Climate and monthly weather forecastKobe, Japan
Climate and monthly weather forecast
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 »Updated: Jan 31, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
Kobe's coldest weather arrives in January, when temperatures average a high of 7.9°C (46.2°F) and a low of 3.3°C (37.9°F).
January is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 13.8 days and accumulates 31mm (1.22") of precipitation.
In Kobe, during the entire year, the rain falls for 176.9 days and collects up to 791mm (31.14") of precipitation.
Months with snowfall are January through March and December.
January is the month with the most snowfall in Kobe. Snow falls for 5.8 days and accumulates 39mm (1.54") of snow.
Throughout the year, in Kobe, Japan, there are 15.6 snowfall days, and 84mm (3.31") of snow is accumulated.
January and February, with an average of 5h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine in Kobe.
January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index in Kobe.
The months with the lowest humidity in Kobe are March and April, with an average relative humidity of 71%.
The month with the coldest seawater in Kobe is March, with an average sea temperature of 13.9°C (57°F).
April through November are months without snowfall.
June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 14h and 24min of daylight.
July is the most humid month in Kobe, Japan, with an average relative humidity of 81%.
The month with the most rainfall is July, when the rain falls for 19.9 days and typically aggregates up to 127mm (5") of precipitation.
With an average maximum UV index of 7, July is the month with the highest UV index in Kobe.
Kobe, Japan, experiences its average highest temperatures in August, reaching a peak of 30.3°C (86.5°F) and a minimum of 24.5°C (76.1°F).
With an average sea temperature of 27.7°C (81.9°F), August is the month with the warmest seawater.
With an average of 11h of sunshine, August has the most sunshine of the year in Kobe.
December has the shortest days of the year in Kobe, Japan, with an average of 9h and 54min of daylight.
Kobe, Japan, does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). JST timezone is used throughout the entire year.
Average temperature
Kobe, Japan
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (30.3°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (7.9°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is August (24.5°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (3.3°C).
Average pressure
Kobe, Japan
- Average pressure in January:
1019.8mbar - Average pressure in February:
1019.9mbar - Average pressure in March:
1017.6mbar - Average pressure in April:
1015.1mbar - Average pressure in May:
1012.3mbar - Average pressure in June:
1008.8mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1009.2mbar - Average pressure in August:
1009.5mbar - Average pressure in September:
1012.7mbar - Average pressure in October:
1016.9mbar - Average pressure in November:
1019.7mbar - Average pressure in December:
1019.5mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is February (1019.9mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (1008.8mbar).
Average wind speed
Kobe, Japan
- Average wind speed in January:
15km/h - Average wind speed in February:
13.6km/h - Average wind speed in March:
13.6km/h - Average wind speed in April:
12.4km/h - Average wind speed in May:
10.4km/h - Average wind speed in June:
9.5km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
10.3km/h - Average wind speed in August:
10km/h - Average wind speed in September:
10.4km/h - Average wind speed in October:
12.3km/h - Average wind speed in November:
11.8km/h - Average wind speed in December:
14.6km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (15km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is June (9.5km/h).
Average humidity
Kobe, Japan
The month with the highest relative humidity is July (81%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are March and April (71%).
Average rainfall
Kobe, Japan
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is July (127mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (31mm).
Average rainfall days
Kobe, Japan
- Average rainfall days in January:
13.8 days - Average rainfall days in February:
12.8 days - Average rainfall days in March:
14.3 days - Average rainfall days in April:
12.2 days - Average rainfall days in May:
11.7 days - Average rainfall days in June:
15.8 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
19.9 days - Average rainfall days in August:
18.1 days - Average rainfall days in September:
15.8 days - Average rainfall days in October:
14.2 days - Average rainfall days in November:
12.7 days - Average rainfall days in December:
15.6 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (19.9 days).
The month with the least rainy days is May (11.7 days).
Average snowfall
Kobe, Japan
The month with the highest snowfall is January (39mm).
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0mm).
Average snowfall days
Kobe, Japan
- Average snowfall days in January:
5.8 days - Average snowfall days in February:
5 days - Average snowfall days in March:
1.8 days - Average snowfall days in April:
0 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0 days - Average snowfall days in November:
0 days - Average snowfall days in December:
3 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (5.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0 days).
Average sea temperature
Kobe, Japan
The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (27.7°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is March (13.9°C).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Kobe, Japan
- Average daylight in January:
10h and 6min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 54min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 6min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 0min - Average daylight in June:
14h and 24min
- Average daylight in July:
14h and 12min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 24min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 24min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 18min - Average daylight in November:
10h and 24min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 54min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 24min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 54min).
- Average sunshine in January:
5h - Average sunshine in February:
5h - Average sunshine in March:
7h and 18min - Average sunshine in April:
9h and 12min - Average sunshine in May:
9h and 48min - Average sunshine in June:
9h and 30min
- Average sunshine in July:
9h and 42min - Average sunshine in August:
11h - Average sunshine in September:
9h and 18min - Average sunshine in October:
6h and 24min - Average sunshine in November:
6h - Average sunshine in December:
5h and 12min
The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 11h).
The months with the least sunshine are January and February (Average sunshine: 5h).
Average sunshine days
Kobe, Japan
- Average sunshine days in January:
9 days - Average sunshine days in February:
10 days - Average sunshine days in March:
12.8 days - Average sunshine days in April:
15.3 days - Average sunshine days in May:
17.1 days - Average sunshine days in June:
12.6 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
8.1 days - Average sunshine days in August:
11.3 days - Average sunshine days in September:
11.9 days - Average sunshine days in October:
14.5 days - Average sunshine days in November:
13 days - Average sunshine days in December:
8.9 days
The month with the most sunshine days is May (17.1 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (8.1 days).
Average UV index
Kobe, Japan
The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 2).
Average cloud cover
Kobe, Japan
The month with the most cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 46).
The month with the least cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 29).
Average visibility
Kobe, Japan
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, August, September, October, November and December (10km).
The month with the lowest visibility is July (9km).
