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The year-end and New Year's holidays are here! Introducing Iriomote Island's clothing, climate, activities, and events in December!

2025-05-08 12:15

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It makes you want to escape the cold of winter and go to a warm tropical country.

 

Iriomote Island in December is a special season when there are few tourists and you can have the beauty of nature all to yourself.

 

Here are some of the attractions of Iriomote Island in December!

 

Climate of Iriomote Island in December

西表島

While the whole country is enveloped in cold weather, Iriomote Island enjoys a warm tropical climate.

 

One of the charms of the island is that there are few tourists, so you can enjoy the quiet island time at your leisure.

 

We will introduce in detail the climate of Iriomote Island, where the subtropical nature is lush and green even in winter!

 

Temperature of Iriomote Island in December 

西表島 カヌー

In Iriomote Island in December, the temperature during the daytime isaround 20 degrees Celsiusand warm as in early fall.

 

In the early season, it is possible to spend the day in short sleeves, but in the late season, it gets a bit chilly, so you will need a coat for the night.

 

This is a special season when you can enjoy the clear starry skies of the tropics, and marine activities can be fully enjoyed even in winter.

Average temperature of Iriomote Island in December
average
atmospheric temperature
average
maximum temperature
average
minimum temperature

Iriomote Island (Okinawa)

19.5°C 22.1°C 17.7°C

Tokyo

9 degrees Celsius 12°C 7°C

Highest water temperature:25

Minimum water temperature:22 ℃

 

Precipitation in Iriomote Island in December

西表島鍾乳洞探検

December on Iriomote Island has the least amount of precipitation of the year, and there is little worry about being bothered by rain.

 

Activities such as jungle trekking and canyoning can be enjoyed as scheduled, allowing you to enjoy your trip in comfort.

 

Nevertheless, it is a good idea to have a folding umbrella in case of sudden subtropical weather changes.

Rainfall in Iriomote Island in December
average
precipitation
average
Number of days of rainfall
average
Relative humidity

Iriomote Island (Okinawa)

153.1 mm 14.8 days 77%.

Tokyo

95.8mm 11.0 days 56%.

 

Wind direction and speed in Iriomote Island in December

西表島 サンライズ

In December, the cold wind from the northeast blows strongly in Iriomote Island, making the temperature feel lower than the actual temperature.

 

A light jacket and windproof clothing will keep you comfortable.

 

Check the weather forecast for wind strength as well as temperature.

Average wind speed in Iriomote Island in December

Ishigaki Island:5.0m/s

Tokyo: 2.7 m/s

 

Sunshine hours in Iriomote Island in December

西表島 サンセットSUP

In December, Iriomote Island has shorter daylight hours and the sunlight is calmer than in midsummer.

 

The late sunrise makes it easier to take morning tours.

 

Although the sunlight will be softer,Ultraviolet rays are strong.So be sure to take measures to protect yourself from sunburn!

Sunshine hours in Iriomote Island in December (h)
average
daylight hours
average
number of days without sunshine

Iriomote Island (Okinawa)

75.4h 8.0 days

Tokyo

187.8h 3.4 days

 

Iriomote Island Clothing in December

In December, you can spend time in Iriomote Island with light clothes, but wind protection is essential because of the strong wind.

 

In early season, short sleeves are comfortable, but in late season, the northerly winds increase and it becomes chilly, so a parka or windbreaker is recommended.

Examples of attire for men and women

femaleShort-sleeved cut-and-sew, long pants, fleece, and woven fabrics

masculine genderHoodies, cardigans, jeans

 

December Events in Iriomote Island

マングローブカヌー

December is off-season in Okinawa as a tourist destination, but many events like cultural festivals are held in the Yaeyama Islands to which Iriomote Island belongs.

 

In December, Iriomote Island hosts the "Iriomote Islanders (Shimapito) Cultural Festival," where visitors can enjoy crafts and local specialties, as well as sanshin and eisa (Okinawan folk music) performances. It is a valuable opportunity to experience local culture.

 

If you are planning to visit Iriomote Island in December, it might be a good idea to time your visit with this festival.

 

Crowded situation in Iriomote Island in December

飛行機

Although there are fewer tourists than in summer, which is the high season, it is the most crowded of the off-seasons because of winter vacation and other long holidays.

 

Iriomote Island is popular among couples as a travel destination during the Christmas season because of its starry sky, which is the best in Japan, and also attracts many visitors with their families because they can experience the great nature even in winter.

 

It is a very good season for sightseeing because it never feels deserted and lonely, yet not so crowded that you get fed up with the crowds.

 

December in Iriomote Island
Recommended Activities

SUP

It is easy to think that winter is like a time when you are out of touch with ocean and river activities, but this is not true on Iriomote Island.

 

If you wear a wetsuitYou can still participate in water activities.

 

Here are some recommended activities you can experience in Iriomote Island in December!

 

Recommendations for Iriomote Island in December
Activities
1) Mangrove SUP/Canoe Tour

カヌー

Next up is the World Heritage SUP/Canoe Tour.

 

This activity can be enjoyed even in winter in Iriomote Island.Highly popular tour!

SUPツアー

During this season, when there are few tourists, visitors can enjoy a relaxing tour through the quiet mangrove forests and the luxury of having nature all to themselves.

 

In the pleasant climate, you can enjoy an extraordinary experience while listening to the chirping of wild birds and the sound of the wind.

 

Recommendations for Iriomote Island in December
Activities
(2) Barras Island snorkeling

西表島 バラス

Even in December, you can go into the sea in Iriomote Island if you wear a wetsuit.

 

Many coral reefs grow in clusters around Iriomote Island and are inhabited by a variety of creatures.

 

On the island of BarrasMore than 100 kinds of tropical fishare inhabited, and you will also enjoy observing the marine life.

This is the time of year when there are fewer tourists,Just like a private beachThe charm of this area is that you can enjoy a relaxing underwater stroll in the

 

If you are lucky, you may also encounter sea turtles.

 

Snorkeling with sea turtles is another great experience!

 

Recommendations for Iriomote Island in December
Activities
Canyoning

西表島 キャニオニング

What is Canyoning?Canyons with elevation differencesThis activity involves trekking, swimming, canoeing, and other elements to go down the

 

In Iriomote Island in December, the water volume is more stable than in summer, and you can enjoy nature in the clear rivers.

 

You can play on a natural water slide or jump into a waterfall basin.

西表島 キャニオニング

Canyoning, of course.Beginners can also enjoyActivity.

 

The tour will provide you with life jackets, helmets, and other safety equipment.

 

With a guideWe will proceed at the customer's pace so that they can go at ease.

 

Recommendations for Iriomote Island in December
Activities
Sunset SUP

サンセット

SUP" is a way to enjoy the great nature of Iriomote Island, which is said to be "the last unexplored region in Japan" at a leisurely pace!

 

It is a new activity where you stand on the board and paddle forward (of course, you can also enjoy it sitting down).

 

Easy even for beginnersYou can experience the ride with peace of mind.

 

Recommendations for Iriomote Island in December
Activities
5⑤Starry sky & jungle night tour

ジャングルナイトツアー

The starry sky & jungle night tour on Iriomote Island, which has been selected as a World Heritage Site, is one of the tours you should definitely experience.

 

You can't see it in Honshu.Unusual creatures and plantsto see the

 

The tour with a knowledgeable guide is sure to be satisfying as you can learn about Iriomote Island in depth.

ナイトツアー

Japan's firstThe Starry Sky Reserve.The air is especially clear and the sky is full of stars in December on Iriomote Island, which is recognized as one of the most beautiful islands in Japan.

 

It is one of the few places in Japan where the Southern Cross can be seen, and the night sky full of stars is like a planetarium.

 

If you come to Iriomote Island, please stay overnight and enjoy the night as well.

 

in the end

西表島 サンガラの滝

We have introduced Iriomote Island in December.

 

December is also an easy time to get together.

 

How about spending a relaxing New Year's Eve with your close ones in warm tropical Iriomote Island to avoid the cold?

 

Please visit Iriomote Island in December and enjoy it to the fullest!

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スタッフ募集

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This article was written by.
にわちゃん
young Japanese amberjack (Seriola quinqueradiata)