Japan, Asia

Okinawa in March

Beaches officially open for the season in late March or April. Japanese spring break brings more visitors late in the month.

GoodWarming, highs near 71F (22C)

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

The straight answer

March is a good month to visit Okinawa. Beaches officially open for the season in late March or April. Japanese spring break brings more visitors late in the month.

Weather: Warming, highs near 71F (22C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What March is like in Okinawa

March is warming, with highs near 71F (22C). Beaches officially open for the season in late March or April, with lifeguards and jellyfish nets. Whale season is still on, and the islands turn green. Japanese spring break brings more visitors late in the month, so prices and crowds start to climb.

It suits families, couples, and whale watchers who want mild weather and a first taste of beach season. Swimming is possible for the hardy late in the month. For reliably warm water and sunny days, wait for April. For the fewest people, go early in March.

Make the most of March

What is especially good about Okinawa this month.

Last of the whale season

Humpbacks are still around the Keramas in March. It is the tail end of peak season.

Beach season opens

Official beaches open with nets and lifeguards in late March or April. Check which are open.

Cape Manzamo at sunset

The cliffs north of Naha glow at sunset. Mild evenings are perfect for the walk.

What to pack for March

Light layers
Swimwear for late-month dips
Sunscreen
A windbreaker for boat trips

Our timing tip

Travel in the first half of March to avoid Japanese spring break crowds and still catch the whales.

Book Okinawa for March.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Okinawa
Opens a hotel search for Okinawa in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for March
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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 March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in March

Humpback whale season

Roughly late December to early April, peak February and March

Humpbacks come to the Kerama Islands to breed and calve. Tours run from Naha and Zamami.

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 March, quick answers

Is March a good time to visit Okinawa?

March is a good month to visit Okinawa. Beaches officially open for the season in late March or April. Japanese spring break brings more visitors late in the month.

What is the weather like in Okinawa in March?

Warming, highs near 71F (22C).

Is Okinawa crowded in March?

Crowds in Okinawa are moderate in March; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Okinawa in March?

Humpback whale season (roughly late december to early april, peak february and march).