Kobe Weather in May

Season: Spring

In short: Warm and pleasant

May is late spring in Kobe and the weather is very cozy. It rains frequently, but usually the rainfall isn’t heavy or doesn’t last for a long time. So generally speaking, it’s one of the best months to visit Kobe.

Ikuta Jinja Shrine

Temperature

Average Highest Temperature: 25°C (77°F); the recorded highest was 31°C (87.8°F).
Average Lowest Temperature: 16°C (60.8°F); the recorded lowest was 11°C (51.8°F).
Average Temperature: 21°C (69.8°F)

In this month, you won’t feel cold anymore. The temperature is seldom below 20°C (68°F) during the daytime. Even in the night, the average temperature is around 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). But the temperature gap can be 10 - 15°C (50 - 59°F) during a day. Tourists need to add or decrease clothes promptly according to temperature variation.

In late May, people may feel it hot like summer in sunny afternoons. You should be aware of high temperature and bring some sun protection items.

Kobe Port Tower

Precipitation

Precipitation: 146 mm (0.48 in)
Average Rainy Days: 15 days
Average Humidity: 61%

Don’t worry about frequent rainy days. It is usually small or moderate rain. Even it rains heavily, it stops soon, which won’t disturb your trip. Moreover, rainfall often occurs in evenings. You can arrange your trip plan flexibly.

Daytime Length & Sunshine Hours

Sunrise Time: 4:51-5:09
Sunset Time: 18:43-17:00
Daylight Hours: 11.9-13.9 h
Average Daily Sunshine Hours: 9 h/day

The daily sunshine hours are quite long in May, which greatly satisfies visitors’ need. You can devise a sound plan for spring outings in this golden month for traveling. If you can bear wake up early, it is a good way to avoid crowds.

Kitano Ijinkan-Gai

Packing List for Visiting Kobe in May

Clothes: For the weather is warm generally, you can wear long sleeves shirt, blouse or thin hoodie alone. In warmest noon and afternoon, you can even wear short-sleeve T-shirt. For lower parts, light pants or jeans are recommended. In mornings and evenings or near the seaside, a windproof coat is still necessary.

Shoes: Sneakers, casual shoes or walking shoes are suitable for long-distance walking.

Others: The ultraviolet ray is intense sometimes, so you’d better bring a hat and sunglasses.

Travel Recommendations and Tips:

1. There is a long holiday from 29th, April to 6th, May, 2026, when many Japanese people travel. Traffic is busy; scenic spots are often crowded especially famous ones like Ikuta Jinja and Nankin-machi; and hotels and travel cost soar. If possible, avoid travelling to Kobe in this period.

2. Every third Sunday of May, there is a festival called Kobe Matsuri. People will display modern, traditional, local and foreign culture during parade near Sannomiya station. In addition to Japanese taiko and dance performances, there are street dance, samba, honor guards, scouting, and even the traditional Chinese deity welcoming ceremony. Along the street, many stalls offer various food including takoyaki, fried noodles and snacks. People can enjoy food while watching the parade. If you travel in this time, don’t miss it.

3. The wind usually reaches level 3-4, sometimes even level 5. And it is stronger near the seaside like in Port of Kobe, Suma beach, and Azur Maiko. For a better travel experience, it is better to visit seaside in sunny and less windy days.

Ikuta Jinja Shrine

Snack Stall