Okinawa, Japan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Okinawa, Japan? If you're planning to go to Okinawa, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Okinawa
- Important essentials for Okinawa
- Activities for Okinawa
- Okinawa in January: weather and what to pack
- Okinawa in February: weather and what to pack
- Okinawa in March: weather and what to pack
- Okinawa in April: weather and what to pack
- Okinawa in May: weather and what to pack
- Okinawa in June: weather and what to pack
- Okinawa in July: weather and what to pack
- Okinawa in August: weather and what to pack
- Okinawa in September: weather and what to pack
- Okinawa in October: weather and what to pack
- Okinawa in November: weather and what to pack
- Okinawa 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 Okinawa, Japan
Based on the climate and weather in Okinawa, the best time to go is November. See below for details.
Important essentials for Okinawa, Japan
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Okinawa, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly product.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection possible.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often get worn. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great one.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
For families with young children
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Okinawa. 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.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be sufficient for most places, but check with your hotel.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Okinawa, Japan by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January is really hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
February
February in Okinawa is consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
March
March for Okinawa can be very hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
April
In April, Okinawa can be very hot. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Okinawa, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
May
May in Okinawa is really hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
June
In June, Okinawa is consistently hot. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) and regularly jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Okinawa, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also cleans contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
July
July in Okinawa is constantly hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also filters contaminants:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
August
If you go to Okinawa in August, you will notice that it can be sweltering. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
September
If you are traveling to Okinawa in September, you will notice that it is consistently hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
October
In October, Okinawa is extremely hot. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Okinawa, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
November
In November, Okinawa can be sweltering. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Okinawa, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also filters contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
December
December in Okinawa can be very hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
Activities for Okinawa, Japan
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Okinawa.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Biggleswade, England, United Kingdom, Harrison, New York, United States of America, Chandausi, India, Yoshino, Japan, Saint-Raphaël, France, Geldrop, Netherlands, Northern Lowlands, Guatemala, San Casciano dei Bagni, Italy, Locust Grove, Oklahoma, United States of America, Berlin, New Hampshire, United States of America, and Chulanur Peafowl Sanctuary, India.