The Yaeyama Islands are a group of islands consisting of the popular tourist destination Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture, manned islands such as Iriomote Island and Taketomi Island, and many uninhabited islands.
It has a subtropical oceanic climate with relatively comfortable temperatures that do not vary much throughout the year.
‘Winter in the Yaeyama region is from December to February, and spring from March to May. Even in winter, the temperature rarely drops below 15°C (59°F), but the temperature is lower because of the strong northerly winds.
If you forget to wear warm clothes, you may regret it because it is surprisingly chilly.
So this time, I, a resident of Iriomote Island, will introduce the winter and spring climate from December to May, the seasonal characteristics, and recommended clothes for sightseeing in the Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa Prefecture, one of the most popular remote islands in Japan.
Climate of Yaeyama Islands in December｜Cold Winter is Coming
・Average maximum temperature: 23.0°C
・Average minimum temperature: 18.4°C
In December in the Yaeyama Islands, the weather is often chilly, with a heavy cloud cover and poor weather.
However, some days are warm enough to wear short sleeves during the day.
However, even on warm days, it becomes chilly after sunset, so you will need a cardigan or other long-sleeved garment.
Climate of Yaeyama Islands in January｜It can get seriously cold
・Average maximum temperature: 21.5℃
・Average minimum temperature: 16.7℃
January in the Yaeyama Islands is rainy and dreary.
The lowest temperature is around 15℃ (59°F), but the northerly wind becomes stronger and there are many rainy days, so the temperature is lower than you feel.
It is advisable to wear sweatshirts, windbreakers, and long pants that cover the skin and keep you warm.
Also, don’t forget your rain gear.
Some locals may wear down jackets and knit hats.
Climate of Yaeyama Islands in February｜Cold and rainy days
・Average maximum temperature: 22.0℃
・Average minimum temperature: 17.2℃.
In the Yaeyama Islands, there are many bad weather days in February, but as the northerly winds weaken in the latter half of the month, you will start to feel spring in the air.
However, the weather is not stable, and there are many days with sudden squalls or rain, so it is essential to bring along rain gear.
Although it is winter, you will be able to feel the change of the season as it moves toward spring.
The scarlet cherry blossoms in Okinawa will be in full bloom, and you can enjoy “hanami” (cherry blossom festivities) much earlier than in mainland Japan.
Climate of Yaeyama Islands in March｜Relatively warmer days
・Average maximum temperature: 23.7℃
・ Average minimum temperature: 18.6℃
In the Yaeyama Islands, southerly winds blow in March, and the temperature rises above 20°C during the day.
Rainfall is also less frequent.
However, the weather is still not stable, changing every other week or two, with northerly winds and rain, so visitors should bring clothing for both cold and warm days.
On warm days, you can wear short sleeves and shorts like in the summer when the sun is shining.
On cold days, you will need rain gear and long-sleeved clothes.
In the Yaeyama area, the “sea opening” is held in mid-March every year. This is the earliest sea opening in Japan.
However, the water temperature is still low and it is cold to go into the sea. If you plan to spend a long time in the sea, it is recommended to wear a wetsuit.
From mid to late March, the appearance of Yaeyama fireflies reaches its peak.
They are only found in the Yaeyama region and are the smallest fireflies in Japan.
Please enjoy the fantastic scenery in the great nature.
Climate of Yaeyama Islands in April｜Breezy days that feels like early summer
・Average maximum temperature: 26.0°C
・Average minimum temperature: 21.3°C
April in the Yaeyama Islands is called “urizun” and is the most comfortable season in Okinawa.
The maximum temperature rises above 25°C (77°F), and short sleeves, short pants, and sandals are sufficient to spend the day.
However, the sun’s rays become stronger, so sunscreen, sunglasses, and other sun protection measures are essential.
It is also the season when you can go to the sea, but the sea water temperature is still low, so you will still need a wetsuit.
Gekko (pictured above), which can be found everywhere in Okinawa, starts blooming as early as late April.
This is also the time when Okinawa’s prefectural flower “deigo” begins to bloom, making it a good time for flower and grass lovers.
Climate of Yaeyama Islands in May｜Squalls increase as the rainy season begins
・Average maximum temperature: 28.7℃
・Average minimum temperature: 23.9
In the Yaeyama Islands, the rainy season (called “tsuyu” 梅雨 in Japanese), begins after the Golden Week holiday, which is from the end of April to the beginning of May. After the Golden Week holiday, which is from the end of April to the beginning of May, the rainy season begins.
Unlike the rainy season in the mainland, the rainfall is not continuous, but rather comes down with a bang like a squall, followed quickly by clear skies.
There are many rainy days, but when the weather clears up, the temperature rises dramatically.
It is not typhoon season, but there are rare years when typhoons do occur. If you want to avoid a typhoon during your visit, you should try to visit before April.
In May, it is best to wear cooler clothes like short sleeves, short pants, and sandals. UV protection is also essential.
Be aware of temperature changes in the Yaeyama Islands from December to May!
As you can see, the Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa Prefecture, may have an image of being warm all year round, but it gets surprisingly cold in winter. Be careful not to let your guard down and visit in light clothing, as you will regret it.
Although some years have relatively warm days even in winter, and some years have no sunny days at all and continuous rain during winter, the basic seasonal conditions are as described above, so please use this as a reference when choosing your clothing.
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