Okinawa typhoon season
台風シーズンSeasonJune, July, August, September, October
Okinawa's typhoon season runs from about June to October, and JMA's 1991–2020 normals count 7.7 typhoons a year passing within 300 km of a weather station in the Okinawa region, with August the busiest month at 2.2.
JMA counts a typhoon as approaching the Okinawa region when its centre passes within 300 km of a weather station there, and the 30-year normal is 7.7 approaches a year. The monthly figure rises from 0.6 in June to 1.5 in July and 2.2 in August, then drops to 1.9 in September and 1.1 in October. Across 1991–2020 JMA recorded no approach at all from January to March. Its Amami region, which takes in Yoron, has a lower normal of 4.3 approaches a year and peaks at 1.3 in September.
Ishigaki's tourism association puts the local typhoon season from late June to October. It warns that flights and ferries to the outer islands stop when a typhoon comes close, and rough seas can keep them cancelled after it passes. Shops and restaurants may shut while a warning is in force, so buy water and food before the warnings go up.
Worth knowing
- Leave a spare day at the end of a summer or autumn island trip in case the boats stop.
- Keep an eye on JMA's forecasts and on the updates from your stay, as the Ishigaki tourism association recommends.
FAQ
Quick answers about Okinawa typhoon seasonよくある質問
When is typhoon season in Okinawa?
Typhoon season in Okinawa runs from about June to October, and August is the peak month. JMA's 1991–2020 normals give 7.7 approaches a year to the Okinawa region, with 2.2 in August and 1.9 in September.
Do typhoons hit Okinawa in winter?
No. JMA recorded no typhoon approaching the Okinawa region from January to March between 1991 and 2020.
Do ferries run when a typhoon is near Okinawa?
No. Ishigaki's tourism association says flights and ferries to the outer islands are cancelled when a typhoon approaches, and rough seas can keep them cancelled after it passes.
When is Okinawa typhoon season?
Okinawa typhoon season takes place june to October, with the most typhoon approaches in August.