Kobe Weather in November

Season: Autumn

Key Points
1. Kobe enjoys a slightly cold and less rainy climate in November, perfect for outdoor activities.
2. The highlight of November is peak fall foliage viewing.
3. With favorable weather and fewer tourists, November is one of the best times to visit Kobe.

Temperatures Cooling Down

Autumn View in Kobe

Entering late autumn, Kobe experiences a climate changing from cool to slightly cold in November, with the average temperatures of 9-17°C (48-63°F). In the first half of the month, the weather is still mild and cozy, with the daily high temperatures ranging from 16-23°C (61-73°F). Thus, a long-sleeve shirt paired with a light jacket is usually sufficient. The second half of November has an obviously colder climate in Kobe, with the highs hovering between 12-17°C (54-63°F). As for the daily low, it also drops from around 15°C (59°F) to about 10°C (50°F) from the first to the second half of the month. Therefore, don’t forget to check the weather forecast before your visit and prepare proper clothes.

Less Rainfall & Low Humidity

Kobe enjoys a relatively dry climate in November compared with the last several rainy months. On average, the city sees 84 mm of rainfall and 14 rainy days. The rain will have only a small impact on outdoor activities, since it is usually light this month.

Due to decreasing rainfall, the humidity level remains at a low level of about 66% accordingly. The air is crisp and refreshing, so it’s a good time to explore nature and go city sightseeing.

Kitano Ijinkan-Gai

Shorter Daylight Time

In November, the daylight hours continue to shrink, from about 10 hours 46 minutes at the beginning to 10 hours 2 minutes by the end, requiring visitors to organize their travel plans wisely to make the most of the daylight hours. Especially for people planning to watch the night view from the summit of Mount Rokkō, you’d better arrive as early as possible, because the sunset occurs between 16:48 and 17:05.

Is November a Good Time to Visit Kobe?

Absolutely yes, actually, November is one of the best times to visit Kobe. Firstly, Kobe’s weather is relatively dry and mild in November, ideal for outdoor activities. Secondly, Kobe experiences its peak fall foliage season in November, providing a stunning and colorful view in parks and mountains. Thirdly, unlike Kyoto, Kobe remains less crowded during the foliage season, which means you can enjoy the seasonal beauty without high costs or large tourist crowds.

Nankin-machi

Clothes Guidance

Upper Body: Generally, knitwear plus light jackets is a perfect outfit on most days. If the temperature is lower than average, consider to wear a thick coat to keep warm, especially when you attend the night illumination activity. Or, a 3-in-1 jacket can suffice your needs for the whole month.

Lower Body: It’s advisable to wear jeans plus fleece-lined long underwear. Girls can wear thick skirts paired with thermal leggings, stylish and comfortable.

Footwear: If you plan to hike or explore the city on foot, it’s best to wear thick and anti-slippery sneakers. Since November brings occasional light rain, some roads can get slippery on rainy days.

Accessories: Occasional showers are possible, so prepare rain gear. After the sunset, the weather can be relatively cold, especially in high-altitude mountain areas. Besides, sometimes the wind can blow hard in the evening, with an average wind speed of 18 km/h. Therefore, it is wise to bring a hat or scarf to stay warm.

Travel Recommendations and Tips

Since Kobe’s climate in November is relatively dry and only a bit cold, you will have a great experience when visiting Kobe. Here is a recommended city walk route for your 2025 Kobe tour that covers many top destinations, avoiding wasting daytime: Kitano Ijinkan-Gai, Ikuta Jinja, Nankin-machi – Kobe Chinatown, Port of Kobe, and Meriken Park. In addition, November also gets its own highlights:

1. Autumn Foliage Scene

November usually marks the peak of the autumn foliage season across Japan. Compared with Kyoto, the most popular destination to watch red maple leaves, Kobe remains a hidden gem for red leaves appreciation – less crowded, yet equally stunning.

One of the best spots is the Kobe Municipal Arboretum, where you can enjoy remarkable red leaves during your hike. As you approach Hase Ike Pond, the vibrant red maple trees reflect perfectly in the still water, creating a breathtaking scene. Plus, there is a night illumination activity during foliage season, offering a completely different scene.

Another fantastic option is Mount Rokkō, where you can enjoy the colorful autumn landscape while interacting with sheep and other farm animals. After that, it’s advisable to reach the summit to admire the night view overlooking the whole city. Just be careful that the last bus departs at 18:43.

Fall Foliage View

2. Arima Onsen

As one of Japan’s Three Ancient Hot Springs, Arima Onsen is a must-visit in a little cold November. With mineral-rich waters, the Onsen provides both public baths and private onsen experiences. Besides, by booking a room with open-air baths and mountain views, you can soak in steamy waters while appreciating the stunning autumn foliage view outside.

Arima Onsen

Tips:

1. Considering Kobe’s weather in November is a bit changeable, it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast in advance.
2. If you want to chase the full-red view of the Municipal Arboretum, it’s best to check its official website for real-time updates on foliage status before your visit. The specific dates of night illumination also require you to check in advance.
3. Onsen hotels might get fully booked during foliage season, therefore, making reservations one month in advance is highly recommended.