Okinawa Weather in March

 Season: Spring 
 Key Points: 
1. Okinawa enjoys quite warm temperature in March. 
2. Despite increasing rainfall, it won’t impact your travel plans significantly, because the rain is usually short this month. 
3. March is a good time to visit Okinawa, with vibrant activities and relatively quiet travel atmosphere. 

Historical Site in Okinawa

Temperatures Warming Up 

Okinawa’s weather in March is as warm as Tokyo’s in May, with the average temperature ranging from 16-22°C (61-72°F). As the month progresses, the weather becomes noticeably warmer: by late March daytime, highs can hover around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) or more, symbolizing the arrival of warm spring in Okinawa. Even so, mornings and evenings can still make visitors feel cool, with the lowest temperature around 13°C (55°F). Therefore, layered clothing is recommended to stay comfortable throughout the day. 

Another feature of Okinawa’s climate is that the perceived temperature on a sunny day is much higher than on a cloudy day under the same forecast temperature conditions. Thus, remember to check the forecast in advance to wear proper clothes. 

Rainfall & Humidity

March in Okinawa brings more rainfall, averaging 161 mm across 12 rainy days. The rain is often sudden and brief, though heavy sometimes. Your trip is rarely interrupted by it. After the rain, the skies often turn brighter and the air is fresher. 

The average humidity level sits around 71 %, a moderate level that is still comfortable for Okinawa’s outdoor activities. 

Can You Swim in Okinawa on March? 

Yes, it is ok to swim in March in Okinawa. Generally, the official beach-opening season begins from late March, allowing visitors to swim, snorkel and dive. However, the sea temperature remains about 22°C (72°F). So a wetsuit is highly recommended, as you may feel chilly once you are out of the water. It’s always a good idea to carry a towel and a jacket to stay warm. On windy days, waves can be so rough and reach dangerous heights, so arrange water activities only on calm and sunny days. 

It’s also a good time for snorkeling in early March, as the sea water enjoys quite high visibility during this period. 

Nice Hotel Resort

Sunshine Hours & Daytime Hours 

Sunshine Hours: about 4 hours
Sunrise: 6:29-6:44
Sunset: 18:20-18:52
Daytime Hours: 11 hours 37 minutes - 12 hours 7 minutes

About half the month sees sunny or partly sunny skies, offering excellent shining and vibrant ocean views. While March is not yet hot, the intensity of sunlight increases, with the UV index of 10. You are highly recommended to take sun protection measures when you are out: applying high-SPF sunscreen and wearing a sun hat and sunglasses for example. 

It’s worth noting that famous scenic spots are scattered across Okinawa Island, and some are even outside the island. It takes a really long time to reach these destinations, so extended daytime length is favorable for your outdoor explorations at a relaxing pace.

Colorful Sunset View

Is March a Good Time to Visit Okinawa? 

Yes, March is a pleasant time to visit Okinawa. The weather is mild, but not hot like summer or cold like winter. Brief downpours rarely affect your travel plans. Besides, there are various highlights this month, including beach-opening events by late March, sakura appreciation, and whale watching. It’s also a good time to avoid the heavy crowds of peak tourism season and enjoy a budget-friendly holiday. 

However, late March coincides with Japanese school spring holidays, so it is expected that there will be more domestic travelers during this time as Okinawa is quite a popular tourism destination. If you plan to visit the islands, remember to book the flights and hotel in advance. 

Clothing Guidance in March 

Since temperatures vary greatly from day to day, you are recommended to bring more clothes of different thicknesses. The basic principle is to dress in layers. 

 On a mild sunny day: 
You are advised to wear a T-shirt paired with a sun-protective jacket. There are many options for lower body outfits, such as shorts, skirts or sweatpants. Girls can also wear dresses in bright colors to take impressive photos by the beach. As for footwear, a pair of comfortable sandals is good for a casual beach stroll. Non-slippery sneakers are suitable for such a schedule that requires a lot of walking. 

 On a cloudy or rainy day: 
It’s recommended to dress in light long-sleeves, like a thin hoodie, coupled with a windproof jacket. For bottom clothing, it’s advisable to wear sweatpants or light jeans. As for footwear, stick to the sunny day’s choice.  

 Accessories: 
1. Sun-protection items: sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses. 
2. Water activity gadgets: a wetsuit, a towel, and a new snorkel. 
3. Rain gear: an umbrella or a raincoat. 

Travel Highlights in March 

1. The Azalea Festival in Higashi Village is held in early May in 2026, featuring about 50,000 blooming azaleas. Visitors can stroll among the flowers or climb the observatory for breathtaking views of both the blossoms and the sea. 
2. Okinawa is the only place in Japan where you can see sakura blossoms twice a year. In March, rare white sakura can still be found in the northern part of the main island. 
3. March is one of the best months for whale watching, with a high possibility of witnessing whales. 
4. At the end of March, many Okinawa beaches officially open for swimming, allowing visitors to enjoy safe water activities. 

Spectacular View

Okinawa Weather by Month