Okinawa Weather in May

 Season: Spring 
 Key Points: 
1. In general, Okinawa’s weather is quite warm, feeling like the start of summer. 
2. After around 10th of May, the rainy season arrives, bringing more humid and unpredictable days. 
3. Early May is considered one of the best times to visit: not only do you avoid the heaviest rains, but you can also enjoy the lively Naha Dragon Boat Festival.

Beach Resort

Warm Temperatures 

Okinawa’s climate in May becomes increasingly warmer, with the average temperature ranging from 22-27°C (72-81°F), which is about the temperature in Japan’s mainland in July. In general, the high temperature hovers between 26-29°C (78-84°F), but sometimes, it can even exceed 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit). 

There is no need to worry about the nights being cold. After the sunset, temperatures usually don’t drop too much – probably only 3-4°C (37-39°F) lower, so nights still make you feel a bit warm. 

In general, temporary rainfall doesn’t cool things down very much. But if it rains all day long, the lowest temperature during the daytime might be around only 17 degrees Celsius (63 degrees Fahrenheit). And you will feel much colder if it’s windy. 

Rainy Season

Subsequent to early May, Okinawa welcomes its rainy season, which usually lasts until the end of June. On average, the islands see about 232 mm of rainfall over 12 rainy days this month. 

Okinawa’s rainy season is different from mainland Japan: there are not endless gloomy skies and days of non-stop drizzle. Instead, the weather swings between short bursts of showers and brilliant sunshine. You might be hiding under an umbrella one moment and soaking in summer-like sunshine and clearer skies the next. But there are occasional days when it rains for a day long. In this case, it’s a good idea to arrange some attractions that are not much affected by rain, such as Kokusai-dori Street, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and American Village. 

The humidity does creep up this month, thanks to the relatively high rainfall. The average humidity level reaches around 79 %. If one day’s temperature is high, the air will be muggier.  

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Is It Warm Enough to Swim in Okinawa in May? 

Of course! The average sea temperature in May hovers around 25°C (77°F), meaning you can enjoy a swim without feeling chilly for a while. Sunny days are perfect for water sports, so make the most of them. However, on cloudy or rainy days, the winds can get strong and the sea temperature is relatively lower, making it unsuitable for sea activities. For water sports lovers, you are recommended to always check the forecast in advance. 

Sunshine Hours & Daytime Hours 

Sunshine Hours: about 5 hours
Sunrise: 5:37-5:52
Sunset: 19:01-19:16
Daytime Hours: 13 hours 9 minutes - 13 hours 40 minutes

Since Okinawa’s May is dominated by cloudy or rainy days, the islands share limited sunshine hours. However, don’t overlook the strength of ultraviolet rays. The UV index can reach as high as 11, which means sun protection is a must during the sunny moments.

The daylight hours stretch to almost 13.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore Okinawa at a relatively relaxing pace. 

Is May a Good Time to Visit Okinawa? 

May isn’t exactly the perfect month for Okinawa, but it does have its charm. 

Around before the 10th of May, the weather is pleasant and the rainy season hasn’t set in yet – ideal for beach time and cultural events like the Naha Dragonboat Race. What about the downside? During the Golden Week, the public holiday from 29th of April to 5th of May, 2026, flights and hotels are pricier, and the crowds are everywhere. 

After early May, the weather turns a bit more unpredictable since the rainy season starts, but the rain is not endless, and with good planning like mentioned above, you can still enjoy a nice trip in Okinawa. Plus, it’s much more budget-friendly. 

What to Wear in Okinawa in May 

The outfits for Okinawa’s May are mainly summer clothing. A simple T-shirt is usually enough for your daily outings, but it’s smart to bring a light sun-protective jacket to shield you from the sunburn and help you stay comfortable on a windy day. Shorts or skirts work well as bottom clothing. Girls can also wear beach-style dresses. As for footwear, comfortable sneakers are suitable for sightseeing that requires lots of walking; sandals or flip-flops are great for a laid-back beach vibe.

 Accessories: 
Considering the intense UV rays, don’t forget to pack sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. 
May belongs to the rainy season, and rain gear is necessary. 
Mosquitoes prevail this month, so you need to prepare insect repellent. 

What to Do in Okinawa in May 

Okinawa’s weather in May usually swings between sunny skies and sudden showers, so it’s best to plan your activities by the weather. 

Sunny Days: Head out to the islands 
On clear days, the sea shines in its most vivid blue, and visibility underwater is excellent, perfect for island-hopping and marine activities.

Tokashiki Island: It is bigger in size, well-equipped, and perfect for underwater adventures like snorkeling, diving, and kayaking.
Nagannu Island: It is known for its untouched charm and quiet beaches, ideal for taking photos without the crowds. Moreover, even on cloudy days, the water still shines like glass. 

Beach View on Sunny Days

Cloudy or Mixed Weather: Explore the main island 
Cloudy skies make it a bit dangerous to visit Okinawa’s remote island because of strong winds and rough waves. Therefore, sightseeing on the mainland is quite a comfortable option. 
 
Head north to admire the coastal views at Cape Manzamo and the iconic Kouri Bridge.
Stop by Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium to watch dolphin shows and animal feedings.
End your day at American Village, the perfect spot for a colorful sunset and a virtual American culture experience. 

Tip: For water activities, bring a wetsuit, towel, and light jacket to keep warm after swimming. 

Travel Highlight – Naha Dragon Boat Race during the Golden Week

It is one of Okinawa’s biggest and liveliest festivals! Held three days at Naha New Port during Golden Week in 2026, the event draws both locals and tourists. You’ll witness energetic daytime boat races, and you can even hop on a boat. Festive evenings are filled with fireworks and live music. 

Tips: 
Check the official website for the exact schedule. 
Since it’s the peak holiday season, book flights and hotels early. 

Okinawa Weather by Month