Okinawa (Naha) January weather
Okinawa (Naha), Japan · January
Mild island winter that feels more like early spring than deep cold
January in Okinawa feels like early spring for visitors from Korea or mainland Japan. While the rest of Japan is in deep winter, Okinawa stays comfortably mild.
Morning and night lows are around 13-15°C, and daytime highs reach about 18-20°C, so you can walk around easily without heavy winter coats.
January averages at a glance
Average low
around 13-15°C
Average high
around 18-20°C
Average rainfall
around 100-120 mm
Rainy days
around 10-12 days
What to wear in January in Okinawa (Naha)
Actual feel will change with wind and rain, but use the suggestions below to build a comfortable layered outfit.
- • Light knits or sweatshirts with a thin jacket are usually enough—think Korean early spring or late autumn.
- • Sea breeze can feel cooler than expected, so if you plan long beach walks, bring a windbreaker or thin padded vest.
- • Sneakers or light walking shoes work well; sandals are still a bit early for full-day use, but fine for indoors or onsen.
Travel tips for visiting Okinawa (Naha) in January
- • Sea swimming can feel chilly for long sessions, but beach walks, café hopping, and drives are perfect in this season.
- • It is low season, so major spots are relatively quiet and accommodation prices are often lower than in summer.
- • Windy days are common; on outdoor-heavy days, windproof outerwear is more important than thick insulation.
January weather in Okinawa (Naha) — FAQ
Q. Is sea swimming possible in January?
A. Locals usually find it too cold for long swims, so it is not peak beach season. With a thick rash guard or wetsuit you can enter the water briefly, but it is better to focus on walks and views.
Q. Do I need a heavy winter coat?
A. For most days, no. Autumn-weight jackets or light coats are enough. If you are very sensitive to cold, a light padded jacket can be reassuring at night.
Q. Is the air dry or humid in winter?
A. Humidity is lower than in summer, so it does not feel sticky, but it is not as dry as mainland winter either. Overall it feels comfortably fresh.