Okinawa vs Tokyo in December — Which to Pick?
The numbers, side by side
Every figure below is an average across 11 complete years (2015–2025) of daily Open-Meteo records. Not a forecast — a historical baseline you can plan against.
Okinawa vs Tokyo in December
| Metric | Okinawa | Tokyo | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average high | 21 °C (70°F)Winner | 12 °C (53°F) | Okinawa is 9.5 °C warmer. |
| Average low | 18 °C (64°F)Winner | 3 °C (37°F) | Nights differ by ~15°C. |
| Rainfall | 142 mm | 55 mmWinner | Tokyo is 87 mm drier. |
| Rainy days | 11 | 7Winner | Tokyo is 3.9 days with fewer rainy days. |
| Sunshine | 6.1 h/day | 7.5 h/dayWinner | Tokyo is 1.4 hours sunnier per day. |
Our honest take
In December, Okinawa runs about 10°C warmer on average — a meaningful gap when you're deciding what to pack.
Tokyo sees roughly 87mm less rainfall this month, so your afternoons are more likely to survive intact.
Tokyo logs more sunshine hours per day — a small advantage for anyone shooting photos or chasing a tan.
Neither is objectively better: pick Okinawa for what Okinawa is famous for; pick Tokyo for what Tokyo does uniquely. The persona cards below break the choice down by traveller type.
Traveller verdict for December
Data-driven picks based on 11-year climate averages (2015–2025). Neither destination is objectively “better” — it depends on what you're after.
Okinawa takes the beach-day advantage — warmer sea air, drier skies, and more useful sun.
Tokyo leans into the after-dark scene — warm evenings and the higher-energy crowd.
Okinawa suits families better this month — gentler temperatures and fewer washouts.
Similar shooting conditions — atmosphere becomes the deciding factor.
Okinawa is the smarter pick for value — quieter crowds and softer accommodation rates.
Both cuisines deserve the trip — pick by menu, not climate.
Compare hotels in both
Booking.com deep links with December check-in dates pre-filled.
Okinawa vs Tokyo in December — FAQ
Q01Is Okinawa warmer than Tokyo in December?
Is Okinawa warmer than Tokyo in December?
Yes — Okinawa runs about 10°C warmer than Tokyo in December. Okinawa averages 21°C highs; Tokyo averages 12°C. Based on 11-year climate averages (2015–2025).
Q02Which is drier — Okinawa or Tokyo in December?
Which is drier — Okinawa or Tokyo in December?
Tokyo is drier in December. It averages 55mm of rainfall vs 142mm at Okinawa. That is a meaningful difference for outdoor plans.
Q03Which is better for outdoor activities in December?
Which is better for outdoor activities in December?
Tokyo generally wins for outdoors in December — more sunshine hours per day and typically fewer washouts. Still, Okinawa offers plenty of viable outdoor time if the itinerary calls for it.
Q04Which is cheaper to visit in December — Okinawa or Tokyo?
Which is cheaper to visit in December — Okinawa or Tokyo?
Okinawa tends to offer better value in December — lower crowd density and softer accommodation rates. Prices track tourism demand: quieter months means better deals in either destination.
Q05Which is better for a beach trip in December?
Which is better for a beach trip in December?
Okinawa is the stronger pick for beach days in December — warmer daytime highs, drier weather, and more useful sun per day.