Does Okinawa Have Four Seasons? Understanding the Subtropical Seasons of Japan’s Southern Islands

When you think of Okinawa, what comes to mind?
Tropical beaches? Year-round warmth? A place where it’s always summer?

Many visitors—and even people from mainland Japan—wonder whether Okinawa really has four seasons like the rest of the country.

The answer? Yes, but not in the way you might expect.

In this article, we’ll explore how Okinawa experiences the seasons differently from the rest of Japan, and how local climate, traditions, and subtle natural signs create a unique sense of time and change.

Okinawa Has Four Seasons—But They Feel Different

Unlike Tokyo or Kyoto, where you can clearly distinguish spring cherry blossoms, humid summer heat, colorful fall leaves, and snowy winters, Okinawa’s seasons are more subtle and less visual.

Here’s what makes them feel different:

• Spring and fall are short and often go unnoticed
• Winter is mild—snow is practically unheard of
• Summer is long and dominant, lasting nearly half the year

So while Okinawa does have four seasons, the way they are experienced is softer, slower, and shaped by air, light, and culture rather than dramatic temperature swings or foliage changes.

Spring (March–April): No Cherry Blossoms, but a New Start

• Average temperatures: 18–23°C (64–73°F)
• Cherry blossoms bloom early—as early as January or February
• School year and fiscal year still begin in April, marking a “new season” socially
• Daylight hours increase, and people gradually switch back to summer clothes

For those used to seeing cherry blossoms as the sign of spring, it may feel odd that Okinawa’s kanhizakura (a deep-pink, bell-shaped cherry blossom) blooms in mid-winter.
By the time April arrives, “spring” has already passed in floral terms, but the air feels pleasant and mild.

Summer (May–October): Long, Hot, and Humid

• Average temperatures: 25–31°C (77–88°F)
• Beach season starts in May and can last until October
• Rainy season (May to late June) brings humidity and typhoons
• High humidity and tropical storms are common in late summer

Okinawa’s summer is the star of the show.
It dominates the year and shapes everything from daily clothing to festival schedules.
It’s not unusual to wear T-shirts well into October, and air conditioning is essential.
Compared to places like California or southern Spain, Okinawa’s summer is longer, wetter, and more humid.

Fall (November): Subtle, Quiet, and Still Green

• Average temperatures: 22–26°C (72–79°F)
• Little to no color change in the leaves
• No fall harvest traditions like pumpkins or apples
• Feels more like a cooler summer than a separate season

There’s no vivid “fall foliage” here—trees stay green year-round.
The air becomes drier and more comfortable, making November one of the best months for outdoor activities.
Still, fall in Okinawa is a whisper, not a shout. It’s felt in the breeze, not seen in the leaves.

Winter (December–February): Cool, But Never Cold

• Average temperatures: 15–20°C (59–68°F)
• Rarely drops below 10°C (50°F)
• No snow—most Okinawans have never seen it in person
• Still warm enough for light jackets or long sleeves

Okinawa’s winter feels more like early spring to people from colder climates.
Locals may wear sweaters and coats, but you’ll still see visitors in shorts.
The high humidity and ocean breeze can make it feel chilly, but it’s nothing like the snow-covered winters in northern Japan or the American Midwest.

How Do People in Okinawa Feel the Seasons?

In the absence of strong visual cues like snow or leaf color, Okinawans often perceive the seasons through:

• Traditional events, like the lunar New Year or Shīmī (a family picnic to honor ancestors)
• The sound of wind and waves changing
• The appearance of seasonal flowers, insects, and harvests (like sugarcane)
• Changes in humidity and wind direction

Seasonal awareness in Okinawa is subtle, grounded more in nature’s rhythm and local culture than in temperature alone.

Summary: Yes, Okinawa Has Four Seasons—Just Not the Way You’re Used To

If you come from a place where seasons are marked by falling snow or fiery red trees, Okinawa might seem “seasonless” at first.
But look closer, and you’ll notice: the seasons are there. They’re just gentler, slower, and warmer.

Okinawa’s seasons invite you to feel the world differently—through moisture in the air, the songs of cicadas, and the rituals of everyday life.

And once you tune into that rhythm, you may find it just as beautiful as the four-season cycle you thought you knew.