Climate & Weather in Kobe

Post date: Friday, March 17, 2017

For foreign expats moving to Kobe from overseas countries as well as ones moving to Kobe from other areas in Japan, we here provide the guidance on Kobe weather. It will make us happy if it can help you to prepare for your seasonal clothing and more for your life in Japan.

Kobe, like most of the rest of the world, has a fair amount of seasonal variation in its weather patterns. For the most part, the weather is fairly mild and generally quite pleasant though there is a typhoon (also known as a hurricane or tropical cyclone) season that runs from May to December when the weather can get very bad, very quickly if a storm is passing by.

Rainfall Level & Average Temperature in Kobe (2019)

The below is the Rainfall Level and Average Temperature in Kobe. Rainfall is more frequent from March through October, during which includes Rainy Season in June-July and Typhoon peak season in August - September in Kobe. However, the rainfall in the Typhoon peak season in Kobe is much less than in Tokyo and Yokohama.

It represents that Kobe has much less influence of the typhoon than Tokyo and Yokohama. Kobe weather is also mild throughout four seasons representing relatively cooler summer and warmer winter than any other parts in Japan thanks to the warm seawater and beach wind of Seto Inland Sea and Mt. Rokko’s blocking cold north winds.

  Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
Rainfall Level (mm) 15 36 79 87.5 96 158.5 219.5 220.5 39 160 4 62.5
Max.Temp ( °C) 3.7 5 7.2 10.7 17 20.7 24 26.5 24.3 18.2 10.9 6.7
Ave.Temp ( °C) 6.7 8 10.8 14.5 20.6 23.4 26.4 28.8 26.9 21.2 14.6 9.9
Min.Temp ( °C) 3.7 5 7.2 10.7 17 20.7 24 26.5 24.3 18.2 10.9 6.7

Average Temperature & Humidity in Kobe (2019)

  Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
Ave.Temp( °C) 6.7 8 10.8 14.5 20.6 23.4 26.4 28.8 26.9 21.2 14.6 9.9
Ave.Temp( °F) 44.06 46.4 51.44 58.1 69.08 74.12 79.52 83.84 80.42 70.16 58.28 49.82
Humidity(%) 62 63 61 61 59 72 79 76 68 69 61 66

The highest temperature more than 35 degree continues in summer due to global warming and heat island effects, and so we cannot spend a day without air conditioner.

Seasonal Clothing (for Kobe & Vicinity)

  • Spring (Mar. - May):Light jacket and sweater
  • Summer (Jun. - Aug.):Light clothing, short sleeves
  • Autumn (Sep. - Nov.): Same as Spring
  • Winter (Dec. - Feb.):Topcoat, wool suit, warm sweater and jacket

The best times to visit are April-May, for the well-known blooming of cherry blossoms with pleasant climate, and October-November for autumn leaves changing and enjoyable climate. It can get hot and extremely muggy in July-August. Winter seldom brings snow and only a few days per year the temperatures drop below freezing. It is also helpful for you to see Seasonal Clothing idea above.

The Weather in Kobe and Advice for Every Season

Kobe is a big city and most people get around using public transit, bikes, or their feet. Here are a few tips & tricks to make surviving close encounters with Mother Nature a little easier.

■ Precipitation

Always check the forecast before you leave for the day and pack an umbrella if rain is predicted.

It's no fun being caught in a downpour and waiting under the corner of a ramen shop's roof waiting for the rain to pass.

o Pro tip: If weather forecasts aren't to your liking, stick your head outside before you leave for the day and see if others are carrying umbrellas and follow their lead. If you do get stuck in the wet, you can always duck into the nearest convenience store for a cheap umbrella—they're everywhere!

■ Heat

It can get quite hot in Kobe so dress accordingly. Kobe is a concrete jungle that displays the "heat island" effect common in big metropolitan areas.

o Pro tip: If you're going to work, check and see if your office follows a "cool biz" dress code which is a set of comparatively relaxed dress guidelines encouraged by the Japanese government to help make life more comfortable for office-workers in the summer.