Hi, how are you everyone? Tulip from Ryukyu Entertainment here.
Yes, rainy season has arrived in Okinawa.
Generally, the rainy season starts early in the southern area of Japan.
Rainy season lasts 40 to 50 days in most areas. There is a lot of rain during rainy season of course. Yet, the amount of rainfall varies depending on the area. In mainland Japan, both western and southern areas have more amount of rainfall compared to the other areas.
Blue Cave of Okinawa
As many of you know, Okinawa is in a subtropical zone. Subtropical zone is a zone between the tropical zone and the Temperate zone, so it has both features in a way.
Some of you might wonder what the rainy season is like in the subtropical zone. Don’t miss today’s information!
This year, the rainy season in Okinawa started on May 13, 4 days earlier than last year.
Last year, it started on May 16 and ended on June 16.
Normally, the rainy season starts around May 9, so it started quite late both this year and last year.
The earliest start for the rainy season in the past was from April 20 and the latest start was from June 4. Here is a chart during the past 17 years.
Data of Rainy Season in Okinawa
| year | Start date | Ending date | Precipitation Amount during rainy season（Area average）(%) |
| Year 2000 | May 17 | June 20 | 57 |
| Year 2001 | May 6 | June 21 | 142 |
| Year 2002 | May 11 | June 21 | 61 |
| Year 2003 | May 15 | June 20 | 74 |
| Year 2004 | May 5 | June 23 | 93 |
| Year 2005 | May 2 | June 27 | 167 |
| Year 2006 | May 14 | June 20 | 133 |
| Year 2007 | May 16 | June 21 | 103 |
| Year 2008 | May 22 | June 17 | 81 |
| Year 2009 | May 18 | July 6 | 92 |
| Year 2010 | May 6 | June 19 | 95 |
| Year 2011 | April 30 | June 9 | 138 |
| Year 2012 | May 13 | June 23 | 115 |
| Year 2013 | May 10 | June 11 | 93 |
| Year 2014 | May 5 | June 26 | 126 |
| Year 2015 | May 20 | June 8 | 73 |
| Year 2016 | May 16 | June 16 | 84 |
| Average of year | May 9 | June 23 |
Precipitation Amount during rainy season（Area average）(%)
URL: http://www.data.jma.go.jp/fcd/yoho/baiu/kako_baiu01.html
Tourists! Of course, you wish you could avoid the rainy season,
but even if you couldn’t, don’t worry, you can still enjoy a trip to Okinawa!
The rain in Okinawa is more like a tropical downpour, or squall.
So, you still might be able to see some sunshine or at least an overcast sky, quite different from the rainy season in mainland Japan.
So, for those who are traveling by a rental car, why not get ready swimming suits and gear in the car and enjoy indoor sightseeing or activities during the rainfall. As soon as the rain stops, why not jump into the water and enjoy the moment in the Okinawan Ocean.
Actually, you might notice less tourists and that it’s easier to travel and more convenient sometimes. Surprisingly, you might even be able to see more sunshine than you thought!
Convenient items for the rainy season
https://matome.naver.jp/odai/2146595456021080501
Well, for those who are planning to come during rainy season, please keep in mind that you get following items ready!
Rain coat, umbrella, rain boots, towel, water proof camera, and a tour guide book which contains indoor activities in Okinawa.
If you couldn’t get ready, please don’t worry, there many 100 yen shops or home centers on the island where you can purchase these items with reasonable price.
Let’s enjoy even wet Okinawa!
In the next article, I am going to introduce you recommended places for sightseeing or activities during the rainy season!
Okinawa Home Center
Makeman(Monkey store )
http://www.makeman.co.jp/modules/pico/index.php?content_id=3
