Okinawa, the only region in Japan with a subtropical climate, offers the opportunity to enjoy golf in warm weather all year round. One of the attractions of golfing in Okinawa is the ability to play on lush, green grass even in winter.
However, despite the strong image of Okinawa being “tropical” year-round, it is classified as a subtropical climate. This means that even on sunny days, there are often short bursts of rain, similar to sudden showers, and it is said to have the lowest number of sunny days (days with less than 1mm of rain) in the country. It is rare for it to rain all day, and often after a sudden downpour, the sky clears up quickly. Golfers should always carry a lightweight raincoat or a water-resistant jacket.
Additionally, from July to August, when the intense heat continues, Okinawa experiences frequent typhoons approaching or making landfall. Researching Okinawa’s weather in advance is essential to fully enjoy your golf trip to Okinawa.
January
Temperature: High 19°C / Low 14°C
Rain: Minimal
During this season, while it is snowing in Honshu, the peak season for golf trips to tropical Okinawa arrives. However, it is the coldest time of the year for Okinawa, with average temperatures around 18°C. Although warmer than Honshu, the hilly areas of golf courses may feel colder due to sea breezes, so it is advisable to always have a jacket on hand. Rainfall is minimal, and daytime temperatures can rise to around 20°C, allowing for pleasant rounds of golf.
February
Temperature: High 19°C / Low 14°C
Rain: Minimal
Compared to January, February sees more cloudy skies and windy days, making it feel much colder than the actual temperatures. While it gets warmer towards the end of the month, sudden cold waves can make it chilly. It is necessary to always have a jacket on hand.
March
Temperature: High 21°C / Low 16°C
Rain: Occasional rain
As March progresses, average temperatures rise and it gets warmer. However, there can still be days with rain or clouds that feel chilly, so don’t let your guard down. Towards the end of the month, the sea opens for swimming, but the water temperature is still not very high, and the wind can make you feel cold, so it might still be early for enjoying swimming.
April
Temperature: High 24°C / Low 18°C
Rain: Occasional rain
April in Okinawa is considered the most comfortable time of the year, neither too cold nor too hot. The cold snaps of March subside, and the sea opens fully for swimming. Mornings and evenings become relatively comfortable, but the chance of rain increases towards the end of the month.
May
Temperature: High 27°C / Low 21°C
Rain: Rainy with occasional sunny spells
May starts to get hot with an average temperature of 25°C, and the rainy season begins around mid-month, bringing humid and muggy days. However, it doesn’t rain continuously throughout the day, and sunny spells are common. Golfers need to be prepared for sudden heavy showers.
June
Temperature: High 29°C / Low 24°C
Rain: Rainy with occasional sunny spells
June in Okinawa is in the midst of the rainy season, with an average temperature of 27°C and high rainfall making for humid and muggy days. The rainy season ends in late June, ushering in the start of summer. While the heat becomes intense, it is an excellent time for enjoying swimming.
July
Temperature: High 31°C / Low 26°C
Rain: Sudden showers, occasional typhoons (late July)
July sees many days with temperatures exceeding 30°C, marking the peak of summer. The rainy season ends, and rainfall decreases, but sudden showers typical of subtropical climates can still occur. While many sunny days are expected until mid-July, the likelihood of typhoons increases towards the end of the month. July also has the strongest UV rays of the year, making an umbrella, hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses essential for golfers.
August
Temperature: High 31°C / Low 26°C
Rain: Sudden showers, occasional typhoons
August is the height of summer in Okinawa, with the highest temperatures of the year. The island’s unique geography allows the sea breeze to flow in, preventing the heat from stagnating, resulting in slightly lower maximum temperatures compared to Honshu. However, like in July, sudden showers and approaching typhoons are common, making it a very humid and hot period.
September
Temperature: High 30°C / Low 25°C
Rain: Occasional rain
As the heat gradually subsides, September becomes more comfortable. However, daytime temperatures remain high, and heatstroke prevention is necessary. Early September is still a typhoon-prone period. As the month progresses, it cools down, making it more comfortable.
October
Temperature: High 27°C / Low 22°C
Rain: Minimal
October in Okinawa sees average temperatures drop to around 25°C, making it much more comfortable. Although daytime temperatures may still be warm, mornings and evenings can feel chilly, so it is advisable to have a light jacket on hand. With minimal rainfall and many sunny days, this is an excellent time to enjoy swimming, although the evening breeze from the sea can make it cold after getting out of the water.
November
Temperature: High 24°C / Low 19°C
Rain: Minimal
While the daytime can still be warm enough to make you sweat, mornings and evenings feel chilly. November in Okinawa is a dry season with little humidity, making it a very comfortable time. Personally, I find it to be the best golf season, with the wind during the round feeling delightful. Even in tropical Okinawa, the sea breeze turns cold in November, so having a light jacket is recommended.
December
Temperature: High 21°C / Low 16°C
Rain: Minimal
In December, the average temperature in Okinawa drops below 20°C, and it gets colder towards the end of the month. While the numbers might not seem very cold, the strong, cold sea breeze makes it feel colder than the numbers suggest. Many golf courses in Okinawa are hilly, with strong winds blowing in from the sea, so proper winter clothing is necessary.
