungle with buggies while experiencing the ocean breeze in Itoman Okinawa (Beginner and children-friendly course)
Mabuni, Itoman, Okinawa
Get muddy with a 4-wheel buggy ride tour in a village famous for pineapples in Okinawa! (family-friendly experience)
Gesashi, Higashi, Kunigami District, Okinawa
8. An off-season visit to Okinawa's theme parks
There are many attractions and theme parks in Okinawa you need to add to your bucket list, particularly during the off-season when they are less busy. You can visit Nago Pineapple Park, OKINAWA Fruits Land, and Ryukyu Mura village, among others—all of which are great for families.
Get your OKINAWA fruits land sale admission ticket
Biimata, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture
Nago Pineapple park admission discount ticket
Biimata, Nago, Okinawa
9. Explore geological mysteries in Okinawa
Miyakojima's pumpkin cave is one of many limestone caves that offer explorers a refreshing glimpse into Okinawa's geological mysteries. With your headlamp on and wetsuit ready, you can explore the mysteries beneath the waves!
Iriomote Island limestone cave exploration (Half-day tour)
Uehara, Taketomi, Yaeyama District, Okinawa
Enjoy mangrove cruising and exploring a limestone cave in Iriomote Island
Taketomi, Okinawa
10. See Japan's earliest cherry blossoms
The cherry blossoms in Okinawa usually bloom between mid-January and mid-February. The most common variety of cherry blossoms found here is the Kanhizakura (dark pink cherry blossom). These flowers usually appear in the north of Okinawa first, reaching other areas later.
As our journey through Okinawa's winter wonders comes to a close, we're reminded of the unique experiences that await. Whether it's paddling through serene mangroves on a kayaking trip, witnessing the majestic dance of humpback whales, exploring the wonders of the sea at the Churaumi Aquarium, or gazing up at a starlit sky, Okinawa offers a winter unlike any other. These activities are not just adventures; they're memories waiting to be made. So pack your spirit of exploration and come experience the magic of Okinawa this winter—where every moment is a story waiting to unfold.
Frequently asked questions
QHow cold does Okinawa get in the winter?
AThe subtropical climate of Okinawa has an average maximum temperature of about 20° C in winter, so it can be said that winter is a comfortable season with less rain. Even though Okinawa has a subtropical climate, the north wind and sea breeze can blow through strongly in winter, so you'll need to bring clothes that keep you warm (e.g., wool sweaters and jackets).
QWhat is there to do in Okinawa in the winter?
AThe most popular thing to do in Okinawa in winter is going on whale-watching tours. You can watch Humpback whales up-close from a sightseeing boat, or you can watch over hundreds of species of tropical fish in their natural habitat at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. Perhaps you would prefer to view the shining stars on a remote island or see the cherry blossoms blooming early—you decide!
QCan you swim year-round in Okinawa?
AOkinawa, a subtropical island with a year-round warm climate, activities such as snorkeling, diving, canoeing, and kayaking are as popular in winter as in summer. All you need is to wear a wet suit, and you're ready to dive in.
QIs it good to visit Okinawa in winter?
A Since winter brings fewer tourists and lower travel expenses, it's a good time to enjoy the fine food and sightseeing spots in Okinawa.