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Iriomote Island Clothing
Hello everyone! Do you know about the climate of Iriomote Island?
Iriomote Island is located more than 400 km far southwest of the main island of Okinawa.
It belongs to the same Yaeyama Islands as the popular resort island of Ishigaki.
When you hear that, many people probably have the impression that it will be warm.
In fact, it is true, Iriomote Island has a subtropical climate different from that of the mainland.
The land has a temperate climate that lasts throughout the year, with subtropical jungles covering more than 90% of the island's area, and it is warm enough to enjoy ocean activities even in the winter.
However, the warmth is only in comparison to the temperatures on the mainland, and it would be difficult to live in short sleeves and short pants all year round.
If you were to travel to Iriomote Island, you might be wondering what temperatures to expect on your way there during each season.
Therefore, this article will introduce the annual climate of Iriomote Island and recommended seasonal clothing.
目次
Climate and Clothing by Season in Iriomote Island
Climate and clothing for January and February
Average, minimum and maximum temperatures for January and February are shown below.
January Average temperature 18.3℃ Max. 20.4℃ Min 16.3℃
February Average temperature 21.4℃ Max. 18.9℃ Lowest 16.7℃
Let's start by looking at the first two months of the year, which are the coldest months of the year.
As far as temperatures are concerned, the climate is warmer and more comfortable than winters on the mainland.
In fact, the temperatures during these two months are close to those of late October in Tokyo, which is very comfortable to spend time in as the late summer heat disappears and we enter the autumn season.
However, it is difficult to say whether it is very warm or not.
Iriomote Island is surrounded by the sea and has nothing to shield it, so sea breezes blow throughout the year.
This is especially true in January and February, when air masses approach the northern part of the country.
Because the wind blows strongly from the north, you may feel chilly, which cannot be measured just by looking at the temperature readings.
Generally, it is said that for every 1 m of wind speed, the body temperature drops by 1 degree Celsius, and in Iriomote Island in winter, there is often a northerly wind of about 7 m of wind speed.
Therefore, the temperature may feel like 10 degrees Celsius.
However, it is still warmer than the mainland.
In good weather, it can feel warmer than in midwinter, so it is advisable to bring a light jacket, such as a T-shirt, that can be woven over the top, and adjust it according to the weather.
If you do not like the cold, it is recommended that you bring a windbreaker or other windproof jacket rather than bringing thicker clothes.
■March and April Climate and Clothing
Average, minimum and maximum temperatures for March and April are shown below.
March average temperature 19.9.℃ Max. 22.8℃ Lowest 17.6℃
April average temperature 22.5.℃ Max. 25.1℃ Min. 20.1℃
Spring, when winter is over and the cold eases, is the season when the weather becomes very comfortable on Iriomote Island as it is on the mainland.
It is a good time to visit for sightseeing, and the water is not cold, making it a good climate for enjoying activities.
The figures above show that temperatures can reach summer days as far back as April.
Since Iriomotejima Island is bathed in strong tropical sunlight, you may feel warmer than the temperature.
If you spend an active day outside, you will be sweating, so those who like it hot will have no problem wearing short sleeves.
However, strong winds blow on Iriomote Island, though not as strong as in winter.
Bring a light jacket for adjustment in this season as well as in winter, as you may feel chilly just after playing in the ocean or when the sun goes down and the wind blows.
Climate and clothing for May and June
Average, minimum and maximum temperatures for May and June are shown below.
May average temperature 25.3℃ Max. 28.3℃ Lowest 22.7℃
June average temperature 27.4℃ Max. 30.2℃ Min 25.1℃
Iriomote Island enters the rainy season earlier than the mainland, from late May to mid-June.
However, the rain in Iriomote Island, which belongs to a subtropical climate, is slightly different from the rainy season on the mainland, and is like a squall in a tropical country.
Instead, the weather changes abruptly, with a large amount of rain falling in a short period of time, and then quickly changing to fine weather as soon as the rain is over.
Therefore, it is not at all impossible to sightsee during the rainy season, and if you prepare rain gear and check the weather frequently, you will be able to sightsee without problems.
Temperatures are as described above, but because it is a subtropical rainy season, humidity is very high.
If you are imagining a cool, tropical weather, you may be surprised by the unexpected heat.
Also, since it is the rainy season, visitors should come prepared with rain gear in case of rain.
Bring a folding umbrella or other rain-proof item.
After the rainy season, which lasts until mid-June, comes a pleasant period of time before summer begins in earnest.
The second half of the month will be very suitable for sightseeing, as there are very few tourists in June, probably due to the image of the rainy season.
■Climate and clothing for July, August and September
Average, minimum, and maximum temperatures for July, August, and September are shown below.
July average temperature 27.4℃ Maximum 32.1℃ Min. 26.5℃
August average temperature 28.3℃ Highest 31.1℃ Lowest 25.8℃
September average temperature 27.3℃ Max. 30.1℃ Lowest 24.8℃
As you can see from the above, the intense heat of a tropical summer is in full swing.
However, although it is hot, it is not the same as the intense heat of the city.
The natural heat, which is different from the unnatural heat caused by the heat island phenomenon and other factors peculiar to cities paved with asphalt, is somewhat refreshing.
However, it is still a tropical country, and the intensity of the sun is unusual.
The amount of ultraviolet rays is not comparable to that of the mainland, so you may get a fierce sunburn if you are careless with your skin-exposed attire.
It is preferable to wear sunscreen to protect against UV rays and, if possible, dress in lightweight long sleeves and long pants to hide the skin.
It is even better to bring a hat and sunglasses to protect your face as well as your hands and feet.
In addition, a point to note unique to Iriomote Island is that strong air conditioning is used indoors and in transportation to prevent extreme heat.
Although people tend to be conscious of wearing light clothing in the summer, it would be convenient to carry a light jacket in your carry-on luggage in case of emergency in case of cold air conditioning.
Incidentally, September in Iriomote Island is typhoon season.
Because of its location, the island is subject to a considerable number of typhoons, so even if you have come all the way to Iriomote Island, you may not be able to go sightseeing or do any activities because of bad weather! There are many cases that you cannot do sightseeing and activities because of bad weather.
Basically, it may be safe to say that it is safer to stagger travel between typhoon season and the time of year.
■Climate and clothing for October, November, and December
Average, minimum, and maximum temperatures for October, November, and December are shown below.
October average temperature 25.1°C (25.1°F) Maximum 27.6°C (27.6°F) Minimum 23.0°C (23.0°F)
November average temperature 22.7℃ Max. 25.0℃ Min. 20.5℃
December average temperature 19.5℃ Max. 22.1℃ Lowest 17.7℃
The last three months I would like to introduce are towards the end of the year.
October still has the heat of summer, so it is safe to imagine that the climate and clothing will look much the same as in summer.
The temperature in November is about the same as late summer to early fall on the mainland.
Temperatures themselves are still warm, but some days feel slightly chilly as the monsoon begins to blow.
Also, starting at this time of year, you will start to feel the daylight hours gradually decrease compared to the summer months.
However, rainfall tends to be lower than in October, which may make it an easier time to plan sightseeing activities in a stable manner.
Although not as warm as summer, there are still many warm days, so it is safe to assume that it is generally a pleasant season.
And December, the end of the year.
The climate is very mild compared to Christmas and New Year's Eve on the mainland.
Since there is also the winter solstice, it is the month with the shortest daylight hours throughout the year, characterized by early sunset and late sunrise.
Also, as in January and February, there will be windy and also cloudy days due to the air mass approaching the north of the island.
However, the many cloudy days are not all disadvantages; the risk of sunburn is slightly reduced to the extent that the sun's rays are weakened.
However, ultraviolet rays will still fall even when it is cloudy, so do not let your guard down and use sunscreen.
In terms of clothing, the season is quite dependent on an individual's tolerance for heat and cold.
Even at the end of the year, there are days with high temperatures of 20°C or higher, so those who do not like hot weather may sweat if they visit dressed as they would in a typical December.
However, even though it is not extremely cold, there are still days when you can feel the winter in Iriomote Island's own way because of the strong wind.
Those who are sensitive to cold should keep in mind the possibility of unexpected cold weather and be prepared to bring clothing such as cut-and-sewns and sweatshirts so that they can adjust their clothing.
in the end
We have introduced the seasonal climate and clothing of Iriomote Island, broken down by month.
The Yaeyama Islands, where Iriomote Island is located, are closer to Taiwan than the main island of Okinawa, and although they are within Japan, the environment is very different from that of the mainland.
As with any trip, the key to making your trip better is advance research and preparation.
It is important to keep in mind in advance the climate of the time of year you plan to travel and to check the weather forecast before and after the day of your trip.
Please visit Iriomote Island and enjoy the seasonal differences in the island!
Also, crossing from Ishigaki Island to Iriomote IslandFerry TicketsHa,Buy OnlineIt is convenient to do so.
Since you pay in advance, you only need to show your phone on the day of boarding. Ferry ticket booths during spring break and GW are so crowded that long lines form, but if you purchase tickets online in advance, you do not have to worry about being caught in a line at the ticket booth on the day of your trip. If you purchase tickets online in advance, you can enjoy a smooth and stress-free trip. Please take a look at this page for more information.
Thank you for reading to the end.