Gotō Islands, Japan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Gotō Islands, Japan? If you're planning to go to Gotō Islands, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Gotō Islands
- Important essentials for Gotō Islands
- Activities for Gotō Islands
- Gotō Islands in January: weather and what to pack
- Gotō Islands in February: weather and what to pack
- Gotō Islands in March: weather and what to pack
- Gotō Islands in April: weather and what to pack
- Gotō Islands in May: weather and what to pack
- Gotō Islands in June: weather and what to pack
- Gotō Islands in July: weather and what to pack
- Gotō Islands in August: weather and what to pack
- Gotō Islands in September: weather and what to pack
- Gotō Islands in October: weather and what to pack
- Gotō Islands in November: weather and what to pack
- Gotō Islands in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Gotō Islands, Japan
Based on the climate and weather in Gotō Islands, the best time to go is June. See below for details.
Important essentials for Gotō Islands, Japan
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Gotō Islands, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may become worn. An unreadable card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection you can have.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly product.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent choice.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should work in most countries, but you should check with your hotel.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Gotō Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
-
For families with young children
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
What to wear/what to pack for Gotō Islands, Japan by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
Traveling to Gotō Islands in January, you will notice that it is pretty cool and extremely rainy. Expect it to rain most days. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
February
February in Gotō Islands is brisk and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
March
If you visit Gotō Islands during March, you may notice that it is brisk and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
April
If you go to Gotō Islands in April, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
May
May in this region is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
June
If you go to Gotō Islands in June, you will notice that it is warm and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
July
If you go to Gotō Islands in July, you will notice that it can be sweltering. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
August
If you vacation in Gotō Islands during August, you may notice that it is extremely hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also filters contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
September
If you visit Gotō Islands during September, you are likely to find that it is pretty consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
October
If you vacation in Gotō Islands during October, you may find that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
November
In November, Gotō Islands can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Gotō Islands, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
December
If you vacation in Gotō Islands during December, you may find that it can be very chilly and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
Activities for Gotō Islands, Japan
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Gotō Islands.
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