Kobe Weather

Climatic Zone: Temperate marine climate zone
Climate Features: Located by the sea, the weather of Kobe is generally mild compared with inland places of the same latitude. Spring is warm and autumn is cool as a whole, but temperature may fluctuate greatly. Summer has no severe heat; in the hottest August, the average high temperature is 33℃ (91.4℉). Winter has no severe cold; even in the coldest January, the average low temperature is above freezing, at 1℃ (33.8℉).

Rain is frequent in Kobe. Winter sees less rainfall than other three seasons but welcomes snows occasionally. There is the plum rainy season from June to July, when it can rain continuously. Moreover, Kobe may be attacked by typhoons in September, which causes heavy rainfall. It is necessary to watch the weather forecast and disaster warning before the trip.

Ikuta Jinja in Kobe

As a port city, it is also effected by Seto Inland Sea, with the sea wind speed of 20 km/h on average. The windiest month is April.

Warmest Month: August: 25 - 33℃ (77 - 91.4℉) averagely, the recorded highest was 35℃ (95℉).
Coolest Month: January: 1 - 9℃ (33.8 - 48.2℉) averagely, the recorded lowest was -3℃ (-37.4℉). 
Wettest Month: June: 207 mm (0.68 in)/ 18 days
Windiest Month: April: 22 km/h 

Best Time to Visit Kobe

Spring from March to May and autumn from September to November are the best times to visit Kobe. 

Spring is generally warm and pleasant. The precipitation is moderate. Besides, there are many flowers to feast people’s eyes. In early March, it is the best time to appreciate beautiful plum blossom in Okamoto Bairin with nearly 200 trees. Kobe Cherry Blossom Festival is held from April to May and Kobe Infiorata Festival in early May.

In autumn, Kobe is always sunny and cozy. Red maples are unique views since late September. You can visit Mount Rokkō to appreciate colorful maples. Specially, there is an art festival - Rokkō Meets Arts in whole autumn to show Japanese art style.

Four Seasons in Kobe - Climate & Travel Recommendations

Spring: March-May

Weather: Warm & cozy
Average Temperature: 5 - 25°C (41 - 77°F)
In spring, the weather of Kobe gradually turns warm. But sea breeze makes people feel less warm. In early spring, the weather is unstable. The daily temperature gap reaches nearly 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit), still cold in the early mornings and evenings. In mid-spring, the temperature keeps around 20°C (68℉) stably around noon. In late spring, the weather is pleasant. You can wear your summer clothes in sunny days.

Clothes to Wear:

1. People usually wear jeans, long skirts, sweaters and jackets. 
2. Sneakers, walking shoes and casual shoes are recommended.

Tips: 

1. You can also try Japanese traditional cloth kimono to experience different dressing culture. 
2. If you are allergic to pollen, a mask is very necessary in this flowery season.

Travel Recommendations:

1. In warm and cozy weather, you can visit anyplace like Port of Kobe, Meriken Park, and Suma beach. 
2. Appreciate beautiful flowers especially plum flowers in March and cherry blossom in April.
3. Taste famous and delicious Kobe beef at least once.
4. Experience Japanese religion culture by visiting shrines like Minatogawa Shrine, Ikuta Jinja and Nagata Shrine. 

Sakura Blossom in Spring

Lovely Weather in Kobe

Summer: June-August

Weather: Hot & rainy
Average Temperature: 20 - 33°C (68 - 91.4°F)
June is the start of summer as temperature rises. People usually feel hotter in the sun. Early mornings and evenings are cool. Tourists could avoid going out in the hottest period around noon in case of sunstroke, especially in the hottest August. From June to July, the plum rainy season comes to Kobe with plentiful rainfall. Combined with high humidity and hot temperature, the weather is muggy. Also, it may cause inconvenience of the trip. 

Clothes to Wear:

1. T-shirt, skirt, shorts, dress and sandals are recommended.
2. To avoid sunburn, sun-proof clothing, sunscreen, sunhat, sunglass and parasol are things in need.
3. It’s a good choice to wear your beach suit and walk along the Suma beach.

Travel Recommendations and Tips:

1. Appreciate marvelous fireworks near the Port of Kobe in early August.
2. Play at the beach to feel the atmosphere of summer.
3. Don’t forget to pack some medicines for preventing heatstroke.
4. Choose indoor activities when it is hot or rainy outdoors. 

Port of Kobe

Autumn: September-November

Weather: Cool & mild
Average Temperature: 9-29°C (48.2 - 84.2°F)
Starting September, the temperature drops gradually. Between daytime and night, the temperature gap is nearly 10°C (50°F). You may wear T-shirt in daytime but catch a trench coat in the evening. Moreover, since Kobe is located by the sea, it can be attacked by typhoon, usually in September, which brings lots of rainfall. You’d better choose a time unaffected by natural disasters to travel there. The weather becomes cool and stable in October. It’s advisable to see red maples. In November, the temperature goes down under 20°C (68°F) in daytime and 10°C (50°F) at night. 

Clothes to Wear:

1. Dress yourself with trench coat, hoodie and jeans. 
Tip: To cope with the big daily temperature difference, you may need to add a coat in the morning and evening in case you get a cold.

Travel Recommendations:

1. Enjoy beautiful maple leaves in Mount Rokkō, Nunobiki Herb Garden, Sumaura Park.
2. Appreciate Japanese art style at the show Rokkō Meets Arts. 

Hiking in the Mount Rokko

Winter: December-February

Weather: Cold
Average Temperature: 1 - 12°C (33.8 - 53.6°F)
The winter in Kobe is relatively not so cold because the temperature hardly goes bellow 0°C (32°F). 
However, people should wear more when going to the seaside because the wind there brings down the temperature to some extent. There is the temperature difference not only between the daytime and night, but also between indoor and outdoor scenic spots. Thanks to the heating facility, you won’t feel cold indoors. It has nearly 3-5 snowy days monthly, with snowfall amounting to 10-40 mm (0.03-0.13 in). And the snowfall is usually brief shower snow. The snow usually doesn’t accumulate in city areas. However, the situation may be opposite in mountains. Visitors can appreciate or play snow in Mount Rokkō .

Clothes to Wear:

1. Wear your thick clothes like down jacket, thermal pants and snow boots.
2. Hats, gloves, scarfs and masks are useful to keep warm.
Tip: If you plan to ski at Rokkō Ski Park, you need to buy or rent necessary snow wear and equipment.

Travel Recommendations and Tip:

1. Appreciate Kobe Luminarie in late January and early February;
2. Relax yourself through hot spring in Arima onsen.
3. Taste Japanese barbecue and hotpots.

Weather for More Destinations in Japan

• Japan 
• Tokyo
• Kyoto
• Osaka
• Nara 
• Hokkaido
  
• Nagoya 
• Hiroshima 
• Fukuoka 
• Nagano
  
• Hakone
  
• Lake Kawaguchi
• Kamakura 
  
• Kanazawa