Winter Diving Guidein Okinawa

Comfortable water temperatures, colorful marine life,
and amazing humpback whale encounters make winter truly special.

ホームアイコン画像Winter

Winter at a Glance

  • December–February

    Season
  • 21–24°C

    Water Temp
  • 17–19°C

    Average Air Temp
  • 20m

    Visibility
  • 5mm + Boat Coat

    Wetsuit
  • Options for All Certified Divers

    Recommended

Month-by-Month Guide

  • December

    • Weather

      Pleasant winter weather with comfortable sunshine.

    • Water Temp.

      23–24°C

    • Air Temp.

      22°C

    • Visibility

      20m+

    • Highlights

      ・Dogtooth tuna
      ・Nudibranch season
      ・Excellent visibility

    • Best Destination

      Kerama Islands

  • January

    • Weather

      Cooler with seasonal northerly winds.

    • Water Temp.

      21–22°C

    • Air Temp.

      20°C

    • Visibility

      20m

    • Highlights

      ・Whale swim season begins
      ・Cuttlefish
      ・Nudibranchs

    • Best Destination

      Chibishi Islands

  • February

    • Weather

      Comfortable winter conditions with excellent visibility.

    • Water Temp.

      21–22°C

    • Air Temp.

      20°C

    • Visibility

      20m

    • Highlights

      ・Peak whale swim season
      ・Cuttlefish
      ・Nudibranchs

    • Best Destination

      Whale Swim

*These are representative values ​​calculated based on our company's past diving logs (2022–2025).

Best Winter Dive Destinations

  • Most PopularKerama Islands

    Kerama Islands

    Sea Turtles & Kerama Blue

    Great visibility and relaxed diving all winter long.

  • Close to NahaChibishi Islands

    Chibishi Islands

    Clear Water & Beautiful Reefs

    Clear water and beautiful coral reefs just a short boat ride from Naha.

  • Winter AdventureWhale Swim

    Whale Swim

    Encounter Humpback Whales in the Wild Ocean

    A unique winter adventure with humpback whales.

Winter Travel Tips

  • What to Wear

    What to Wear

    A 5mm wetsuit with a hooded vest is recommended for winter. Boat coats are also available to keep you warm between dives.

  • Whale Swim Season

    Whale Swim Season

    Typically from late January through March, depending on whale activity.

  • Stable Winter Weather

    Stable Winter Weather

    Winter often offers excellent visibility, although seasonal northerly winds may affect dive site selection.

Ready to Dive This Winter?

Discover warm waters, colorful marine life, and unforgettable whale encounters.