Hyogo Weather by Month
Hyogo Prefecture, located in Japan’s Kansai region, experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasonal variations, offering warm, humid summers and cool winters. The region, including cities like Kobe and Himeji, sees significant rainfall year-round, with heavier precipitation during the rainy season and occasional typhoons. Below is a detailed 1,000-word breakdown of Hyogo’s weather by month, including minimum and maximum temperatures, weather conditions, clothing recommendations, best locations to visit, areas to avoid, and records for temperature, rainfall, snow, and wind. Additionally, I’ll highlight the best and worst times to visit.
January
- Min/Max Temperatures: 3°C (37.4°F) / 10°C (50°F)
- Weather: January is the coldest and driest month in Hyogo, with chilly, partly cloudy skies. Kobe sees average highs of 10°C and lows around 3°C. Snow is rare in coastal areas like Kobe and Himeji but possible in northern regions like Tajima. Expect about 61 mm of rainfall over 19 rainy days and 4.6 hours of daily sunshine.
- Clothing: Layer up with a heavy coat, scarf, gloves, and warm hat. Thermal layers and waterproof boots are ideal for northern areas with potential snow.
- Best Locations: Kobe’s Meriken Park is perfect for crisp winter walks with stunning harbor views. Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is less crowded and picturesque in winter light. Kinosaki Onsen in northern Hyogo offers relaxing hot springs amidst snowy scenery.
- Locations to Avoid: High-altitude areas in Tajima can be icy and challenging for unprepared travelers.
- Records: Record low temperature: -7.2°C (19°F) in Tajima (1977); record rainfall: 120 mm in Kobe (1995); record snow: 30 cm in Tajima (1981).
February
- Min/Max Temperatures: 3°C (37.4°F) / 10°C (50°F)
- Weather: Similar to January, February is cold with lows of 3°C and highs of 10°C. Coastal areas like Kobe remain chilly but snow-free, while Tajima may see light snow. Precipitation averages 61 mm, with 4.6 hours of sunshine daily. Skies are often cloudy with occasional clear days.
- Clothing: A warm coat, sweater, and scarf are essential. Waterproof shoes are useful for rainy days, and thicker layers are needed in northern Hyogo.
- Best Locations: Kobe’s Chinatown is vibrant during the Lunar New Year (often in February). Arima Onsen, near Kobe, is ideal for a warm soak. Himeji’s Engyoji Temple offers serene winter views.
- Locations to Avoid: Remote mountain trails in northern Hyogo can be slippery and hazardous.
- Records: Record low: -6.8°C (19.8°F) in Tajima (1984); record snowfall: 35 cm in Tajima (1996).
March
- Min/Max Temperatures: 6°C (42.8°F) / 14°C (57.2°F)
- Weather: March brings milder weather, with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Rainfall increases to about 100 mm, with more frequent showers. Sunshine averages 5 hours daily. Cherry blossoms begin blooming late in the month in Kobe and Himeji.
- Clothing: A medium-weight jacket, long-sleeve shirts, and an umbrella or raincoat are recommended. Layering is key for fluctuating temperatures.
- Best Locations: Kobe’s Nunobiki Herb Garden is lovely for early spring blooms. Himeji Castle’s grounds are ideal for cherry blossom viewing. Sumoto on Awaji Island offers mild coastal walks.
- Locations to Avoid: Northern Hyogo’s ski resorts wind down, with patchy snow making them less appealing.
- Records: Record high: 20°C (68°F) in Kobe (1998); record rainfall: 150 mm in Himeji (2002).
April
- Min/Max Temperatures: 11°C (51.8°F) / 19°C (66.2°F)
- Weather: April is pleasant, with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Cherry blossoms peak early in the month, attracting crowds. Rainfall averages 120 mm, with occasional showers. Sunshine increases to 6 hours daily.
- Clothing: Light jackets, long-sleeve tops, and comfortable shoes are suitable. Carry an umbrella for sudden rain.
- Best Locations: Himeji Castle is a must for cherry blossoms. Kobe’s Rokkosan Pasture is scenic for spring hikes. Awaji Island’s flower parks bloom vibrantly.
- Locations to Avoid: Overcrowded cherry blossom spots like Kobe’s Oji Zoo can be hectic.
- Records: Record high: 25°C (77°F) in Kobe (2015); record rainfall: 180 mm in Sumoto (1989).
May
- Min/Max Temperatures: 16°C (60.8°F) / 24°C (75.2°F)
- Weather: May is warm and comfortable, with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Rainfall is moderate at 140 mm, with 6.9 hours of sunshine. The weather is ideal for outdoor activities, though humidity begins to rise.
- Clothing: Short-sleeve shirts, light pants, and a thin jacket for evenings. Sunglasses and a hat are useful for sunny days.
- Best Locations: Kobe’s Harborland is great for waterfront strolls. Ako’s coastal trails offer scenic views. Takeda Castle ruins in northern Hyogo are stunning in clear weather.
- Locations to Avoid: None; May is generally pleasant across Hyogo.
- Records: Record high: 29°C (84.2°F) in Amagasaki (2007); record rainfall: 200 mm in Kobe (1993).
June
- Min/Max Temperatures: 20°C (68°F) / 27°C (80.6°F)
- Weather: June marks the start of the rainy season, with heavy rainfall averaging 207 mm over 18 rainy days. Temperatures rise to 27°C highs and 20°C lows. Humidity is high, and sunshine drops to 5.5 hours daily.
- Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothing, a raincoat, and waterproof shoes. An umbrella is essential.
- Best Locations: Indoor attractions like Kobe’s Anpanman Museum or Himeji’s Science Museum are ideal. Kinosaki Onsen is cozy despite the rain.
- Locations to Avoid: Coastal areas like Ako can be stormy and less enjoyable.
- Records: Record rainfall: 300 mm in Kobe (2001); record high: 32°C (89.6°F) in Amagasaki (2010).
July
- Min/Max Temperatures: 24°C (75.2°F) / 31°C (87.8°F)
- Weather: Hot and humid, with highs of 31°C and lows of 24°C. The rainy season continues, with 180 mm of precipitation. Sunshine averages 6 hours, but sudden showers are common. Typhoons may occur late in the month.
- Clothing: Light, moisture-wicking clothes, sandals, and a raincoat. Sunscreen is a must.
- Best Locations: Kobe’s Port Tower offers indoor views. Awaji Island’s beaches are popular despite rain. Himeji’s Koko-en Garden is lush.
- Locations to Avoid: Mountain trails in Tajima can be muddy and slippery.
- Records: Record high: 36°C (96.8°F) in Kobe (1994); record rainfall: 250 mm in Himeji (2009).
August
- Min/Max Temperatures: 25°C (77°F) / 33°C (91.4°F)
- Weather: August is the hottest month, with highs of 33°C and lows of 25°C. Rainfall decreases to 150 mm, but humidity remains high. Sunshine peaks at 7.2 hours daily. Typhoon risks increase.
- Clothing: Short-sleeve shirts, shorts, and hats for sun protection. Carry a light raincoat.
- Best Locations: Kobe’s waterfront is breezy and festive. Sumoto’s beaches on Awaji Island are perfect for summer fun. Arima Onsen is refreshing.
- Locations to Avoid: Inland areas like Asago can feel stiflingly hot.
- Records: Record high: 38°C (100.4°F) in Amagasaki (2013); record rainfall: 220 mm in Kobe (1997).
September
- Min/Max Temperatures: 22°C (71.6°F) / 29°C (84.2°F)
- Weather: Warm and humid, with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. September is the wettest month, with 216 mm of rainfall due to typhoons and lingering monsoon effects. Sunshine averages 5.5 hours.
- Clothing: Light clothing, a sturdy raincoat, and waterproof shoes. Umbrellas are less effective in strong winds.
- Best Locations: Indoor sites like Kobe’s Maritime Museum. Himeji Castle remains striking in rain. Kinosaki Onsen is cozy.
- Locations to Avoid: Coastal areas like Minamiawaji are prone to typhoon-related disruptions.
- Records: Record rainfall: 350 mm in Himeji (2011); record wind: 120 km/h in Kobe (1999).
October
- Min/Max Temperatures: 16°C (60.8°F) / 24°C (75.2°F)
- Weather: Pleasant, with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Rainfall drops to 140 mm, and sunshine averages 5.8 hours. Autumn foliage begins in northern Hyogo.
- Clothing: Light jackets, long-sleeve shirts, and comfortable shoes. A thin scarf is useful for cooler evenings.
- Best Locations: Takeda Castle for misty autumn views. Kobe’s Mount Rokko for early foliage. Awaji Island’s parks are vibrant.
- Locations to Avoid: None; October is ideal across Hyogo.
- Records: Record high: 30°C (86°F) in Kobe (2005); record rainfall: 200 mm in Sumoto (1998).
November
- Min/Max Temperatures: 10°C (50°F) / 18°C (64.4°F)
- Weather: Cool and crisp, with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Rainfall averages 100 mm, with 5 hours of sunshine. Autumn foliage peaks, especially in northern areas.
- Clothing: Medium-weight jackets, sweaters, and scarves. Waterproof shoes for occasional rain.
- Best Locations: Himeji’s Engyoji Temple for stunning fall colors. Kobe’s Nunobiki Falls is scenic. Tajima’s forests are vibrant.
- Locations to Avoid: Coastal areas can be windy and less colorful.
- Records: Record low: 2°C (35.6°F) in Tajima (1988); record rainfall: 160 mm in Kobe (2004).
December
- Min/Max Temperatures: 5°C (41°F) / 13°C (55.4°F)
- Weather: Cold, with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Rainfall is low at 70 mm, with 4.8 hours of sunshine. Light snow may occur in Tajima.
- Clothing: Heavy coat, gloves, scarf, and warm boots. Thermal layers for northern areas.
- Best Locations: Kobe’s Luminary for festive lights. Kinosaki Onsen for winter warmth. Himeji Castle for quiet visits.
- Locations to Avoid: High-altitude areas in Tajima due to potential snow.
- Records: Record low: -5°C (23°F) in Tajima (1990); record snow: 25 cm in Tajima (2005).
Best and Worst Times to Visit
- Best Time: May and October offer pleasant temperatures (20–25°C), moderate rainfall, and vibrant scenery. May’s blooms and October’s autumn foliage make these months ideal for exploring Kobe, Himeji, and Awaji Island.
- Worst Time: September is the least favorable due to heavy rainfall (216 mm), high typhoon risks, and humidity, which can disrupt travel plans and outdoor activities.
Additional Records
- Record Wind: 150 km/h in Kobe during Typhoon Jebi (2018).
- Annual Rainfall: 1,575 mm in Kobe (average); record high: 2,000 mm in Himeji (1998).
- Annual Snowfall: Up to 100 cm in Tajima (average); record: 150 cm (1981).
Hyogo’s diverse climate and attractions make it a year-round destination, but spring and autumn provide the most comfortable conditions for enjoying its cultural and natural wonders. Always check local forecasts, especially during typhoon season, and pack accordingly for a memorable visit.