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.
Okinawa is not Japan-mainland and locals will tell you: the Ryukyu Kingdom identity runs deep, awamori not sake is the pour, and eisa drum troupes not taiko. Naha's Kokusai Street is tourist theater; walk one block back to Heiwa Dori arcade for real. American bases mean Okinawa has the best A&W and the only true taco rice at King Tacos in Kin town. Rent a car because the Yui monorail only covers Naha and the north Yanbaru rainforest is the entire point.
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→Estimated December trip to Okinawa
Peak season prices — book early or shift by 2–3 weeks to save. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no cost to you. Estimates use rule-based averages; check partner sites for live pricing.
Delayed flight to Okinawa?
Flights to Okinawa in December can be delayed by storms. Claim up to €600 if yours is 3+ hours late. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
Check compensation eligibility →Free check · Only pay if you get paid · Powered by Compensair.
Plan your Okinawa trip
Handpicked services from partners we trust. One tab for everything you'll need after the flight is booked.
Compare rooms in Okinawa on Booking.com.
Skip-the-line tickets, day trips, food walks and guided tours.
Compare fares with cashback on every booking.
Instant data on arrival — no roaming charges, no SIM swap.
Flexible monthly coverage for trips of any length.
Compare 900+ rental brands with free cancellation.
Book a driver in advance — fixed price, no queue.
We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no cost to you.
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 month for Okinawa?
Is December a good month for 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. Late January-February cherry blossoms bloom first in Japan at Mount Yaedake and Nakijin Castle, six weeks before Tokyo, with 20C sea already warming.
Q02How warm does Okinawa get in December?
How warm does Okinawa get 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 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). January 15C is Okinawan winter with cold rain; the sea drops to 21C and dive shops close, but Naha shopping arcades and Kokusai Street stay busy.
Q03Does it rain a lot in Okinawa in December?
Does it rain a lot in Okinawa 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. May-June tsuyu rainy season means daily deluges; September-October typhoons close airports for days and Yanbaru forest roads landslide predictably.
Q04What clothes should I bring to Okinawa in December?
What clothes should I bring to 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 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. Water shoes for the coral reef habu jellyfish season: June-September stings need immediate vinegar which every beach shack sells.
Q05Are there many tourists in Okinawa in December?
Are there many tourists in 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. Okinawa is not Japan-mainland and locals will tell you: the Ryukyu Kingdom identity runs deep, awamori not sake is the pour, and eisa drum troupes not taiko. Naha's Kokusai Street is tourist theater; walk one block back to Heiwa Dori arcade for real. American bases mean Okinawa has the best A&W and the only true taco rice at King Tacos in Kin town. Rent a car because the Yui monorail only covers Naha and the north Yanbaru rainforest is the entire point.