Ishigaki island weather and seasons guide

Ishigaki Island: A Year-Round Paradise

Ishigaki Island, a tropical gem located in the southernmost part of Japan, boasts a subtropical climate that makes it a year-round destination. With its stunning beaches, colorful coral reefs, and rich cultural heritage, this island offers something for everyone. Let us help navagate the weather in Ishigaki so you can plan your perfect vacation.

There is no forecast!

Ishigaki’s weather can change rapidly due to its subtropical climate. While weather forecasts can provide a general idea, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for a range of conditions. The island’s weather can vary significantly from day to day, and even a few times during the same day! So suck up your thumb and lift it up into the air! No matter the weather it is always humid.

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Winter (January-February)

Winter in Ishigaki offers a unique experience, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. While it’s not the peak swimming season, the island still has plenty to offer.

Pros

Least crowded time to visit
Cheaper prices for hotels
Amazing underwater visibility

Cons

Coolest temperatures
Limited water activities
Mainly cloudy weather

Best Things to Do

Visiting local markets
Scuba Diving (a bit cold)
Kayaking

Can spot

Manta Rays (Feb)
Dogtooth Tuna
Pikachu Nudibranch
Migrating birds

Temperature:
Temperatures are cooler than in other seasons, but still pleasant compared to mainland Japan.

Rainfall:
Rainfall is generally low, but occasional showers can occur. Average 100mm.

Wind:
Wind direction can change frequently but mainly Northly, affecting water activities and outdoor plans.

Packing Tips for Winter:
Light jacket or sweater
Long pants
Comfortable shoes

Spring (March-April)

Spring paints Ishigaki with colorful flowers as nature awakens from winter. The island is filled with blooming flowers and lush jungles, creating a picture-like landscape that’s a delight to explore.

Pros

Pleasant temperatures
Vibrant flora
Fewer crowds
Less humid (ish)

Cons

Occasional rain showers
Unpredictable weather patterns
Can have full days of cloudy weather

Best Things to Do

Hiking through lush forests
Visiting botanical gardens
Snorkeling
Scuba Diving

Can spot

Mating Giant Cuttlefish
Dogtooth Tuna
Wild Peacocks mating season
Migrating birds

Temperature:
Expect pleasant temperatures, averaging around 22°C (72°F) high and 17°C (63°F) low. Enjoy comfortable weather for outdoor activities and exploring the island.

Rainfall:
Occasional rain showers can occur, especially during the early part of spring. Be prepared for short bursts of rain, but don’t let it change your plans. Average 100mm.

Wind:
Wind direction can change frequently, affecting water activities and outdoor plans.

Packing Tips for Winter:
Light jacket or sweater
Lightweight clothing
Rain jacket
Comfortable shoes
Sunglasses and hat
Swimsuit
Insect repellent

Summer (May-October):

Summer in Ishigaki is a paradise for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. The sun shines brightly, the waters are crystal clear, and the island is alive with energy. Our summer offers a blend of sunny days and occasional rainfall. Be prepared for hot and humid weather, especially during the rainy season. While typhoons are a possibility, they are not a constant threat. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, warm sea waters, and vibrant marine life that Ishigaki has to offer.

Rainy Season (May-June):

Expect frequent showers and high humidity.

Pros

Lush greenery
Colorful festivals

Cons

Frequent downpours
high humidity

Best Things to Do

Waterfall hikes
Snorkeling
Scuba Diving

Can spot

Sea Turtles
Baby Squids

Typhoon Season (July-October):

While typhoons can occur, they are not a daily occurrence. Stay updated on weather forecasts and be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary.

Pros

Sunny days
Perfect for water activities

Cons

Risk of typhoons
Jellyfish sightings
Its HOT!

Best Things to Do

Hiking waterfalls, rivers and mountains
Kayaking
Snorkeling
Scuba Diving

Can spot

Sea Turtles
Manta Rays (on and off)

Typhoons:
Average of six typhoons per year passing close to the island. In many cases we might get effected by additional far away typhoons with one or two days of rain and clouds.

Typhoons are not as big of a deal as you might think. The island is well prepared and pretty much everything here is built with typhoons in mind. That being said – as a tourist you might get stuck at your hotel for a few days (not that nice on your vacation).

We strongly recommend you start checking typhoon forecasts about a week before arriving to Ishigaki as normally we have about a week notice prior to typhoon arrival.

Temperature:
Expect hot and sunny weather throughout the summer. Average high temperatures range from 30°C to 32°C (86°F to 90°F). Nights are typically warm and humid.

Rainfall:
Average rainfall of 300mm in May-June and 200mm in July-October

Wind:
Southerly winds are common during summer, athough during the rainy season the wind will change often.

Packing Tips for Winter:
Lightweight, breathable clothing
Swimwear
Sunscreen
Sunglasses and hat
Flip-flops
Raincoat (just in case)

Autumn (November-December)

Autumn brings a welcome respite from the summer heat and it’s a beautiful time to visit Ishigaki Island. Enjoy the comfortable weather, fewer crowds, and stunning scenery. Be prepared for occasional rain showers and wind changes, but overall, you can expect a pleasant and enjoyable experience.

Pros

Comfortable temperatures
Fewer crowds
Perfect for outdoor activities
Rare typhoon activity

Cons

Sea temperatures start to drop
Wind direction changes can affect activities

Best Things to Do

Mountain Hiking
Cycling
Snorkeling
Scuba Diving

Can spot

Manta Rays mating season!
Sea Turtles

Temperature:
Enjoy comfortable temperatures, averaging around 25°C (77°F) high and 18°C (64°F) low. Autumn offers a pleasant climate for outdoor activities.

Rainfall:
Rainfall is generally lower than in summer, but occasional showers can still occur. Average 150mm.

Wind:
Northerly winds are common during autumn, but wind direction can change frequently, affecting water activities and outdoor plans.

Packing Tips for Winter:

Comfortable clothing
Light jacket or sweater
Comfortable shoes
Sunglasses and hat
Swimsuit
Insect repellent

No matter the season, Ishigaki definitely worth a visit!

Ishigaki Island offers a diverse range of experiences throughout the year. Whether you’re seeking sun-soaked beaches, lush landscapes, or cultural adventures, there’s something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to discover the magic of this tropical paradise. Don’t forget to check out our main hub, “Useful Ishigaki Island Information,” for even more comprehensive details to make your trip truly unforgettable.

All the information on this page is written by discover Ishigaki staff with the help of an AI – Please take all information with a grain of salt and always fact check / use common sense before making any investment. Discover Ishigaki isn’t responsible for anything that you may do/ did/ doing/ didn’t do after reading the information on our website. If you found any mistake, offence, misinformation or just have questions about the information on this page please shove all the details into… this mail > , and we will get back to you shortly.