Okinawa Diving in October: Water Temperature, Visibility & What to Expect

2026-09-30 2026-09-30

teriyakidiverz

October is a great time to go scuba diving in Okinawa.

The intense summer heat begins to ease, but the ocean is still warm, and diving conditions can remain excellent around the Kerama Islands and other parts of Okinawa.

We often get questions such as:

“Is October too cold for diving?”
“Do I need a 5mm wetsuit?”
“Are typhoons still possible?”
“How is the visibility in Kerama?”

The short answer is:

October is one of the best months to enjoy scuba diving in Okinawa.

Water Temperature in Okinawa in October

Water temperatures in October are usually around 25–28°C.

Early October can still feel very similar to summer, while temperatures gradually begin to drop toward the end of the month.

Many divers are comfortable in a 3mm or 5mm wetsuit.

However, a 5mm wetsuit may be more comfortable if you:

Get cold easily
Plan to do three dives in one day
Are diving on a windy day
Spend a full day on a boat

Visibility in October

Okinawa offers good visibility throughout much of the year, and October can still provide excellent underwater conditions.

On good days, visibility may reach around 20–30 meters, especially in the Kerama Islands.

Of course, visibility changes depending on rain, wind, waves, currents and other natural conditions.

So while we cannot guarantee 30-meter visibility every day, October is still a great month to experience Okinawa’s clear blue water.

Are There Typhoons in October?

Yes.

Typhoons can still affect Okinawa in October.

The frequency generally begins to decrease compared with the middle of summer, but typhoon season is not completely over.

Even if a typhoon does not pass directly over Okinawa, waves and swell can still affect boat operations.

If diving is an important part of your trip, having more than one possible diving day can give you more flexibility.

Kerama Islands Diving in October

The Kerama Islands remain one of the most popular diving destinations in Okinawa throughout October.

Located about one hour by boat from Naha, Kerama offers coral reefs, white sandy bottoms, underwater topography and more than 40 dive sites.

Depending on sea conditions and diver experience, you may enjoy calm reef dives or more dynamic drift diving.

October is also slightly quieter than the peak summer season, making it a very comfortable time to visit.

Manza Diving in October

For divers who enjoy underwater topography, Manza is another excellent option.

Manza is famous for drop-offs, caves and dramatic underwater formations.

Advanced divers may also be interested in sites such as Dream Hole.

However, northern winds become more common as autumn progresses, and Manza can occasionally be affected by rough sea conditions.

For this reason, Kerama may sometimes offer more flexibility because of the large number of available dive sites.

Is October Good for Beginner Divers?

Yes.

Because the water is still relatively warm, October can be a comfortable month for newly certified Open Water Divers or people returning to diving after a break.

The Kerama Islands are especially useful because there are many dive sites that can be selected according to sea conditions and experience level.

If you have not been diving recently, let us know when you book so we can plan the day appropriately.

What Should You Bring?

Normal scuba diving equipment is usually enough, but the wind on the boat can make you feel cold between dives.

We recommend bringing:

A towel
Dry clothes
A rash guard or light jacket
Sun protection
Drinks

If you are doing three dives in one day, staying warm between dives can make the day much more comfortable.

Is October a Good Time to Dive in Okinawa?

Absolutely.

October offers a great combination of:

Warm water
Good visibility
Fewer crowds than peak summer

Typhoons are still possible, but when conditions are good, October can be one of the most comfortable times of year for scuba diving in Okinawa.

Whether you want clear blue water in the Kerama Islands or dramatic underwater topography in Manza, there are plenty of options.

TERIYAKI DIVERZ offers English-guided scuba diving tours around Okinawa for certified divers and beginners.

If you are planning to dive in Okinawa this October, feel free to contact us.

Categories: Okinawa Diving Guide