Okinawa's winter is warm and short.
Even in January and February, the coldest months of the year, the average temperature in Okinawa is around 17℃. On warmer days, it's not uncommon for the temperature to exceed 20℃.
However, winter is still winter. The perceived temperature drops significantly, especially on days when strong winds blow in from the sea.
That's where deciding what to wear on a trip to Okinawa becomes a challenge.
"Is it too hot in a coat and boots?"
"What should I wear for outdoor activities?"
And so on, the worries never end, do they?
So, this time, we'll introduce outfits that will help you comfortably enjoy your winter trip to Okinawa, categorized by situation!

<Table of Contents>
1. When indoor sightseeing is the main focus
2. When outdoor activities are the main focus
3. Cardigans and lightweight hoodies come in handy!
XNUMX.Summary

■It gets hot when the sun is out while driving.
Even in winter, the sun in Okinawa is quite strong! Therefore, you might find it hot while driving on sunny days.
Clothing that is easy to put on and take off, allowing for easy temperature regulation inside the car, is ideal. Women concerned about sunburn should also remember to take precautions.

■Wear something with sweat-wicking properties as an inner layer.
For both men and women, prioritize "moisture-wicking" over "warmth" when choosing innerwear. On sunny, windless days, you're likely to sweat even outdoors.
However, it gets cold very quickly after sunset, so don't let your guard down. It's a good idea to have an outer garment or scarf that can be zipped up to your neck.

■The tops are suitable for spring and autumn.
Heavy sweaters and turtlenecks may make you sweat. A lightweight knit suitable for spring and autumn is sufficient.
If you tend to get hot easily, an inner layer plus a long-sleeved T-shirt should be fine.

■The basic rule for outerwear is "something that won't get in the way when you take it off."
If your sightseeing is mainly indoors, you'll probably find yourself feeling "warm" more often.
Outerwear that doesn't take up much space when you take it off is ideal.
When you feel cold in Okinawa, it's usually because of the wind, so it's best to wear something that's windproof.

■Denim, chinos, or skirts are OK
Since there are few situations where your feet get cold, you can basically wear whatever you like.
If you're wearing a skirt, choose one that won't get blown up by the wind and cause you to accidentally flip it up.

■Socks are necessary
No matter how warm it is, sandals or bare feet are likely to get cold. Socks and sneakers are probably just right. Boots are unnecessary unless you want to be fashionable.
Women might feel a little cold in a skirt and stockings. Tights would be a safer bet.

■Focus on wind protection rather than cold protection.
I know I'm being persistent, but the cause of the cold in Okinawa is usually the wind. It's not so much that your feet get cold, but rather that your ears start to hurt from the cold.
Therefore, on windy days, it's best to wear clothing that covers your neck and ears. However, earmuffs are a bit excessive.

■Adjust your inner layers depending on the type of outdoor activity!
Choose your innerwear depending on whether you'll be mostly stationary outdoors, like on a glass-bottom boat, or walking around a lot, like on a stroll.
For sightseeing where you won't be moving around much, choose long sleeves; if you'll be moving around a lot, choose short sleeves. In either case, you don't need thermal underwear.

■A top is fine as long as it covers the chest.
You'll feel cold if the wind gets in through your chest. Choose a crew neck or a shirt that buttons all the way up. If you tend to get hot easily, adjust with a cardigan or a light hoodie that's easy to put on and take off.
Even for outdoor sightseeing, you don't necessarily need a heavy, turtleneck sweater.

■Outerwear should be long and have a secure closure at the front.
Unless you are extremely sensitive to the cold or will be spending long periods outdoors, you don't need a down jacket.
From the perspective of protecting against the wind, an outer garment that is long enough to reach above the knee and has a secure front closure is ideal.
Especially if you're going to the coast, be sure to take proper precautions against the wind!

■Don't forget to protect your feet from the wind.
Choose pants and shoes that are less likely to let wind through.
For men, socks that completely cover the ankles are sufficient. There's no need to layer up with functional underwear or anything like that.
Women who tend to get cold easily should wear leggings or tights. High-top shoes that cover the ankles are even better. If wearing a skirt, choose a long length to prevent wind from getting in from below.
Also, for outdoor sightseeing, boots aren't necessary unless you're someone who wants to look stylish.

In Okinawa's winter, it's no exaggeration to say that regulating body temperature is more important than simply protecting yourself from the cold.
One thing to be particularly careful about is getting cold from the wind after sweating. In Okinawa's winter, you really do sweat easily...

That's where cardigans and lightweight hoodies come in handy!
Wear it under your outer layer when it's cold, or as an outer layer when you feel warm. It's sure to be a very reliable piece of clothing all on its own.
It's not bulky when you're not using it, so I recommend it. Try putting it on as soon as you feel the wind picking up.

Conversely, winter accessories like scarves, neck warmers, and earmuffs might actually be more of a hindrance than a help.
In Okinawa, there's even a joke about someone getting a heat rash from wearing a scarf.
If you're going to bring a scarf, it's a better idea to bring a cardigan instead.

While perceived temperature varies from person to person, those coming to Okinawa from colder regions will likely find it warm. (Incidentally, Okinawans consider temperatures below 20°C to be cold.)
There are two main points to consider when choosing your outfit for a trip to Okinawa.

1. Keep out of reach of wind.
2. Clothing that allows for temperature regulation and is easy to put on and take off.

So, basically, as long as you keep these two things in mind, you'll be fine!
Manage your body temperature wisely and enjoy a comfortable winter in Okinawa!