Kobe Weather in December

Season: Winter

Overview
1. Kobe’s weather is sunny and dry in December, great for outdoor activities if you wear warmly.
2. On the summit of Mount Rokkō, the temperature can be extremely cold, and there may be snow left.
3. December is still a good time to admire fall foliage, most in the first half of the month.

Cold Weather in Kobe

Low Temperatures

In December, Kobe’s climate is becoming colder, with average temperatures ranging from 3-12°C (37-54°F). In early December, Kobe enjoys a relatively mild temperature during the midday, with daily highs hovering between 13-19°C (55-66°F). But in the early morning and late afternoon, things can be chilly, with temperatures of about 5-10°C (41-50°F). Entering the second half of the month, it becomes cold throughout the day, with daily temperatures dropping to 4-10°C (39-50°F). It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast in advance.

For people planning to reach the summit of Mount Rokkō, you might be surprised how cold it is. Due to its high altitudes, the temperature at the top is 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit) lower than the city center.

Bus to Mount Rokko

Light Rain or Snow

Snow Left in Winter

Winter is the driest season in Kobe and the average rainfall in December is 70 mm, with 17 average rainy days. The rain is dominated by light showers, rarely impacting your travel plans. In late December, there might be light snow in Kobe, and there may be patches of lingering snow left at the top of Mount Rokkō due to cold weather.

Crisp Air and Strong Wind

Thanks to Kobe’s dry and cold weather, the humidity level stays around 65% in December, perfect for outdoor activities as long as you wear warm enough clothes. But still, be cautious of strong coastal winds, especially near the sea. The average wind speed is about 18 km/h this month, so a scarf will help you stay comfortable.

Short Daylight Hours, More Sunshine Hours

In December, Kobe has the shortest daytime hours throughout the year, about 10 hours. And the sunrise occurs between 6:47 and 7:06, while the sunset falls approximately at 16:48 to 16:58. This means you need to develop your outdoor activities, like hiking, a bit earlier, otherwise you might get stuck in the dark.

Despite that, Kobe in December enjoys the sunniest weather year-round. The average possibility of a sunny day is as high as 74%, perfect for culture tours and scenic sightseeing under clear skies.

Sunny Day in December

Kobe Port Tower on Sunny Day

What to Wear in December

Clothes: Due to Kobe’s cold weather in December, it’s advisable to wear a sweater or hoodie inside and a down jacket outside. Alternatively, if you are not very sensitive to cold, you can wear a 3-in-1 jacket.

In terms of bottoms, fleece-lined long underwear under thick jeans is a reliable option. Girls can wear thick dresses paired with thermal leggings, comfortable and chic.

Shoes: As for footwear, a pair of comfortable sneakers is highly recommended, better be waterproof and anti-slippery in case of rain or snow. To go with dresses, girls are advised to wear boots, but remember to choose comfortable ones.

Others: Hats, gloves, and scarves can add extra warmth, especially when hiking at Mount Rokkō or strolling at Port of Kobe. When conquering Mount Rokkō, don’t forget to wear professional hiking kits, like thermal and quick-dry underwear and hiking shoes with strong holding power.

Is December a Good Time to Visit Kobe?

Broadly speaking, if you plan to visit Kobe in 2025, December is a recommended time. Firstly, the air is dry and crisp, ideal for outdoor activities as long as you dress warmly. Secondly, Kobe continues its fall foliage season this month, offering colorful leaves in parks and mountain areas.

However, it’s worth noting that Kobe at the end of December attracts lots of international tourists especially around Christmas Day and New Year, leading to higher costs for accommodation and flights. Therefore, early planning is strongly advised if you decide to visit Kobe during this period.

Travel Recommendations

A leisurely city walk is a great way to soak in the charm of Kobe in sunny and clear December. Here is a suggested route for your day:

You can start your journey at Kitano Ijinkan-Gai in the early morning, so as to avoid the tourist rush. But remember to wear thick enough clothes to keep warm, since the temperature is lower at this time. Then take a break and taste the ice cream produced from the local farm, which is only a 4-minute walk away and receives many good reviews. Next, walk about 12 minutes, and you will reach Ikuta Jinja to enjoy the autumn leaves. Around noon, you are invited to hang around at Nankin-machi – Kobe Chinatown. Whether trying Chinese cuisine or picking up gifts, it’s up to you. Finally, stroll along the Port of Kobe, enjoying the peaceful and stunning sunset view, which is easy to spot in sunny December.

After sunset, the temperature gradually drops, and indoor activities like shopping are more recommended. Kobe boasts some of Kansai’s largest outlet malls with a wide range of brands and attractive Christmas discounts. If you are not into shopping, you can also soak in a hot spring at Arima Onsen, but it requires you to book in advance.

Food in Nankin-machi

Hot Spring Hotel Room

Tips:

1. Kobe in the first half of December still welcomes visitors longing for colorful fall foliage view. The top destinations include Mount Rokkō, Ikuta Jinja Shrine and Nunobiki Herb Garden. It’s worth noting that there are barely red leaves left by late December. So plan it accordingly.
2. The end of December coincides with the Christmas and New Year holiday, making it difficult to order hotels. So plan it one month earlier.
3. Many Kobe beef restaurants don’t accept walk-ins, and some popular ones are even fully booked out one month ahead. You’d better make a reservation as early as possible.
4. Be aware of the opening hours for buses to Mount Rokkō and organize the schedule wisely, considering that the sky becomes dark very quickly.

December Weather for More Destinations in Japan:

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