Month guide · Okinawa · Japan
Okinawa in October
What October is really like in Okinawa: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
October is one of the best months to visit Okinawa. Expect average highs of 28°C (82°F), lows of 24°C (75°F), about 8 rainy days and roughly 11.5 hours of daylight. Humidity eases and the sea is still warm enough to swim; typhoons are less frequent but possible.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 28°C (82°F) / 24°C (75°F)
- Rainy days
- About 8
- Daylight
- About 11.5 hours
- Sea temperature
- 27°C (81°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in October
October is the 5th-warmest month in Okinawa: days average 28°C (82°F) against a yearly average high of 26°C (79°F), and nights fall to about 24°C (75°F). Rain falls on roughly 8 of its 31 days. Compared with September (31°C (88°F)), October is cooler; by November highs drop to around 25°C (77°F).
- Sunrise (15 October)
- About 06:28
- Sunset (15 October)
- About 18:01
- Daylight
- About 11.5 hours
- Sea
- 27°C (81°F)
Autumn (September–November). Warm sea and festivals, with typhoons in September giving way to settled, pleasant days in October and November.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, October rates 3 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in July). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in October
- Naha Great Tug-of-War — one of the world's largest rice-straw ropes (usually October)
- Ryukyu Kingdom Festival / Shuri Castle Festival (usually autumn)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in October
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Religious site · Naha (Kokusai-dori)
Naminoue Shrine and Beach
Okinawa's most important Shinto shrine sits on a cliff above Naha's only city beach, a short walk from Kokusai-dori.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Views
Aquarium · Motobu Peninsula
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Watch a whale-shark feeding session at the big tank, then walk to the free dolphin show and Emerald Beach in the same park.
- Time needed
- Half a day with the park
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Kids
- Rainy day
Street · Naha (Kokusai-dori)
Kokusai-dori
Naha's main street runs for about 1.6 km past souvenir shops, awamori bars, Okinawan restaurants and live-music venues.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Shopping
- Food
- After dark
- Free
Market · Naha (Kokusai-dori)
Daiichi Makishi Public Market
Ask the fishmonger to recommend a cooking style and which upstairs restaurant to use before you buy.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Food
- Rainy day
- Shopping
The sea averages 27°C (81°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Okinawa.
What to pack
For highs near 28°C, lows near 24°C and 8 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is October a good time to visit Okinawa?
One of the best months to visit Okinawa, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are April and June–July. Compare every month.
Okinawa in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is October a good time to visit Okinawa?
It is one of the best months to visit Okinawa. Humidity eases and the sea is still warm enough to swim; typhoons are less frequent but possible.
+How warm is Okinawa in October?
Average highs are around 28°C (82°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Okinawa in October?
Expect rain on about 8 days of the month.