Kagoshima's dive sites span both the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, taking in reef systems around Tanegashima Island, the Tokara Islands, and Bounotsu. The Kuroshio Current influences the Tokara Islands in particular, driving both strong currents and the subtropical marine life that thrives around them. Water temperatures remain above twenty degrees Celsius year-round, peaking in the upper twenties in late summer. Recorded species include green sea turtles, spinetail devil rays, bottlenose dolphins, nudibranchs, zebra bullhead sharks, sea kraits, and hairy frogfish, making this a productive region for both reef fish and larger animals.
Monthly water temperature across Kagoshima's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Temperatures stay above twenty degrees Celsius every month and peak in the upper twenties between July and October, so a thin wetsuit is sufficient for most of the year. Spring and autumn are often cited as ideal for combining comfortable water and manageable conditions at drift sites like the Tokara Islands.
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Water temperature around Kagoshima ranges from about 20°C in February to 29°C in August, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
In the warm season (about 29°C) a rash guard or 3mm shorty is comfortable in Kagoshima; in the coldest months (about 20°C) step up to a 5mm suit.
Fin maps 7 sites in Kagoshima (7 scuba diving sites and 1 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both).
Across Kagoshima's dive sites, May, June, July, August, September and October are most often reported as the best months to visit.
3 more sites to explore
