Okinawa is a coastal area of Japan on the Philippine Sea, with 29 tracked beaches. The sea here ranges from about 26°C in the coolest month to 29°C at the summer peak, with roughly 12 months a year sitting above 20°C — the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit. Use the beach list below to check the current sea temperature at each spot before you head out.
Okinawa
29 tracked beaches in Okinawa, Japan, with live Philippine Sea temperatures.
Sea
Philippine Sea
Avg sea temp now
…
Best months
Year-round
Best time to swim in Okinawa
The sea in Okinawa peaks in May, when the water averages around 29°C.
The main swimming season runs from January – December, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 12 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
The coldest month is typically January at around 26°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Okinawa sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Okinawa shows an annual mean sea temperature of 28°C, ranging from 26°C in winter to 29°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 3°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Okinawa, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Jan
26°C
Feb
27°C
Mar
27°C
Apr
28°C
May
29°C
Jun
29°C
Jul
28°C
Aug
28°C
Sep
28°C
Oct
28°C
Nov
27°C
Dec
27°C
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
Okinawa sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Okinawa?
May is the warmest month in Okinawa, when the sea averages about 29°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Okinawa?
The coldest month in Okinawa is typically January, when the water averages around 26°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Okinawa without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Okinawa runs from January – December — about 12 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Okinawa?
Okinawa stays warm year-round, so most swimmers never need a wetsuit — a rash guard is usually enough for sun and wildlife protection.
What is the average sea temperature in Okinawa?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Okinawa is about 28°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Okinawa?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Okinawa, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Beaches in the Okinawa
Ranked by current live sea temperature.
- 1Nishihama BeachHateruma, Japan—
- 2Emerald Beach OkinawaMotobu, Japan—
- 3Sunayama BeachMiyakojima, Japan—
- 4Kondoi BeachTaketomi, Japan—
- 5Naminoue BeachNaha, Japan—
- 6Manza BeachOnna, Japan—
- 7Sunayama BeachMiyakojima, Japan—
- 8Yonaha Maehama BeachMiyakojima, Japan—
- 9Kondoi BeachTaketomi, Japan—
- 10Kabira BayIshigaki, Japan—
- 11Sunset Beach NahaNaha, Japan—
- 12Emerald BeachMotobu, Japan—
- 13Manza BeachOnna, Japan—
- 14Mibaru BeachNanjo, Japan—
- 15Nishihama BeachHateruma, Japan—
- 16Kondoi BeachTaketomi, Japan—
- 17Yonaha MaehamaMiyakojima, Japan—
- 18Sunayama BeachMiyakojima, Japan—
- 19Furuzamami BeachZamami, Japan—
- 20Emerald Beach OkinawaOkinawa, Japan—
- 21Manza BeachOkinawa, Japan—
- 22Sunset Beach ChatanOkinawa, Japan—
- 23Araha BeachOkinawa, Japan—
- 24Nirai BeachOkinawa, Japan—
- 25Kondoi Beach TaketomiOkinawa, Japan—
- 26Nishihama Beach HaterumaOkinawa, Japan—
- 27Furuzamami BeachOkinawa, Japan—
- 28Yonaha Maehama BeachOkinawa, Japan—
- 29Sunayama BeachOkinawa, Japan—