Japan, Asia

Okinawa in December

Quiet and cheap. The first humpbacks arrive late in the month. Christmas to New Year brings a short spike.

Quiet valueMild and windy, highs near 70F (21C)

White sand beach on Iheya Island, Okinawa — OkinawaPhoto: Kugel~commonswiki, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

December is a quiet, good-value month to visit Okinawa. Quiet and cheap. The first humpbacks arrive late in the month. Christmas to New Year brings a short spike.

Weather: Mild and windy, highs near 70F (21C)
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What December is like in Okinawa

December is mild and windy, with highs near 70F (21C). The islands are quiet and cheap. The first humpback whales arrive late in the month. Christmas to New Year brings a short spike in prices, and some small shops close over New Year.

It suits travelers who want a mild winter escape, city sightseeing in Naha, and possibly an early whale sighting. It is not a beach month, as the wind and cooler sea keep most people on land. For whales at their peak, February and March are best. For beaches, April and October are the pick.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Okinawa this month.

First whales of the season

Humpbacks start arriving around the Keramas late in the month. Early tours are quieter.

Kokusai Street

Naha's main street is lively in the evening, with shops and food stalls.

Quiet aquarium days

Churaumi is calm in December. Go in the late afternoon for fewer crowds.

What to pack for December

A windproof jacket
Light layers
Comfortable walking shoes
Seasickness remedies for boat trips

Our timing tip

Come in early December for the lowest prices, or late December if you want a chance at the first whales.

Book Okinawa for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Okinawa
Opens a hotel search for Okinawa in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Okinawa
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Okinawa
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Okinawa for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Okinawa

Full guide

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

The giant Kuroshio tank with whale sharks and manta rays. Go early on a weekday or late afternoon to avoid tour groups.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Kerama Islands

Zamami and Tokashiki have some of Japan's clearest water and are the base for winter whale watching. Ferries stop when seas are rough.

Tickets and tours →

Shurijo Castle

The Ryukyu royal palace burned in 2019 and its main hall has been under reconstruction. The grounds are open; check the current status of the rebuilt hall before you go.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Kokusai Street and Makishi Market

Naha's main drag. Buy fish downstairs at the market and have it cooked upstairs.

Tickets and tours →

Cape Manzamo and the west coast

Cliffs above clear water along the resort coast north of Naha. Sunset is the time.

Tickets and tours →

Ishigaki and the Yaeyama Islands

Kabira Bay, water buffalo carts on Taketomi, and mangrove kayaking on Iriomote. A short flight from Naha.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Avoid Golden Week (roughly April 29 to May 5) and mid July through August, when Japanese families flood the resorts.
Visit Churaumi Aquarium right at opening or in the last two hours of the day; midday is packed with tour buses.
Book Kerama day trips for early in your stay so you have backup days if rough seas cancel ferries.
October is the smart-money month: summer water temperatures with a fraction of the crowds and prices.

Know before you go

Typhoons shut ferries, cancel flights, and close beaches and some attractions for one to three days. Travel insurance and flexible bookings are worth it from June to October.
Most beaches are officially open with lifeguards and jellyfish nets from roughly late March or April to October. Swimming outside netted areas in summer carries box jellyfish risk.
Shurijo Castle's main hall has been under reconstruction since the 2019 fire, with parts of the site fenced off during the work; check current access.
New Year and Obon bring some closures of small shops and restaurants, though resorts and major sights stay open.

Okinawa in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Okinawa?

December is a quiet, good-value month to visit Okinawa. Quiet and cheap. The first humpbacks arrive late in the month. Christmas to New Year brings a short spike.

What is the weather like in Okinawa in December?

Mild and windy, highs near 70F (21C).

Is Okinawa crowded in December?

December is one of the quieter months in Okinawa; most sights can be done without long waits.