Okinawa has a subtropical climate year-round, with differences between the north and the south. You can find good conditions year-round to go diving in Okinawa. The average air temperature across all islands is around 29°C – 30°C (84°F-86°F) in summer, while winters stay mild at 19°C – 21°C (66°F-70°F). Okinawa Honto (the main island) has slightly cooler temperatures, especially in winter, compared to the southern islands. Ishigaki and Yonaguni, being closer to Taiwan, stay warmer year-round with fewer seasonal variations. It is important to note that Okinawa has summer and winter like mainland Japan.
Diving in Okinawa at a glance
How good diving in Okinawa is?
General recommendation about the best time to visit Okinawa
Daytime temperatures in Okinawa usually range from around 21°C (66°F) in winter to 31°C (88°F) in summer. Okinawa’s climate is subtropical, meaning the weather stays warm and humid from June to September, when the typhoon season peaks, and pleasantly mild from October to April. October is often considered the best month to visit, as the sea remains warm, visibility is excellent, and most typhoons have passed.
Peak tourist seasons
To avoid crowds and higher prices, it’s best not to travel during Japan’s main holidays, such as Golden Week, Obon, and Silver Week, when the islands are at their busiest. Late autumn and winter bring fewer visitors, more affordable stays, and calm diving conditions – especially around February and March, the prime season for spotting hammerheads near Yonaguni.
What you need to know about the typhoon season
Okinawa’s typhoon season typically runs from June to September, peaking in July and August. During this time, the islands experience warm, humid weather, with temperatures averaging around 28°C to 30°C (82°F to 86°F). While the word “typhoon” might sound alarming, it doesn’t mean Okinawa is constantly stormy – many days remain sunny and calm. However, the risk of sudden weather changes is higher, and strong winds or rough seas can temporarily disrupt ferry connections and dive trips, particularly around the smaller islands.
For divers, the main impact of the typhoon season is the unpredictability of boat schedules. Ferries to outer islands, such as Tokashiki, Ishigaki, and Yonaguni, are sometimes cancelled when the seas get rough, and dive shops may postpone or reschedule trips for safety reasons. That said, typhoons can also bring short bursts of heavy rain followed by crystal-clear conditions, as the storms often flush out surface debris and refresh the visibility underwater once they pass.
If you’re planning to travel during this period, it’s best to stay flexible with your itinerary and allow some buffer days between dives and flights. Booking accommodation with easy cancellation policies and keeping an eye on local weather updates can help avoid last-minute stress. Despite occasional disruptions, the typhoon season still offers warm water and fewer crowds, making it a surprisingly rewarding time for those who don’t mind adapting to the weather’s rhythm.
Average diving conditions in Okinawa
Okinawa’s water temperature remains comfortable year-round, ranging from around 20°C (68°F) in winter to 30°C (86°F) in summer. While diving is possible year-round, conditions can vary slightly from island to island. Okinawa Honto is a bit cooler and windier. At the same time, Ishigaki and Yonaguni tend to stay warmer with calmer seas. During the summer months, humidity and surface heat can make boat rides feel warm, while in winter, a wetsuit is mandatory to stay comfortable underwater.
Visibility in Okinawa is generally excellent, often between 20 m (***) and 40 m (*****), depending on currents and weather. After typhoons or heavy rain, visibility can temporarily drop, especially near shore or around the main island. Autumn typically offers the clearest water; once the sea settles after typhoon season, divers are rewarded with calm conditions and great visibility.
Diving in Okinawa in January
January is part of the winter low season in Okinawa. While Okinawa Honto can feel a bit breezy, the southern islands enjoy slightly warmer air and water temperatures. January is also the start of the hammerhead season in Yonaguni.
Conditions Okinawa Honto:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 21°C (70°F)
- Air temperature: min 16°C – max 19°C (60°F-66°F)
- Average days of rain: 7
- Visibility: *** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Ishigaki:
- Average water temperature: 23°C (74°F)
- Air temperature: min 18°C – max 21°C (64°F-69°F)
- Average days of rain: 9
- Visibility: **** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Yonaguni:
- Average water temperature: 24°C (75°F)
- Air temperature: min 18°C – 20°C (64°F-68°F)
- Average days of rain: 11
- Visibility: ***** (1-5 stars)
Peak season:
Chinese New Year, the public Chinese holiday, marks a peak tourist season; the exact dates change every year between January and February.
Diving in Okinawa in February
February is a mild winter low season, offering remaining cool but comfortable water temperatures, especially around the southern islands. Yonaguni is in peak hammerhead shark season, while Okinawa Honto and Ishigaki enjoy fewer tourists.
Conditions Okinawa Honto:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 21°C (70°F)
- Air temperature: min 17°C – max 19°C (62°F–66°F)
- Average days of rain: 7
- Visibility: *** (1–5 stars)
Conditions Ishigaki:
- Average water temperature: 23°C (74°F)
- Air temperature: min 19°C – max 21°C (66°F–69°F)
- Average days of rain: 8
- Visibility: **** (1–5 stars)
Conditions Yonaguni:
- Average water temperature: 24°C (75°F)
- Air temperature: min 19°C – max 21°C (66°F–69°F)
- Average days of rain: 11
- Visibility: ***** (1–5 stars)
Peak season:
Chinese New Year, the public Chinese holiday, marks a peak tourist season; the exact dates change every year between January and February.
Diving in Okinawa in March
March marks the transition from winter to spring in Okinawa, but it is still low season. It’s the last month of the hammerhead shark season in Yonaguni, while the water starts to warm up around Ishigaki and Okinawa Honto.
Conditions Okinawa Honto:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 20°C (69°F)
- Air temperature: min 18°C – 21°C (64°F–69°F)
- Average days of rain: 8
- Visibility: *** (1–5 stars)
Conditions Ishigaki:
- Average water temperature: 23°C (74°F)
- Air temperature: min 20°C – max 22°C (68°F–71°F)
- Average days of rain: 7
- Visibility: **** (1–5 stars)
Conditions Yonaguni:
- Average water temperature: 24°C (75°F)
- Air temperature: min 20°C – max 22°C (68°F–71°F)
- Average days of rain: 10
- Visibility: ***** (1–5 stars)
Peak season:
March is less crowded overall, though dive spots in Yonaguni can still get busy with divers hoping for the last encounters with hammerhead sharks.
Diving in Okinawa in April
April marks the beginning of spring and the shoulder season in Okinawa, with warmer air and water temperatures in the southern islands, while Okinawa Honto remains a little cooler.
Conditions Okinawa Honto:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 21°C (71°F)
- Air temperature: min 20°C – 22°C (68°F–71°F)
- Average days of rain: 9
- Visibility: **** (1–5 stars)
Conditions Ishigaki:
- Average water temperature: 24°C (76°F)
- Air temperature: min 22°C – 24°C (71°F–75°F)
- Average days of rain: 8
- Visibility: **** (1–5 stars)
Conditions Yonaguni:
- Average water temperature: 27°C (78°F)
- Air temperature: min 22°C – 24°C (71°F–75°F)
- Average days of rain: 9
- Visibility: ***** (1–5 stars)
Peak season:
Late April marks the beginning of Golden Week in Japan, one of the busiest travel periods of the year. It’s best to book accommodation and dive trips in advance if visiting around this time.
Diving in Okinawa in May
May belongs to the spring shoulder season. Okinawa Honto is warming up, but late May can signal the onset of the typhoon season, especially in the southern islands.
Conditions Okinawa Honto:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 24°C (75°F)
- Air temperature: min 23°C – max 25°C (73°F–77°F)
- Average days of rain: 12
- Visibility: **** (1–5 stars)
Conditions Ishigaki:
- Average water temperature: 27°C (80°F)
- Air temperature: min 25°C – max 26°C (77°F–79°F)
- Average days of rain: 12
- Visibility: **** (1–5 stars)
Conditions Yonaguni:
- Average water temperature: 26°C (81°F)
- Air temperature: min 25°C – max 26°C (77°F–79°F)
- Average days of rain: 13
- Visibility: ***** (1–5 stars)
Peak season:
The beginning of May usually falls within the Golden Week in Japan, one of the busiest travel periods of the year. It’s best to book accommodation and dive trips in advance if visiting around this time.
Diving in Okinawa in June
June is the first month of summer high season and the official beginning of the typhoon season in Okinawa.
Conditions Okinawa Honto:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 26°C (79°F)
- Air temperature: min 23°C – max 27°C (73°F–80°F)
- Average days of rain: 14
- Visibility: *** (1–5 stars)
Conditions Ishigaki:
- Average water temperature: 28°C (83°F)
- Air temperature: min 25°C – max 28°C (77°F–82°F)
- Average days of rain: 12
- Visibility: *** (1–5 stars)
Conditions Yonaguni:
- Average water temperature: 28°C (83°F)
- Air temperature: min 25°C – max 28°C (77°F–82°F)
- Average days of rain: 13
- Visibility: *** (1–5 stars)
Diving in Okinawa in July
July brings full summer conditions across Okinawa. It’s the middle of the high season and the typhoon season. However, it’s also a lively time on the islands with all the local festivals.
Conditions Okinawa Honto:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 28°C (83°F)
- Air temperature: min 26°C – max 29°C (79°F–84°F)
- Average days of rain: 9
- Visibility: **** (1–5 stars)
Conditions Ishigaki:
- Average water temperature: 29°C (84°F)
- Air temperature: min 27°C – 29°C (80°F–84°F)
- Average days of rain: 10
- Visibility: **** (1–5 stars)
Conditions Yonaguni:
- Average water temperature: 28°C (83°F)
- Air temperature: min 27°C – max 29°C (80°F–84°F)
- Average days of rain: 10
- Visibility: **** (1–5 stars)
Peak season:
July is a peak tourist season because of summer holidays in Europe and the start of summer holidays in Japan.
Diving in Okinawa in August
August is the height of summer peak season, but also the peak of the typhoon season. Boat trips may be affected by occasional cancellations.
Conditions Okinawa Honto:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 28°C (83°F)
- Air temperature: min 28°C – max 29°C (82°F–84°F)
- Average days of rain: 11
- Visibility: *** (1–5 stars)
Conditions Ishigaki:
- Average water temperature: 29°C (84°F)
- Air temperature: min 28°C – max 29°C (82°F–84°F)
- Average days of rain: 14
- Visibility: *** (1–5 stars)
Conditions Yonaguni:
- Average water temperature: 29°C (84°F)
- Air temperature: min 28°C – max 29°C (82°F–84°F)
- Average days of rain: 13
- Visibility: *** (1–5 stars)
Peak season:
In early August, Japan celebrates the Obon festival. Obon is one of Japan’s busiest travel periods alongside Golden Week and New Year’s.
Diving in Okinawa in September
September is the last month of the summer high season and the end of typhoon season. The conditions are similar across all islands.
Conditions Okinawa Honto:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 28°C (83°F)
- Air temperature: min 27°C – max 29°C (80°F–84°F)
- Average days of rain: 9
- Visibility: *** (1–5 stars)
Conditions Ishigaki:
- Average water temperature: 29°C (84°F)
- Air temperature: mun 28°C – max 29°C (82°F–84°F)
- Average days of rain: 10
- Visibility: *** (1–5 stars)
Conditions Yonaguni:
- Average water temperature: 28°C (83°F)
- Air temperature: min 27°C – max 28°C (80°F–82°F)
- Average days of rain: 11
- Visibility: *** (1–5 stars)
Peak season:
Silver Week is a series of Japanese national holidays in mid to late September, so book in advance if you plan to travel around this time.
Diving in Okinawa in October
October marks the Autumn shoulder season and is the best time to dive in Okinawa. The sea remains warm, visibility is excellent, and the typhoon risk begins to drop. The conditions are similar across all islands.
Conditions Okinawa Honto:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 27°C (81°F)
- Air temperature: min 24°C – max 26°C (75°F–79°F)
- Average days of rain: 7
- Visibility: **** (1–5 stars)
Conditions Ishigaki:
- Average water temperature: 27°C (81°F)
- Air temperature: min 26°C – max 27°C (79°F–80°F)
- Average days of rain: 8
- Visibility: ***** (1–5 stars)
Conditions Yonaguni:
- Average water temperature: 27°C (81°F)
- Air temperature: min 25°C – max 28°C (77°F–82°F)
- Average days of rain: 10
- Visibility: **** (1–5 stars)
Diving in Okinawa in November
November is still shoulder season, still offering warm air and water temperatures, with slightly cooler temperatures.
Conditions Okinawa Honto:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 25°C (77°F)
- Air temperature: min 22°C – max 24°C (71°F–75°F)
- Average days of rain: 7
- Visibility: **** (1–5 stars)
Conditions Ishigaki:
- Average water temperature: 26°C (79°F)
- Air temperature: min 23°C – max 25°C (73°F–77°F)
- Average days of rain: 10
- Visibility: **** (1–5 stars)
Conditions Yonaguni:
- Average water temperature: 26°C (79°F)
- Air temperature: min 23°C – max 25°C (73°F–77°F)
- Average days of rain: 12
- Visibility: **** (1–5 stars)
Diving in Okinawa in December
December is the start of the winter low season. Ishigaki and Yonaguni offer better conditions with several degrees higher water temperatures than in Okinawa Honto.
Conditions Okinawa Honto:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 24°C (75°F)
- Air temperature: min 18°C – max 20°C (64°F–68°F)
- Average days of rain: 8
- Visibility: **** (1–5 stars)
Conditions Ishigaki:
- Average water temperature: 24°C (76°F)
- Air temperature: min 20°C – max 22°C (68°F–71°F)
- Average days of rain: 10
- Visibility: **** (1–5 stars)
Conditions Yonaguni:
- Average water temperature: 24°C (76°F)
- Air temperature: min 20°C – max 22°C (68°F–71°F)
- Average days of rain: 12
- Visibility: **** (1–5 stars)
Peak season:
December is generally quiet, except for the Christmas and New Year holidays, when tourism picks up.
Do you need more information to plan your dive trip to Okinawa?
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