Climate and clothing in February in Okinawa The most economical time to visit!

Okinawa has an image of being warm even in winter, but February is the coldest month of the year.

However, it is not as bitterly cold as on the mainland, and there are plenty of fun things to do during this season, such as whale watching and early-blooming cherry blossom festivals.

Because it is the off-season for tourism, airline tickets and hotels tend to be inexpensive, making it easy to relax and enjoy your stay. Here are some tips for enjoying your February trip to Okinawa to the fullest.

1 Temperature and Weather Characteristics of Okinawa in February
2 Tips on what to wear in February
3 Tips for Enjoying Nature in Okinawa in February
4 Major Events in Okinawa in February
5 Recommended Activities in February
6 Seasonal Foods and Fruits in Okinawa in February
7 Things to keep in mind in Okinawa in February
8 Airline ticket prices in February
9 Hotel rates in February
10 summary
11 Climate and Clothing by Month
12 If you want to enjoy Okinawa, get discount tickets online!
13 special feature article

Temperature and Weather Characteristics of Okinawa in February

In February, Okinawa has a mild climate compared to mainland Japan, although a hint of winter can be felt.

Looking at the 1991-2020 normal in Naha, the average temperature is about 17.5°C, with daytime highs around 20°C and lows around 15°C. This means that while it is warm enough to wear short sleeves during the day, it often feels chilly when the northerly wind blows.

The temperature feels like October on the mainland, but with the addition of strong winds, the actual cold can be more severe than one might imagine.

average temperature	Approx. 17.5°C (Naha normal)
maximum temperature	Around 20℃ during the day
minimum temperature	Approx. 15°C
precipitation	Approx. 115 mm per month (slightly more than in January)
level of humidity	Average approx. 69
wind-chill index (factor)	Warm during the day, but can feel cooler with northerly winds or strong winds

Although the numbers alone give the impression of warm weather, in reality, the weather is characterized by a “winter pressure pattern” that can easily change dramatically.

Sudden rain showers and strong winds can occur, and the gusty wind phenomenon known as “Ningachi-Kajimai” (February wind rotation), which appears around February of the lunar calendar, is particularly symbolic of rapidly changing weather conditions.

Tips on what to wear in February

In February in Okinawa, there is a sharp difference in temperature between warm days and cool mornings and evenings, so it is important to dress accordingly. During sightseeing, the basic style is to wear a long-sleeved shirt or a short-sleeved item with a light jacket. Since you may sweat when moving, a layered style that can be easily taken on and off is ideal.

In addition, sweaters, fleeces, and even windproof jackets are useful to protect against the cold at night and early in the morning. On days when the north wind blows, the sensory temperature drops significantly, so a windbreaker and a scarf or stole to keep the neck warm will be helpful.

scene	Recommended Clothing
Daytime Sightseeing	Long-sleeved shirt or light jacket with three-quarter sleeves (can be taken off and adjusted if hot)
Night/early morning	Sweaters, fleece, windproof jackets, scarves and stoles
outdoor activities	Long sleeves and long pants for hiking, waterproof and windproof jacket for whale watching, wetsuit and warm clothes for marine sports

These examples of attire are intended not only to look good, but also to be flexible enough to cope with the cold, gusty winds, and sudden changes in weather that we actually experience in Okinawa’s natural environment and at sea.

For example, during whale watching, it is essential to prepare thicker outerwear and warmer clothes than usual because of the strong sea breeze when you are on board.

Layering is also recommended for hikers, as it is easier to adjust body temperature and to cope with sudden changes in temperature.

Tips for Enjoying Nature in Okinawa in February

February in Okinawa is a season of fresh natural beauty unique to the tropics, even with the onset of winter.

During this season of cold and warm weather, visitors can fully enjoy Okinawa’s natural beauty through a variety of flowers, clear waters, and wildlife encounters.

In Okinawa, scarlet cherry blossoms begin blooming in mid-January and are at their best in various areas until early February.

At Yaedake, some 7,000 cherry trees bloom all at once, and the event held as the “Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival” is the perfect opportunity to feel the early signs of spring. Furthermore, at Nakijin Castle Ruins, registered as a World Heritage site, the illumination of the cherry blossoms at night creates a fantastic atmosphere, allowing visitors to enjoy the different beauty of the blossoms by day and night.

In addition, the “Naha Cherry Blossom Festival” held at Yogi Park in Naha City has become a well-established event where locals and tourists come together to share the beauty of cherry blossoms, and the entire city is enveloped in gorgeous colors.

Not only cherry blossoms, but also cosmoses bloom from mid-January to late February in Yomitan Village, and the “Churaumi Flower Festival” is held at Ocean Expo Park in Motobu-cho, bringing color to Okinawa in winter. Especially in early February, the “Okinawa International Orchid Show,” the largest orchid display in Japan, is held, and the sight of approximately 20,000 orchids all on display in one place is like a floral orchestra for visitors to enjoy.

In addition to these floral attractions, Okinawa’s winter sea is also worthy of special mention. although the average water temperature in February is the lowest of the year at around 20°C, the sea is remarkably clear, a characteristic of winter. The lack of plankton makes the sea remarkably clear and shines in a mesmerizing way.

On the quiet beaches before the sea opens, snorkelers and divers are enjoying the beautiful underwater scenery in wetsuits, but since the temperature on board is even lower with strong northerly winds, it is essential to prepare warm clothing and towels for after coming ashore.

Winter is also the breeding and calving season for humpback whales, and February through March is known as the peak season for whale watching. If you take a tour around the waters around Okinawa, including the Kerama Islands and off Iejima Island, you can see majestic humpback whales up close with an encounter rate as high as 98%.

In addition, winter and migratory birds also gather in this season, and bird watching can be enjoyed at Manko Wetlands and Yagaji Island, making encounters with wild animals another attraction unique to Okinawa.

And the weather in February, which is neither too hot nor too cold, is ideal for hiking and nature walks. In Yanbaru National Park, visitors can walk through subtropical forests, visit waterfalls, and take trekking tours to feel the breath of nature that they cannot experience in their everyday lives.

Furthermore, the sugarcane harvesting and brown sugar making experience is a popular wintertime Okinawa specialty for many travelers, and provides a valuable opportunity to experience the life of farmers and traditional crafts.

field	Features and Examples of Experiences
Cherry blossoms and flowers	The best time to see the scarlet cherry blossoms is from mid-January to early February. Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival, night cherry blossoms at Nakijin Castle Ruins, Naha Cherry Blossom Festival in Naha, etc.
Other Flowers	Cosmos in Yomitan Village, the “Churaumi Flower Festival” at Ocean Expo Park in Motobu-cho, and orchid displays at the Okinawa International Orchid Show.
Winter Sea	Average water temperature is about 20 degrees Celsius, with little plankton and high transparency. It is ideal for snorkeling and diving, but measures against northerly winds are necessary.
whale watching	Humpback whales breed and raise their young during the breeding season (February to March). Many tours with high encounter rates are available, and bird watching is also recommended.
Other Nature Experiences	Trekking in Yanbaru National Park, visiting waterfalls, harvesting sugar cane, making brown sugar, etc.

The unique natural phenomena unique to winter, tropical flowers, clear waters and abundant wildlife make this a fascinating season. Each experience will be a wonderful and memorable experience if you are prepared and plan according to the local weather and environment.

Enjoy the unique winter scenery of Okinawa and make the most of your trip to get in touch with nature.

Major Events in Okinawa in February

Cherry Blossom Festival (Flower Event)

Held in relay from mid-January to early February at Motobu Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival, Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival, Nago Central Park Cherry Blossom Festival, Yaese Park and Yogi Park in Naha, etc.
Enjoy the “earliest cherry blossom viewing in Japan” while enjoying local delicacies such as Okinawan soba noodles, lit up at night, stalls, and stage events.

Cultural and performing arts events

Sakurazaka ASYLUM, an art and music festival, will be held in early February in the Sakurazaka neighborhood of Naha City (scheduled for February 8-9, 2025).
At Shurijo Park, “Ryukyu no Hana Migui” (early to late February), an event to decorate the park with flowers
Setsubun Festival with bean-throwing and lion dance at Hagamiya Shrine on February 3, Setsubun day

Sports Events

Okinawa Marathon, a full marathon for citizen participation, held in mid-February
There are many events where you can run while enjoying tropical scenery, such as the Yaeyama Cat Marathon (Iriomote Island), Ishigaki Island Marathon (end of January), and Tokashiki Marathon (Tokashiki Island).

Professional Baseball Spring Camp

Around February 1, nine baseball teams will enter camp in various locations in Okinawa.
Free to visit, autograph sessions and social events may be held.
Open games and red-and-white matches are crowded on weekends during the camp.
Early reservations are recommended as accommodations near popular teams’ campsites can be crowded.

Festivals and community events on remote islands

Kuroshima Beef Festival (last Sunday in February) is a unique livestock event with a “raffle to win a cow
In Yomitan Village, the “Yomitan Yachimun Market” is held in late February, and you can get bargains at the pottery market.

Recommended Activities in February

whale watching
- Peak season with high encounter rates
- You can even see a mother whale and her calf smiling at each other.
- The wind on the boat is chilly, so warm clothes + binoculars and a waterproof camera are useful.
Cherry Blossom Festival Tour (Cherry Blossom Viewing Drive)
- Yaedake, Nakijin Castle, Nago Central Park, and other cherry blossom viewing spots mainly in the northern part of Japan
- The building is also illuminated at night, so you can enjoy different atmospheres during the day and at night.
- Tasting Okinawan soba and tempura at a food stall is also a pleasure.
Snorkeling and diving in winter sea
- Water temperature is around 21 degrees Celsius, but clarity is excellent.
- Less crowded and less plankton makes the sea clear blue.
- Wetsuits and good thermal protection on the boat.
Hiking & Trekking
- Trails through subtropical forests in Yanbaru National Park are popular
- Touring waterfalls and exploring limestone caves can be more comfortable than in the hot summer.
- Light clothing is acceptable, but sneakers are required as the footing can be muddy.
Traditional Culture Experience
- Shisa painting, pottery making, Ryukyuan costume making, sanshin mini lessons, etc.
- Since there are fewer tourists during this time of the year, you will have a chance to take your time and receive one-on-one instruction.
- At night, you can enjoy a meal while watching Eisa and Ryukyuan dance shows.
Food Culture Experience
- Market tours (Daiichi Makishi Public Market, Tomari Iyumachi, etc.) to enjoy fresh fish and island vegetables
- Sugarcane Harvesting & Brown Sugar Making Experience to taste freshly made brown sugar
- Tried Okinawan home cooking (Soki soup, Goya Chanpuru, etc.) at a cooking class

Seasonal Foods and Fruits in Okinawa in February

Seafood

Bincho tuna (dragonfly tuna) is caught from November to April, with February being the best month for the fatty fish.
Many fish that are in season in winter, such as sode-ika (Japanese common squid) and akamachi (yellowtail snapper)
Fishing for mozuku begins around March, but in some areas, “tenk mozuku” is also caught in January and February.

Meat

Okinawa is known for its pork culture. Agu pork shabu-shabu and soki soup warm the body.
Ishigaki beef and Motobu beef steaks and barbequed beef are also popular.
Goat soup (hija soup) is a connoisseur’s favorite, but a warming dish on a cold day.

Vegetables and wild plants

Island carrots (yellow, long, thin carrots) are in season from November to March.
Okinawa’s unique winter vegetables such as ootaniwatari (sprouts of ferns) and fudanso (December to May)
Taro (turnip) and bitter gourd are also in season from winter to spring.

Fruits

The tangerine harvest peaks from January to February. The skin may be tough, but the fruit is sweet with plenty of juice.
Shikwasa is in season in summer, but processed products are distributed throughout the year
Tropical fruits such as eggfruit (canistel) are also harvested from January to April.

Specialty products to buy at the market

Get morning catch seafood and seasonal foods at Tomari Iyumachi and Daiichi Makishi Public Market.
February is the peak season for sugarcane harvesting, and freshly made brown sugar and brown sugar confections are recommended as souvenirs.

Things to keep in mind in Okinawa in February

While February in Okinawa offers a mild, tropical atmosphere, there are a few things to keep in mind that are unique to winter. Here are some points to be aware of during your February trip to Okinawa, as read from a traveler’s point of view.

Temperature Difference and Clothing

In February, Okinawa has a large temperature difference between daytime and morning/evening temperatures, so you will need to be creative with your clothing.

Lightweight clothing is often sufficient during the daytime, but mornings and evenings are sharply cooler, so layering a jacket is the rule.

Especially on days when the northerly wind blows, it is easy for the body temperature to drop even lower than the temperature, so windbreakers and scarves are essential to protect against the wind. In addition, although ultraviolet rays are not as intense as in summer, they are comparable in intensity to those in early spring on the mainland, so it is important to take proper precautions such as the use of sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.

Weather and what to bring

The weather in February in Okinawa can be changeable, and you may experience sudden rain.

Therefore, bringing a folding umbrella or lightweight raincoat is a safeguard.

In addition, if you enjoy outdoor activities such as whale watching or ferry travel, be prepared with anti-sickness medication to prevent discomfort during the trip.

It is also recommended to always check the latest weather forecast in case of sudden changes in weather conditions.

Tourism off-season and congestion

February is a relatively low tourist season throughout the year, which has the advantage of keeping airfare and lodging costs reasonable.

However, during the Chinese New Year and professional baseball camps, some areas may be temporarily crowded. However, the season is not as crowded as in summer, and a relaxing trip can be enjoyed.

You will be able to take the time to enjoy the unique local scenery and culture in a relaxed atmosphere.

Transportation points

Renting a car is a common and convenient way to get around Okinawa efficiently.

However, traffic congestion tends to occur during the morning and evening rush hours in Naha City, so travelers are required to allow plenty of time for their journey. Also, on weekday mornings and evenings, bus lanes are set up on Route 58 and other roads, so you need to pay attention to the signs.

On the other hand, if you are traveling within Naha City, the Yui Rail is a very effective means of transportation for sightseeing and shopping, as it is smooth and unaffected by traffic congestion.

2024.09.07

Lodging and Hours of Operation Notes

Since February is the off-season, many resort hotels and tourist facilities may be closed or open on reduced days for maintenance.

It is also important to check the hours of operation in advance, as some restaurants located on remote islands or in tourist areas may close early.

Gathering up-to-date information before your trip and checking the opening hours and reservation requirements of the facilities you wish to visit will help you avoid unplanned problems.

Basic Attention to the Natural Environment

Even when enjoying Okinawa’s natural beauty, basic precautions must be taken.

For example, while attention to venomous snakes such as hubs is required all year round, the risk is lower during the winter months, when activity is slower. However, basic safety precautions should always be taken, such as not stepping unintentionally into grassy areas.

Although jellyfish are less common in marine activities, it is advisable to wear a rash guard or other protective gear to prevent abrasions from touching coral or reefs.

Airline ticket prices in February

February is one of the best times of the year for airfare to Okinawa.

As demand has settled down, one-way flights on the Tokyo ↔ Naha route can often be arranged for as little as 6,000 yen with a low-cost carrier (LCC), or around 10,000 yen with a major airline by taking advantage of early bird discounts.

Of course, there are some fluctuations around consecutive holidays, Chinese New Year, and spring break, but overall, prices are very reasonable compared to other months.

To achieve these low prices, several key points of reservation can be mentioned.

First, booking early is key. In particular, by targeting early-bird plans such as “SODOKU” one to two months in advance, it is possible to obtain airline tickets at a much lower price than usual.

In addition, it is recommended that reservations be made for flights on weekdays or mid-month, avoiding weekends and around holidays. This will make it easier to match the timing of the flights to when airlines offer lower fares to meet demand.

In addition, it is also effective to check the sale information of each LCC company.

Low-cost carriers such as Peach and Jetstar sometimes offer significant discount campaigns depending on the time of year, and the key to getting inexpensive airline tickets is to use their official websites and e-mail newsletters to get the latest information.

In some cases, the price can be lowered even further by considering flights via as well as direct flights when accessing from a regional area. By taking into account the time and effort required for connecting flights and by flexibly planning your itinerary, you will be able to obtain a cost-effective air ticket.

Also check out package tours that include airline tickets and hotels. These plans are often less expensive overall than booking individual airline tickets and accommodations, and are a very attractive way to enjoy a trip to Okinawa while using your budget efficiently.

The following tips can help you book airline tickets more cheaply.

Book early
If you take advantage of early bird discounts such as “Advance Booking” one or two months in advance, you can get a much lower rate than the regular rate.
Aim for weekdays and mid-month
Weekends and around holidays are in high demand and prices tend to rise, so choosing flights on weekdays or mid-month is a good option.
Take advantage of LCC sales
Low-cost airlines such as Peach and Jetstar frequently hold sales. Check their official websites and email newsletters to avoid missing out on opportunities for substantial discounts.
Also consider flights via
In some cases, when accessing from a regional area, you may be able to save even more money by taking a flight via as well as a direct flight.
Using package tours
Package tours that include airfare and hotels are worth considering because the overall cost is often lower than booking them separately.

Hotel rates in February

February is the off-season in Okinawa when hotel rates are at their lowest level of the year.

It is also an opportunity for travelers to stay in a relaxed and serene environment, with a variety of affordable options ranging from resort hotels to business hotels, and even guest houses and private residences.

Here, we provide detailed information on hotel rates for February and tips on how to get the best value for your stay, in an easy-to-understand format for beginners.

Basic Hotel Prices in February

In February in Okinawa, accommodation rates are very reasonable due to the lack of tourists.

Resort hotels
usually offer expensive ocean views and excellent facilities, but in February they can be half the usual price, often starting at about 10,000 to 20,000 yen per room per night.
Business Hotel
In Naha City, business hotel rates range from 5,000 to 8,000 yen per night, and you can expect a simple but comfortable stay.
Minshuku/Guesthouses
If you are looking for a more budget-friendly stay, minshuku and guesthouses are recommended. A bare-bones stay will cost about 3,000-5,000 yen, and in some cases, shared rooms can be available for rates in the 2,000 yen range.

Variation of fees based on timing

Room rates for February vary slightly depending on the time of year. Please pay particular attention to the following points

Cheapest time to visit
Early to mid-February is the period when there are the fewest tourists and prices are lowest.
Timing when rates are likely to rise
・Rates may temporarily rise on February 11, National Day of the Nation, and in areas where professional baseball camps are held.
In addition, rates tend to rise gradually from late February onward as signs of spring break and graduation travel season begin to emerge.

How to get the best value for your stay

To save even more money on your February trip to Okinawa, you may want to consider the following options.

Utilizing coupons and last-minute discount plans on travel reservation sites
Many travel sites offer coupons, last-minute discount plans, and consecutive-night discounts, which make it possible to stay at even lower rates than usual.
Package Plan with Rental Car and Airline Ticket
By using a package tour that includes airline tickets and a rental car, you can reduce the overall travel cost as well as the accommodation cost.
Combined use of prefectural and local government tourism campaigns
If there are any tourism campaigns or coupons offered by Okinawa Prefecture or local governments, there are opportunities to receive substantial discounts by using them together.

summary

February is a unique season in Okinawa, where visitors can feel the wind and temperature changes typical of a “tropical winter” while avoiding the harsh cold of mainland Japan. Whale watching, early blooming cherry blossom festivals, and the crystal clear winter sea are some of the attractions not found at other times of the year.

With few tourists and relatively inexpensive airfare and lodging, it is also an excellent opportunity to relax and enjoy local events and nature experiences.

Please enjoy a comfortable and economical off-season trip to Okinawa while taking measures against the cool morning and evening temperatures.

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