Kobe Weather in October

Season: Autumn

Key Points:

1. Kobe enjoys cool weather in October, perfect for outdoor activities.

2. Despite occasional showers, Kobe is still a good place to visit as long as you prepare rain gear.

3. There are two highlights this month in Kobe – Kobe Port Fireworks Festival and Rokkō Meets Arts.

Hiking in the Mount Rokko

Cool Temperatures

Kobe’s weather in October is cool and breezy, with average temperatures ranging from 14-23°C (57-73°F). Visitors would feel comfortable and cool in general during outdoor activities

In early October, the weather is quite warm, with temperatures ranging from approximately 21-29°C (70-84°F). Thus, light summer clothing paired with a shirt is usually enough. However, as the month progresses, the temperature gradually drops a bit, especially in the early mornings when it can dip to around 11-12°C (52-54°F) by the end of October. Therefore, a thin sweater will come in handy for these cooler moments. During midday, the temperature would return to a relatively warm level – about 17-24°C (52-54°F).

If you plan to visit Mount Rokkō, be prepared for lower temperatures – about 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit) lower than in the city center. An extra layer is recommended to stay cozy during your hike, especially in the early morning and late evening.

Ikuta Jinja

Moderate Rainfall

Kobe receives an average precipitation of 159 mm and 14 rainy days in October, which is notably less than in September – 202 mm, and belongs to a moderate level. Most of the rain comes as light showers, accompanied by gentle breezes at an average wind speed of 20 km/h.

Given the moderate rainfall in October, sunny days are not the norm in Kobe. For example, in October 2024, only one-third of the days were clear; the rest of the days were mostly overcast or cloudy. Thus, it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before your visit. Still, don’t be upset about grey skies, as Kobe has its own special charm in the clouds. There are fewer visitors in Mount Rokkō on overcast days, offering a great chance to enjoy peaceful hiking trails and misty mountain views.

Humidity

In October, Kobe’s humidity level is 66 %, comfortable and perfect for outdoor activities.

Be Kobe Landmark

Daylight Time & Sunset View Tips

Kobe’s daylight hours gradually shorten in October, ranging from approximately 11 hours 50 minutes at the start of the month to about 10 hours 48 minutes by the end. Less daylight time available means visitors should organize their travel plans wisely to make the best of the daytime.

The sunrise time hovers between 5:53 and 6:16, while the sun sets at 17:06 to 17:43. If you plan to visit Mount Rokkō for its famous sunset and night view, October is an ideal time, as there is more space time between sunset and the last bus departure, allowing visitors to watch the sunset, enjoy the night view without rush, and still catch the final bus down.

Here’s a suggested plan:
Take the bus up the mountain around 15:00, giving yourself enough time to explore the mountain. You’ll be able to catch the sunset between 17:00 and 17:40, depending on the date.

After that, stay a little longer to enjoy the stunning night view over Kobe’s skyline, which is called the “million-dollar” night view in Japan. The last bus down departs at 18:43, so you don’t have to rush.

Kobe Port Tower on Sunny Weather

What You Should Pack in October:

1. Since the first half of October is kind of warm, T-shirts paired with light jacket is ok. Towards to the second half of October, it’s advisable to wear a thin sweater, a hoodie, or a trench coat with a long-sleeves inside, so as to keep comfortable.
2. As for bottoms, sports pants and light jeans are suitable for Kobe’s climate in October. For girls, it’s also ok to wear skirts paired with leggings.
3. For footwear, a pair of comfortable sneakers is perfect for all the activities. But please choose anti-slippery shoes if you are going hiking in Mount Rokkō, as the road can be wet and slip on rainy days.
4. There are insects on the mountain, so remember to prepare insect repellent.
5. It is a bit rainy in October, making an umbrella necessary.

Is October a good time to visit Kobe?

Yes, October is one of the best times to visit Kobe. Firstly, Kobe’s climate in October is cool and comfortable. Though the rainfall is moderate, the rain this month is usually light, rarely affecting your travel plans, but adding some fresh air and bringing a greener landscape. Secondly, there are no major public holidays in Japan in October. Therefore, visitors are much fewer than peak season. Thirdly, there are excellent events in October – Kobe Port Fireworks Festival and Rokkō Meets Arts, and you won’t regret visiting!

Travel Recommendations and Tips in October

Kobe enjoys a pleasant climate in October, offering stunning sightseeing views. Therefore, you will have a great time wherever you go in Kobe, outdoors or indoors. In the morning, you are advised to go to Ikuta Jinja and snap impressive photos in front of rows of Japanese torii. Sometimes, you can happen to see a newborn baby blessing ceremony. Next, continue with a relaxing city walk, taking all these Kobe’s top attractions in one go: Meriken Park, Mosaic Big Ferris Wheel, Kobe Port Tower, and Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall.

Rows of Torri

October Highlights

1. Kobe Port Fireworks Festival

It is a fall-only event annually in Kobe, held on October 20-24 in 2025, with a 15-minute firework display lighting up the harbor each night from 18:30 to 18:45. It’s free to attend, so don’t hesitate!

2. Rokkō Meets Arts

One of Kobe’s significant events in autumn, Rokkō Meets Arts, is held from 10:00-17:00 throughout October in Mount Rokkō. It combines stunning natural views with art installations by famous artists, serving as a paradise for photographers and art lovers.

By late October, a few leaves will turn yellow and red at Rokkō Alpine Botanical Garden, a destination of Mount Rokkō, not to be missed.

Tips

1. Public buses to Mount Rokkō run once per hour, which is not very convenient and might waste the daytime hours that are already progressively shorter this month. So plan your visit wisely, or rent a car to save time and travel more flexibly.
2. It is advisable to arrive at Meriken Park early to secure a great spot for watching fireworks and taking impressive photos.
3. Remember to check the opening days for Rokkō Meets Arts, as on public holidays they might be closed.
4. Bring a windproof shawl or light jacket when there are nighttime activities, such as joining the fireworks festival and watching the night view at Mount Rokkō.