Local Column

COLUMN

The weather in Okinawa is never right! Why the weather is so changeable and the favorite apps of the local staff!

2025-05-10 05:16

Hello everyone!

 

One of the largest activity stores in Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki Island ADVENTURE PiPiIt is!

 

When planning a trip to Okinawa, have you ever checked the weather forecast only to find that "it's not right at all! Have you ever felt that the weather forecast is never right?

 

In fact, the weather in Okinawa is difficult to predict, with sudden rain and sunny spells coming and going frequently.

 

In this article, we will explain why the weather in Okinawa is so changeable, and also introduce some recommended weather apps used by our local staff!

 

Is the weather changeable in Okinawa?

Ishigaki Island

Okinawa is a popular tourist destination with beautiful seas, rich nature, and delicious food.

 

But be careful when you travel.weather variability".

 

In this issue, we will explain in detail the unique climate of Okinawa and the reasons for it, so please check it out before your trip.

 

Local staff doesn't trust weather forecasts very much.

Ishigaki Island coral

Weather forecasts in Okinawa are often not very reliable, and even the locals do not trust them that much.

 

It is not uncommon for the weather in Okinawa to change suddenly, and it is not unusual for it to rain on a day that was supposed to be sunny according to the weather forecast, or for it to be sunny when it was supposed to rain.

 

When you visit Okinawa on vacation,Don't rely too much on the weather forecast.is important.

 

Few people carry umbrellas.

Taketomi Island Sightseeing

In Okinawa, many people do not use umbrellas even when it rains.

 

The reason is that rain in Okinawa is temporary, like a squall, and often stops immediately.

 

Another reason is that umbrellas are not very useful due to the strong sea winds.

 

Why the weather in Okinawa is so changeable

Taketomi Island Sightseeing

Now, we have already mentioned that the weather forecast for Okinawa is not very reliable, and here we will explain why.

 

In fact, there are many reasons why the weather in Okinawa is so changeable, including Okinawa's unique climate, land characteristics, and surrounding ocean conditions.

 

Caused by Okinawa's climate

Iriomote Island (Okinawa)

The primary factor that causes the changeable weather in Okinawa is the climate of Okinawa.

 

Okinawa is the only place in Japan that belongs to the subtropical zone.The climate is warm and humid throughout the year.

 

This makes rain clouds more likely to form suddenly, making it difficult to predict the weather in Okinawa.


Characteristics of Rain in Okinawa

マーペー

Okinawa's rainfall is characterized by a more humid and muggy climate than that north of Kyushu, and by the fact that it is more humid and muggy than that north of Kyushu,Large amounts of rainfall at a time.That is to say.

 

I have already explained that Okinawa belongs to the subtropical zone and thus has a mild climate throughout the year,The rain that falls there makes it feel even gloomier and hotter than in other parts of the country.

 

Also, the amount of rain that falls at any one time is so large that you may have to make major changes to your travel plans if you are not adequately prepared.

Lots of squalls.

Rain in Okinawa is usually in the form of squalls, with a sudden downpour, but it soon stops and blue skies appear.

 

If you have this in mind when you travel, you can weather a sudden shower for a short while and resume your trip without difficulty.

Clear wet and dry seasons

Okinawa is said to have a very clear difference between a rainy season with high precipitation and a dry season without.

 

In fact, precipitation during the months of May and June, when Okinawa enters the rainy season, is double that of the rest of the year.

 

In addition, precipitation in August and September is about the same as in the rainy season, so when traveling, please be aware of the difference in precipitation between the wet and dry seasons and plan accordingly.

 

Okinawa is an island nation.

bobbed hair (from resemblance to the mythical kappa's hair style)

One of the reasons why the weather in Okinawa is so changeable is that Okinawa is an island nation.

 

Generally speaking, island countries are known for being surrounded by the sea, which makes them prone to rain clouds and sudden changes in weather.

 

Because there are no high mountains in Okinawa.

マーペー サンセット

The lack of high mountains in Okinawa is another reason why the weather is so changeable.

 

If there are high mountains, rain stored in the rain clouds will lose momentum as they hit the mountains.

 

Otherwise, in Okinawa, rain inevitably falls with the momentum stored by the rain clouds, resulting in heavy squall-like rainfall.

 

Complexity of Marine Climate in Okinawa

幻の島 石垣島 写真

Because Okinawa is surrounded by warm seas, rain clouds tend to form and develop more easily, which also makes the weather more changeable.

 

Weather is greatly influenced by the temperature of the sea water and ocean currents.

 

The complexity of the ocean currents surrounding Okinawa and the oceanic weather that results from them is another reason that makes weather forecasts unreliable.

 

Effects of Atmospheric Conditions in Okinawa

Nannu New Ishigaki Airport

In addition to ocean conditions, atmospheric conditions in the sky also affect the weather.

 

Especially around September, when typhoons pass over Okinawa, the weather becomes more unstable because the atmosphere becomes unstable at once.

 

Preventive measures for changeable weather in Okinawa

石垣島 幻の島上陸

Now that we have explained how changeable the weather in Okinawa is, with the reasons why, here are some countermeasures against such weather.

 

We hope you will find this information useful so that you will not have to drastically change your travel itinerary when you visit Okinawa on vacation.

 

I don't trust long-term weather forecasts.

石垣島 幻の島上陸

As the easiest and most effective countermeasure to Okinawa's changeable weather,Don't put too much trust in long-term weather forecasts.This is the case.

 

It is not uncommon for rain to fall on a day that was supposed to be sunny in the week's weather forecast.

 

It is important not to put too much trust in long-term weather forecasts, as they are only rough estimates.

 

Let's keep a close eye on the rain cloud radar.

石垣島・平久保崎

To avoid being swept away by changeable weather, it is useful to use rain cloud radar.

 

Although weather forecasts are not very reliable, rain cloud radar is very effective in observing the movement of clouds in the sky in real time.

 

Let's look at the sky and make a decision!

石垣島 ハイビスカスと海

The most direct way to determine weather breakdown is to look at the sky.

 

As long as weather forecasts are not very reliable, the most accurate way to judge the sky is to see it with your own eyes.

 

Even without detailed knowledge, it is possible to judge that a squall may be coming soon because rain clouds are visible upwind.

 

Three relatively hit-and-miss weather forecasting apps used by local staff!

石垣島 青の洞窟

Effective use of smartphone applications can also predict the weather.

 

However, there are many weather forecasting applications, and many people may not know which one to use.

 

Here are three weather forecasting apps that are used frequently by local staff and are relatively easy to use.

 

Yahoo! Weather

天気予報

Weather is a relatively accurate app for weather forecasting.

 

Since this app is provided information by the Japan Weather Association and the Japan Meteorological Agency, it is easier to hit than other apps that do not.

 

When in doubt as to which weather forecast application to use, first try using Yahoo!

 

Windy

天気予報

Windy is also known for its high accuracy as an app related to weather forecasting.

 

The application is unique in that it allows the user to check the movement and speed of wind, waves, and clouds,Pinpoint the weather around the world.

 

These characteristics allow us to expect a certain degree of accuracy even in Okinawa, where weather forecasting is considered difficult.

 

Tenki.jp

天気予報

Tenki.jp of the Japan Weather Association is another site that can be expected to be quite accurate.

 

In particular, the rain cloud radar presented from reliable sources is quite accurate and will be a reassuring partner for enjoying your trip in Okinawa.

 

Thus, you can make your trip more comfortable by using apps and sites that can detect rain clouds with some accuracy.

 

Fun even in the rain
Five recommended activities

Ishigaki Island

No matter how many rain clouds and weather breaks are predicted, some people may find it difficult to enjoy their trip when it actually rains.

 

So, here are five recommended activities that can be enjoyed even in the rain, for a slightly different perspective.

 

Fun even in the rain
Five recommended activities
1) Mangrove SUP/Canoe

吹通川マングローブ

In Okinawa, you can see mangroves, a unique plant found only in the brackish waters of the subtropical zone.

 

The mangrove forests, especially on rainy days, are perfect for exploration by canoe or SUP, as the muddy water and tangled roots create a fantastic atmosphere.

 

Attractions that can be enjoyed because of the rainWe invite you to experience the

 

Fun even in the rain
Five recommended activities
(2) Kabira Bay SUP/Canoe

石垣島 川平湾 SUP

Kabira Bay on Ishigaki Island is a spectacular spot with emerald green sea and white sandy beaches.

 

SUP and canoeing areA little rain is no problem, and the experience of moving through the drizzling rain is exceptional.It is.

 

Rain in Okinawa often stops quickly, so you can expect moments of sunshine.

 

Fun even in the rain
Five recommended activities
Snorkeling in the Blue Cave

青の洞窟 石垣島 写真

The Blue Cave is a spectacular spot that can be enjoyed even on rainy days.

 

The light shining into the cave turns the surface of the water a deep blue, allowing visitors to appreciate its beauty.

 

Even if it rains a little, when the sun shines, you can enjoy the same blue world,Furthermore, since it is in a cave, it is not directly exposed to rain.

 

Fun even in the rain
Five recommended activities
4) Landing on Phantom Island & Snorkeling x Taketomi Island Sightseeing

石垣島 幻の島 浜島

Hamashima is called "Phantom Island,Mysterious spots that appear and disappear with the ebb and flow of the tideIt is.

 

It is a great snorkeling point where you can see beautiful corals, tropical fish, and sea turtles, and you can enjoy its attractions even on rainy days.

 

Experience a different and fantastic view than on a sunny day.

 

Fun even in the rain
Five recommended activities
5) Jungle Night Tour

Night Tour

Jungle night tours are offered in Okinawa, and participation in these tours allows visitors to observe creatures not seen during the day.

 

Jungle night tours are also held if it rains a little, so they can be enjoyed regardless of the weather.

 

Reptiles and amphibians often show up, especially on rainy days.Therefore, rainy days may be your lucky day.

 

in the end

石垣島 サンセットSUP

The weather in Okinawa is difficult to predict, and sudden rain is not uncommon.

 

Even a four-day, three-night trip will not always be sunny, and there will often be rainy days.

 

However, Okinawa's charm is not lost in the rain,In fact, there are some sights and activities that can be enjoyed because of the rain!The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

 

Regardless of the weather, we invite you to experience the multifaceted charm of Okinawa.

 

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this report to the end.

This article was written by.
Kana
Kana