Okinawa weather in December
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 11 rainy days across the month, on average.
December in Okinawa brings mild subtropical conditions with average highs of 21°C (70°F) and lows of 17.9°C (64°F). You'll experience around 142mm of rainfall spread across roughly 11 rainy days, so wet weather is fairly common. Sunshine averages just 6.1 hours daily, making it one of the cloudier months. Despite the rain, temperatures remain comfortable compared to mainland Japan, and humidity drops noticeably from summer levels.
This is Okinawa's shoulder season, with fewer tourists than summer months but still pleasant for exploration. The island hosts year-round events, and December brings festive holiday decorations in main cities like Naha. Local festivals wind down as the year closes, creating a more authentic, less crowded atmosphere. Beaches are quieter, though water temperatures drop to around 21°C, making swimming less appealing for most visitors.
December 2026 is ideal if you prefer mild weather without peak-season crowds. Pack layers and a light rain jacket—the weather is unpredictable but never harsh. This month suits cultural sightseeing, hiking, and exploring Okinawa's historical sites without battling summer heat or holiday rush.
What to pack for Okinawa in December
December weather in Okinawa is mild but damp, requiring layers you can adjust throughout the day. Bring a light rain jacket and quick-dry clothing since showers are frequent. Even on warm days, mornings and evenings feel cool, so a cardigan or fleece layer works well. Waterproof shoes or sandals handle wet conditions better than canvas.
- Light rain jacket or windbreaker
- Long-sleeve linen shirts
- Lightweight cardigan or fleece pullover
- Quick-dry trousers or capris
- Waterproof walking shoes
What to pack for Okinawa in December
- →Breathable travel pantsAmazon · shop this
- →Packable rain jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Waterproof dry bagAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
- →Compression packing cubesAmazon · shop this
We may earn a small commission on any purchase — it doesn't change the price you pay.
Where to stay in Okinawa
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in Okinawa across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Things worth doing
Shuri Castle exploration, Churaumi Aquarium visits, coastal hiking trails, traditional pottery workshops and local market browsing in Naha.
Other places with a similar climate right now
Okinawa in December — FAQ
Q01Is December a good time to visit Okinawa?
Is December a good time to visit Okinawa?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In December, Okinawa averages a high of 21°C (70°F) and a low of 18°C (64°F), with 142mm of rainfall across roughly 11 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Okinawa in December?
What is the average temperature in Okinawa in December?
The average high temperature in Okinawa during December is 21°C (70°F), with an average low of 18°C (64°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Okinawa have in December?
How many rainy days does Okinawa have in December?
Okinawa averages approximately 11 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 142mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Okinawa in December?
What should I pack for Okinawa in December?
For Okinawa in December, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, sunscreen and sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is Okinawa in December?
How crowded is Okinawa in December?
Tourist crowds in Okinawa during December are typically moderate — winter is high season for tropical destinations. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.