The climate of Kobe
Known for its strategic geographical position along the southern side of
Japan's main island, Honshu,
Kobe presents a Humid subtropical climate, designated as Cfa according to the Köppen climate classification. This climate type typically equates to no dry season and being generally humid throughout the year.
Temperature throughout Kobe exhibits a variation when it comes to its high and low extremes. The warmest month is
August, with an average high of 30.3°C (86.5°F), followed closely by
July with an average high of 28.3°C (82.9°F). In sharp contrast, during the colder period between
December to
February, temperatures plummet to a low average of 3.3°C (37.9°F) to 5.5°C (41.9°F).
Humidity plays a dominant role in the climate of Kobe, hovering between the 70% to 81% range throughout the year. Rainfall patterns are consistent, with the most substantial rainfall amounting to 127mm (5") in July. Minimal precipitation occurs from
November to
March, with December being the driest with just 35mm (1.38") of rainfall.
Winter months from December to February also bring snow to Kobe, with
January receiving up to 39mm (1.54") of snowfall. Regarding visibility and atmospheric pressure, Kobe consistently holds clear visibility of 10km (6.2mi) throughout, with a slightly low pressure in
June at 1008.8 mb.
The best time to visit Kobe
Considering weather factors, the optimal time to visit
Kobe would be from late spring to early autumn. During this span, ranging from
April to
September, visitors can revel in pleasant temperatures that hover between 16.6°C (61.9°F) during April to a comfortable 26.5°C (79.7°F) during September.
These months particularly entice travelers with extended daylight hours from 13.1 hours in April up to a peak of 14.5 hours in
June and
July. Apart from vibrant luminance, sea temperatures make for pleasant swimming conditions, as the waters warm up from 15.6°C (60.1°F) in April to a balmy 26.3°C (79.3°F) in September.
The worst time to visit Kobe
Winter months from
December to
February are less advisable for tourists due to the low temperatures, dipping down to 3.3°C (37.9°F), and limited daylight hours, which barely reach 10 hours. Sea temperatures during this period also make aquatic activities less enticing, with water cooling down to 15°C (59°F) in December.
Moreover, these months, especially
January, feature snowfall, with January accounting for 39mm (1.54") of snowfall, which might disrupt travel plans. Despite its unique beauty, winter in
Kobe requires visitors to be adequately prepared for the colder conditions.
Spring weather in Kobe
A transformation takes place in the atmosphere of
Kobe during the spring months from
March to
May. Temperatures commence their rise from an average high of 12.1°C (53.8°F) in March, reaching 21.8°C (71.2°F) by May. Simultaneously, nighttime lows gradually warm up from 5.8°C (42.4°F) in March to 14.7°C (58.5°F) in May.
Though rainfall intensifies in spring, only amounting to 61mm (2.4") in
April, it’s significantly less than the summer months. Each spring day bathes in approximately 14 hours of daylight, with sunshine durations extending from 7.3 in March to 9.8 in May.
Summer weather in Kobe
Summer, extending from
June through
August, turns
Kobe into a warm and humid hub. Average high temperatures rise to reach 30.3°C (86.5°F) in August, with lowest temperatures ensuring a warm atmosphere at night that does not go below 18.8°C (65.8°F).
Notably, rainfall gets pronounced, hitting a peak at 127mm (5") in
July, and humidity rises to about 81%. Despite the rains, each summer day enjoys approximately 9.5 to 11 hours of sunshine. Perhaps the greatest highlight of summer is the sea temperature, which warms up to a delightful 27.7°C (81.9°F) by August.
Autumn weather in Kobe
Autumn in
Kobe, running from
September to
November, is characterized by a gradual drop in temperature. Average highs lower from a warm 26.5°C (79.7°F) in September to a mild 15.9°C (60.6°F) by November. Nights also get cooler, with temperatures falling to 10.6°C (51.1°F) in November.
Meanwhile, rainfall slightly decreases when compared to the summer, with
October experiencing 86mm (3.39"). Daylight hours decrease as autumn progresses, starting from 12.4 hours in September to 10.4 hours by November. Sea temperatures also recede but retain warmth until November, maintaining a comfortable 20.8°C (69.4°F).
Winter weather in Kobe
The winter period in
Kobe, spanning from
December to
February, experiences the coldest temperatures, with the mercury falling to an average low of 3.3°C (37.9°F) in
January. Even the highest temperature barely crosses 10.1°C (50.2°F) during December.
Rainfall is relatively less during this period, with December being the driest month of the year. Distinctly, snowfall makes a mark in winter, particularly in January that receives 39mm (1.54") of snowfall. Despite the cold, each day receives around 9.9 to 10.1 hours of daylight. Sea temperatures do drop, though, reaching down to 14°C (57.2°F) in December.
Weather in January
January ushers in the beginning of a new year in
Kobe,
Japan, with a blend of lower temperatures and higher humidity. Compared to
December, the city experiences slightly higher temperatures, as the month is marked by a high of 7.9°C (46.2°F) and a low of 3.3°C (37.9°F).
Weather in January » Weather in February
February is characterized by chillier temperatures in
Kobe, but the city is a touch warmer than in
January. The month records its lowest snowfall, 24mm (0.94"), offering a spectacle of a winter wonderland against the backdrop of the city's architectural elegance.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March brings a respite from the biting cold that defines
Kobe in
February. The emergence of spring means warmer weather, the beginning of colorful blooms, and a general shift in outdoor activities. The sea temperature warms up to 13.9°C (57°F), making coastal visits a delightful experience.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April is a time of renewal, when
Kobe bursts into the full beauty of spring. The brisk cold of
March gives way to mild temperatures, ample sunshine, and verdant landscapes. A notable shift can be observed in the sea temperature, reaching 15.6°C (60.1°F), which encourages aquatic activities.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks the transition from spring to summer in
Kobe, a time when the city presents its most enlivened nature. Compared to the temperate
April, the rise in temperature becomes more apparent, instigating an increased use of summer attire.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June witnesses the full swing of summer in
Kobe. There's a noticeable spike in temperature and humidity compared to
May, leading to the widespread use of sun protection gear for outdoor expeditions. Rainfall peaks at 77mm (3.03"), making the city's lush greenery even more vibrant.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Kobe is hallmarked by the year's highest temperatures, reaching up to a maximum high of 28.3°C (82.9°F). The city basks in summer festivities, with the warm weather encouraging a myriad of outdoor activities. The sea remains invitingly warm, allowing for pleasurable swims and other water-based pursuits.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August is the climax of
Kobe's summer, basking in slightly higher temperatures compared to
July. Being the warmest month of the year, sun protection becomes more of a necessity to shield from the strong sun rays. The sea temperature heats up to 27.7°C (81.9°F), enticing both residents and tourists to relish their time in the water.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September ushers in autumn, with
Kobe gradually cooling down from the intense
August temperatures. The onset of fall brings noticeable changes in environmental colors, making the city an aesthetic spectacle. Rainfall lessens compared to August, dropping to 95mm (3.74"), while the sea temperature starts to cool, standing at 26.3°C (79.3°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October sees
Kobe fully transitioning into fall, with the weather gradually getting cooler compared to
September. Residents and visitors can enjoy the changing scenery, as the leaves take on hues from golden yellow to fiery red.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November, the last month of the autumn in
Kobe, is also a moderate month, with an average temperature ranging between max 15.9°C (60.6°F) and min 10.6°C (51.1°F). November ushers in a slight temperature change, with average high-temperatures reducing from
October's pleasant 21.5°C (70.7°F) to a refreshing 15.9°C (60.6°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Kobe signifies the onset of winter, with the city progressively cooling off from the mild
November temperatures. Snowflakes begin to fall and accumulate, reaching a total of 10mm (0.39") throughout the month. The dawn of the festive season sees the city illuminated in beautiful holiday lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
Weather in December » [Resources]