The best time to visit South Korea is in the spring and the fall, particularly in April and November. Whenever I’ve traveled to Korea in these shoulder season months, I’ve enjoyed mild to warm temperatures.
But my favorite part about traveling here in the shoulder seasons? It helps to avoid the busy, hot, and humid summer and the chilly winter weather. Even better, the spring and fall seasons have the added bonus of seeing the country brighten up with colourful spring cherry blossoms and beautiful fall foliage.
Summer in South Korea is, like in much of East Asia, marked by extreme heat, humidity, and plenty of rainfall. Although it’s one of the busiest times of the year for tourists, I don’t think summer is an ideal time to travel here. Winter falls on the other end of the spectrum, with dry weather conditions and cool temperatures.
Ready to plan out your journey? Let me help you find the perfect season and month to travel to this fascinating East Asian country with this complete South Korea weather guide, including my recommendations for what to expect, what to wear, and where to go!
Overview of the weather in South Korea
Like much of East Asia, South Korea is located in a humid continental climate zone. It sports a temperate four-season climate, with wide temperature variation throughout the year.
Unless you’re from a near-perfect tropical destination—I certainly am not!—South Korea is a year-round destination. From my travels (and living) here at various times of the year, I think that each season offers a different set of perks for travelers.
In general, I’d characterize South Korea’s climate as having hot and humid summers and chilly winters. In my opinion, neither is an ideal time to visit, nor are they complete no-gos.
Falling between the extremes of summer and winter, spring and autumn are the two best seasons to visit Korea. In both these seasons, we’re greeted by comfortable, mild to warm temperatures and relatively dry conditions.
The differences are especially striking when compared to the hot & wet summer. (Which is my least favorite season to travel here.)
There are some other bonuses to travelling to Korea in spring and autumn, too.
The middle to the end of April sees the cherry blossoms emerging throughout South Korea. This stunning scene throughout the peninsula catches Korea at its most beautiful. In my opinion, it’s the perfect time to visit the country. (Even if it’s a tad busier than I normally prefer.)
Likewise, the autumn months between September and November witness the eruption of Korea’s fall colours. Autumn is a great season to launch your South Korea itinerary. When I taught in Korea during the fall months, I still experienced comfortable temperatures and lower rainfall than in the muggy summer months.
Seasons in South Korea
Spring
When is spring in Korea?
Spring in South Korea is from mid-March to June.
What to expect
With another year of cold temperatures behind it, South Korea springs back to life from its winter slumber in spring. Throughout the country, we see cherry blossoms and flowers bloom, re-colouring the pale outdoor spaces.
In general, spring is much drier than summer and, naturally, milder than winter. In my opinion, it’s a fantastic season to travel around South Korea.
What to wear
In spring, temperatures quickly improve from the lows of winter. You’ll still need to carry along some warmer outerwear to deal with the inevitable cooler temperatures. I’d recommend packing a warm fleece jacket or sweater as a base.
Throw in an ultralight waterproof jacket or softshell jacket as a waterproof outer layer. For tackling the hiking trails, I’d suggest bringing along a solid pair of waterproof hiking shoes.
Summer
When is summer in South Korea?
Summer in South Korea is from July to August.
What to expect
Summers in South Korea are hot and muggy, and see plenty of rainfall throughout the peninsula. July and August are the wettest months of the year in Korea, thanks to the East Asian monsoon.
Fortunately, the typhoons that slam Japan, Taiwan, and China every year in late summer to early autumn often pass by South Korea. (I caught the beginning of one during a trip to Taiwan, and, let me tell you, it wasn’t a great experience.)
In any case, with the extreme heat and humidity, summer is one of my least favorite times of the year to travel to South Korea.
What to wear
In the dead heat of summer, I’d recommend keeping it light. Stick to lightweight, quick-dry fabrics, whether you’re wearing pants or shorts.
Oh, and another thing: I’d suggest keeping a travel umbrella and lightweight waterproof jacket handy for the inevitable downpours. Waterproof shoes aren’t a bad idea to add to your packing list for Korea, either.
Autumn
When is autumn in South Korea?
Autumn in South Korea is from September to November.
What to expect
With the muggy days of summer gone, I think autumn is one of the most pleasant times of year to visit South Korea. During the fall months, the temperatures are still warm and mild. Rainfall is limited.
Along with the sunny days, I also loved travelling around South Korea in autumn to see the stunning fall foliage that envelops the country in a blaze of crimson and orange hues.
What to wear
With the cooler weather, I’d recommend bringing along extra layers. A warm base layer, such as fleece, with a rain jacket or softshell as an outer layer should suffice in most situations.
As fall is a great season for hiking in Korea, I’d also suggest carrying a pair of sturdy hiking shoes to take on the trails.
Winter
When is winter in South Korea?
Winter in South Korea is from December to mid-March.
What to expect
It’s hard for me to give winter a thumbs up over the milder days of spring or autumn. But after spending the winter months teaching in South Korea, it’s, truthfully, not so bad for visitors.
Temperatures are indeed cold, but they’re hardly as miserable as other wintry destinations I’ve become accustomed to. (Yes, North America and Europe, I’m talkin’ to you.)
One bonus to traveling to South Korea in winter, in my experience, is that the crowds are smaller. Along with it, I’ve often found excellent airfare deals and cheaper accommodations during this season.
As the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang should remind us, winter is a prime time for hitting the ski slopes around South Korea for a dose of winter sports fun.
What to wear
With the colder temperatures of winter, I’d recommend dressing in layers. A warm hardshell coat with a knitted toque and a pair of warm gloves should do the trick for the outdoors.
In snowy conditions, lined waterproof boots are a must for South Korea. I’ve been caught more than once on wet, cold, and slushy streets here. You’ll appreciate keeping your feet dry and protected from the cold.
Weather by month
January
Despite the cooler temperatures, January isn’t such a bad month to travel around South Korea. In fact, January is one of the driest months of the year.
While living in South Korea during this winter month, I experienced frequent sunny skies. Compared to the Canadian winters I’m used to, I had no problem toughing out the near-zero or sub-zero temperatures to spend time enjoying the outdoors with minimal tourist crowds.
South Korea’s winter sports season starts to ramp up in January. This is a big opportunity to hit the slopes at the ski resorts in Gangwon-do and Gyeonggi-do.
In January, I’d also recommend heading to Jeju Island for the Hallasan Snowflake Festival. At this celebration, visitors combine climbing Hallasan with experiencing unique folk performances.
| City | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Avg. Temp | Rainfall |
| Seoul | 1°C / 34°F | -9°C / 16°F | -4°C / 25°F | 21 mm |
| Busan | 7°C / 45°F | -1°C / 30°F | 3°C / 37°F | 30 mm |
| Jeju | 8°C / 46°F | 6°C / 43°F | 6°C / 43°F | 22 mm |
February
The Korean winter starts to show signs of relief in February. Temperatures increase ever so slightly from the January lows, as does precipitation.
The Korean Lunar New Year (Seollal) usually falls between late January and mid-February. From my experience, this is not a fantastic period to travel around South Korea. It’s one of the country’s high tourist seasons, with the prices and inconveniences to reflect it.
Outside of the holiday, though, I think February is a great month to enjoy the outdoors and winter sports under milder conditions than January.
| City | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Avg. Temp | Rainfall |
| Seoul | 4°C / 39°F | -7°C / 19°F | -2°C / 28°F | 25 mm |
| Busan | 9°C / 48°F | 1°C / 34°F | 5°C / 41°F | 50 mm |
| Jeju | 9°C / 48°F | 7°C / 45°F | 7°C / 45°F | 24 mm |
March
Winter is still in session in South Korea into the first days of March. The temperatures are still crisp throughout the country. I’ve noticed that they often sit in the single digits and may even drop below zero in the north of the country, including Seoul.
In my experience living here at this time of year, the cold snap doesn’t last long, though. The end of March ushers in beautiful changes around South Korea. Finally, the cherry blossoms and flowers begin to emerge from their winter slumber.
With its milder weather, late March is a great month to travel throughout the peninsula. It’s a fine time to dig into all our favorite things to do in Seoul and Jeju Island.
Or watch spring make a grand entrance in South Korea at the Gwangyang International Maehwa Festival in Jeollanam-do. Here, you’ll get to experience the sweet scents of apricot blossoms and sample tasty local southern Korean seafood.
Even more out of the ordinary is the Bullfighting Festival in Cheongdo, south of Daegu. At this popular festival, you can enjoy a rodeo and a calf beauty contest. Yee haw!
| City | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Avg. Temp | Rainfall |
| Seoul | 9°C / 48°F | -2°C / 28°F | 4°C / 39°F | 48 mm |
| Busan | 13°C / 55°F | 5°C / 41°F | 9°C / 48°F | 90 mm |
| Jeju | 12°C / 54°F | 9°C / 48°F | 9°C / 48°F | 46 mm |
April
April is one of the best months to visit South Korea. In April, the cherry blossoms make their quick appearance throughout the country. The weather during April warms up quickly, bringing with it a little more rain than in March.
The only big negative I see to travelling in April is the possibility of nasty yellow dust storms. These inconvenient storms originate in the Gobi Desert and blanket much of East Asia.
(Although I’ve never experienced this myself while traveling here, locals I spoke to assured me that it is, indeed, nasty!)
With the cherry blossoms out in early April and the milder weather, I think much of Korea is at your disposal. Several cherry blossom festivals pop up throughout the country. The most popular I’ve heard about include the Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival and the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, the biggest in the country.
| City | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Avg. Temp | Rainfall |
| Seoul | 17°C / 63°F | 5°C / 41°F | 11°C / 52°F | 95 mm |
| Busan | 18°C / 64°F | 10°C / 50°F | 14°C / 57°F | 140 mm |
| Jeju | 17°C / 63°F | 14°C / 57°F | 14°C / 57°F | 77 mm |
May
By May, we’ll see spring is out in full force. Throughout South Korea, the flowers are in full bloom. While spending time here in spring, I enjoyed the unforgettably beautiful scenes that seemed to be at every turn.
Meanwhile, average temperatures in May rise into the high teens. Highs start reaching into the twenties. In my jaunts around the country, I’ve also discovered that May is the last relatively dry month before the monsoon season wreaks havoc on the Korean peninsula.
Overall, I think May is a great month to be outside in South Korea. Whether your plans include hiking up Hallasan in Jeju or hiking in Seoul at Bukhansan, I’m sure you’ll love it.
Or, perhaps, the weather of May will mean simply enjoying beautiful sights in your favourite Korean city. Tea lovers should beeline south to Jeollanam-do, Korea’s main tea-growing region. Sip to your heart’s content at the Boseong Green Tea Festival.
| City | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Avg. Temp | Rainfall |
| Seoul | 22°C / 72°F | 11°C / 52°F | 17°C / 63°F | 83 mm |
| Busan | 22°C / 72°F | 14°C / 57°F | 18°C / 64°F | 180 mm |
| Jeju | 21°C / 70°F | 18°C / 64°F | 18°C / 64°F | 102 mm |
Planning to visit Seoul? Get prepared with our complete one-day Seoul itinerary and guide to our favorite areas to stay in Seoul! May is also a great month to tackle some of our favorite day trips from Seoul.
June
Throughout Korea, the temperatures steadily rise into June. I’ve found the beginning of the month is, like May, generally pleasant for travelling.
The one exception is the increasing rainfall. By the end of June, the wet weather starts to take its toll as South Korea heads towards the rainy monsoon season. (It’s my least favorite time to visit South Korea, to be sure.)
With comfortably warm temperatures, I’d say June is another great month for outdoor activities in Korea, such as hiking. For something a little out of the ordinary, I’d suggest heading to the port city of Gangneung for the Dano Festival. This festival features interesting folk performances unique to the Gangwon-do region. It normally takes place in either early June or late May.
| City | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Avg. Temp | Rainfall |
| Seoul | 26°C / 79°F | 16°C / 61°F | 21°C / 70°F | 151 mm |
| Busan | 24°C / 75°F | 18°C / 64°F | 21°C / 70°F | 220 mm |
| Jeju | 28°C / 82°F | 21°C / 70°F | 21°C / 70°F | 133 mm |
July
Despite the warmer temperatures, July isn’t a fantastic month for travelling around South Korea. The first true summer month brings with it uncomfortably hot temperatures and sticky humidity.
July is the wettest month of the year in Korea. Heavy rain is brought on by the East Asian Monsoon. And, unfortunately, from my experience, it drenches the peninsula thoroughly.
The end of the month also marks the beginning of the region’s typhoon season. Unlike Japan or Taiwan, though, I’ve noticed that most of South Korea tends to escape the most brutal of its wrath.
In my opinion, July is one of the worst months to travel to South Korea. Given the hot and wet conditions, it’s challenging for me to recommend many places to visit around the country.
One interesting event to consider that’s in line with the miserable weather is the Boryeong Mud Festival on the east coast. More or less, I see it as an excuse to get dirty and have a little fun on the beach!
| City | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Avg. Temp | Rainfall |
| Seoul | 27°C / 81°F | 20°C / 68°F | 24°C / 75°F | 385 mm |
| Busan | 27°C / 81°F | 22°C / 72°F | 25°C / 77°F | 300 mm |
| Jeju | 28°C / 82°F | 26°C / 79°F | 26°C / 79°F | 328 mm |
August
Like July, I’d say that it’s best to avoid travelling around South Korea in August if possible. August is the second wettest month of the year, and similarly as hot and sticky as its summer companion.
With the hot and humid weather of August, I don’t think you’ll want to spend your entire holiday outside. If you must travel in August, I’d stick to bigger cities like Busan and Seoul. At least then, you’ll be able to duck in and out of air-conditioned museums, restaurants, and malls to keep your sanity.
The Ginseng Festival in Geumsan is another interesting option for this sub-optimal travel month.
| City | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Avg. Temp | Rainfall |
| Seoul | 28°C / 82°F | 20°C / 68°F | 24°C / 75°F | 283 mm |
| Busan | 29°C / 84°F | 23°C / 73°F | 26°C / 79°F | 290 mm |
| Jeju | 29°C / 84°F | 27°C / 81°F | 27°C / 81°F | 248 mm |
September
With the monsoons and typhoons breaking away, September is (finally!) the start of something good in South Korea. Temperatures in the first month of fall stay warm. Rainfall also dips from its height in July.
In September, the outdoors once again begins to beckon. As the temperatures dip to more comfortable levels and the rain peters off, I think it’s a great time to be outside.
The biggest Korean holiday of the year, the Harvest Moon Festival (Chuseok), usually falls somewhere between late September and early October.
In my experience, you’ll want to avoid travelling around Korea during Chuseok. The country all but shuts down in observation.
| City | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Avg. Temp | Rainfall |
| Seoul | 24°C / 75°F | 14°C / 57°F | 19°C / 66°F | 159 mm |
| Busan | 26°C / 79°F | 19ºC / 66°F | 23°C / 73°F | 190 mm |
| Jeju | 25°C / 77°F | 23°C / 73°F | 23°C / 73°F | 138 mm |
October
The first true signs of autumn in South Korea begin to roll in come October. We’ll see a marked drop in temperature from September into this first true autumn month.
It’s still mild, though, and far drier than in the previous months. Overall, October is one of my favorite times to visit South Korea. And it’s not just for the weather. By the end of the month, the fall foliage is usually out in full force around the country.
In my opinion, there’s hardly a better month to hit up national parks than October. With the fall colours emblazoning South Korea in rich red, yellow, and orange hues, I was floored by the scenery while traveling around in October. Places like Seoraksan, Hallasan, or Bukhansan are at their finest this month.
Besides hiking in the national parks, I’d suggest heading down to the cultural gem of Andong. In early October, its annual Mask Dance Festival beckons. This cultural festival bursts with traditional folk performances, including the Hahoe Byeolsingut Tallori (Mask Dance Drama of Hahoe), listed in the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Korea.
Foodies, on the other hand, will love Gwangju’s Kimchi Festival, a celebration of the country’s national dish. (It took me a few months to truly appreciate this dish, but I’ve truly come to love it now.)
| City | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Avg. Temp | Rainfall |
| Seoul | 18°C / 64°F | 7°C / 45°F | 13°C / 55°F | 52 mm |
| Busan | 22°C / 72°F | 14°C / 57°F | 18°C / 64°F | 60 mm |
| Jeju | 21°C / 70°F | 18°C / 64°F | 18°C / 64°F | 49 mm |
November
Although it’s a tad chillier than October, I still believe November is a good month to visit South Korea. In early November, the autumn colours are still out throughout the country, painting beautiful scenes wherever you go.
Having lived in South Korea during this month, I noticed, however, that the peak viewing time won’t last long. Not long into November, the leaves start to fall in preparation for a long winter ahead.
Another bonus to travelling in November is that it’s among the driest months of the year in South Korea.
Even with the colder temperatures, I think much of the country is still at your disposal. Hikers will love plying through trails in the top Korean national parks under the beauty of the fall colours.
| City | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Avg. Temp | Rainfall |
| Seoul | 10°C / 50°F | -1°C / 30°F | 5°C / 41°F | 46 mm |
| Busan | 16°C / 61°F | 8°C / 46°F | 12°C / 54°F | 50 mm |
| Jeju | 16°C / 61°F | 13°C / 55°F | 13°C / 55°F | 53 mm |
December
December is the first official month of winter in South Korea, and it hits swiftly as the brilliant autumn travel season is left behind.
As long as you’re well prepared, though, I don’t think winter in South Korea is such a bad thing. December sees cooler temperatures than November. It’s still sunny and dry, though. While living here in winter, I still found plenty of opportunities to take on outdoor activities, even hiking.
Even with the above-freezing highs in December, South Korea’s winter sports season propels forward. December is a great time to visit Seoul as ice rinks begin to open up around the city.
For more action-packed adventures, head to the ski resorts of Gangwon-do. Enjoy carving the pistes with smaller crowds before the height of the ski season hits later on in winter.
One of the weirder festivals I’ve seen in December is the Pyeongchang Trout Festival. At this festival, visitors will get to test their fishing abilities and enjoy other fun winter activities like ATVing and sledding.
| City | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Avg. Temp | Rainfall |
| Seoul | 3°C / 37°F | -7°C / 19°F | -2°C / 28°F | 25 mm |
| Busan | 10°C / 50°F | 2°C / 36°F | 6°C / 43°F | 30 mm |
| Jeju | 10°C / 50°F | 8°C / 46°F | 8°C / 45°F | 25 mm |
Final recommendations
The best months to visit South Korea are April or October.
Why visit in April?
Patient travellers waiting for the long Korean winter to be over can breathe a sigh of relief when the warmer days of April approach.
It’s not just that April brings with it better temperatures and relatively dry conditions. The main reason that I think April is the best time to go to Korea is that it’s simply beautiful.
By the time April rolls along, the cherry blossoms will be in bloom throughout Korea. Under this blanket of delicate pink blossoms, the country is, in my opinion, at its most aesthetically pleasing. I think it’s a must-have experience for any traveler wanting to check off an East Asia bucket list item.
Why visit in October?
Along with April, the best time to travel to South Korea is October. After an unpleasant summer monsoon season, late September to October brings much-needed relief.
By October, temperatures cool down, but in my experience living here in the fall, they remain quite pleasant. It’s also one of the drier months of the year. Spending your days outdoors in October is hardly a challenge.
But, like April, the real reason to visit Korea in October is to catch the scenery at its finest. Towards the middle and end of the month, the leaves begin to erupt into crimson and golden shades. I’m sure they’ll take your breath away. (As they did mine!)
Nearly anywhere I went in South Korea in the fall, I was greeted with a surreal scene. I’d recommend heading for the temples of Gyeongju or the mountains of Gangwon-do. I guarantee that seeing them set against a colourful fall backdrop will be among the most memorable experiences you’ll have on your visit to South Korea.
