The best time to visit Seoul is in the spring (April) and in the fall (October). These spring and fall months fall within the city’s tourism shoulder season, giving it, in my opinion, an edge over other times of the year.
In spring and fall, travelers can still enjoy mild to warm temperatures. Even better is that these months avoid the oppressive heat and humidity of the summer months. (And from my experience traveling extensively in East Asia in the summer, it can be brutal.)
Besides the comfortable weather, visiting during these seasons also comes with the added bonus of seeing Seoul’s beautiful spring cherry blossoms or fall colours in full force. (And, let me tell you, it can be a stunning sight!)
Summer is one of the tourism high seasons in Seoul. And I can say from experience that it’s not a pleasant season to travel here. The summer months are not only hot & humid; they’re also the wettest months of the year in South Korea’s capital city.
Winter is the exact opposite of summer, with chilly weather and the year’s driest conditions. If you don’t mind the cold temperatures, however, I don’t think it’s such a bad season to visit.
When I’ve visited Seoul in winter, I often find smaller crowds and great accommodation deals. I also love the beautiful scenery as the city becomes blanketed with snow. (Although, in my experience, it usually doesn’t stick around long.)
Ready to nail down your South Korea vacation plans? Let me help you plan the perfect trip with this complete Seoul weather by season and by month, including my recommendations for what to expect and what to wear!
Overview of the weather in Seoul
Seoul sits within a humid continental climate zone, leaving it with a distinct temperate four-season climate.
Summers in Seoul are hot, humid, and wet, while winters are generally cold and dry. The lovely spring and autumn seasons fall between these extremes and are, in my opinion, the ideal time of year to explore South Korea’s capital city.
For the most part, Seoul is billed as a year-round destination. While I wouldn’t say it’s untrue, there are some times you might rather avoid—whether for crowds or weather conditions—including the Korean Lunar New Year, Chuseok, and the summer monsoon season.
Confused? Don’t worry: Just keep reading ;)
Seoul Weather by Season
Spring
When is spring in Seoul?
Spring in Seoul is from mid-March to June.
What to expect in spring
After snapping out of a cold winter, Seoul is an absolute delight to visit in spring. As it’s a shoulder season, I think spring has got a lot going for it.
Around the beginning of April, the Seoul cherry blossoms start to bloom, leaving the city’s parks bathed in a blanket of delicate pink flowers. Spending time here in spring, I’ve also generally found the temperatures to be quite pleasant. We’ll start to see averages inch into the teens as summer approaches.
What to wear in spring
Even with the milder temperatures, I recommend keeping some warmer outerwear or mid-layers handy. The possibility of cooler temperatures still lingers in spring.
I suggest pairing a comfortable fleece jacket with a waterproof jacket or softshell jacket. It’s my go-to combo when the spring weather conditions aren’t cooperating.
Spring is a great time to enjoy hiking in Seoul, like Namsan, or to tackle farther-flung trails on one of my favorite day trips from Seoul.
Either way, I’d recommend taking along a solid pair of waterproof hiking shoes. This holds especially true in March when the melting snow leaves behind plenty of messy puddles.
Summer
When is summer in Seoul?
Summer in Seoul is from July to August.
What to expect in summer
Although summer is one of the busiest tourist seasons in Seoul, it’s, in my experience, one of the most miserable in terms of weather.
Summer in Seoul is oppressively hot and humid. I’m also not a big fan of the massive onslaught of heavy rain that rolls in with the East Asia monsoon. (Which I’ve been caught in more than once on my journeys to the region!)
Add to that big crowds, long line-ups, and higher accommodation prices, and it’s easy to see why I’d steer you away from visiting in these dreadful months.
What to wear in summer
To stay comfortable in summer, you’re gonna want to go light.
Lightweight, moisture-wicking travel pants or shorts are a great idea in summer. They’ll help keep you cool in the dead heat of summer and let you dry off quickly should a burst of rain dampen your spirits.
I’d also suggest keeping a travel umbrella and ultralight rain jacket handy to deal with the inevitable last-minute downpours.
Autumn
When is autumn in Seoul?
Autumn in Seoul is from September to November.
What to expect in autumn
With the hot & rainy days of summer in the rearview mirror, autumn is a great season to visit Seoul. While living in South Korea in the fall, I experienced average temperatures that were still warm to mild. Fall is also one of the driest times of the year in the capital.
And who could forget my favorite perk of autumn? Under a blazing backdrop of fall colours, the capital of South Korea is at its most stunning!
What to wear in autumn
The dropping temperatures from the insane highs of summer mean that we’ll need to pack a few additional layers for the autumn months. When choosing what to wear in Korea in the fall, I’d recommend bringing along warm base layers for the cooler days.
After working in Korea during the fall months as a teacher, I’d say that a comfortable fleece jacket or warm long-sleeved sweater paired with a softshell outer layer will work wonders. For the odd rainy day, don’t forget to carry a rain jacket.
Thanks to the dry conditions and mild temperatures, fall is also one of my favorite seasons for hiking in Seoul. Pack a pair of sturdy hiking shoes to conquer the city and region’s most popular trails, like Bukhansan.
Winter
When is winter in Seoul?
Winter in Seoul is from December to mid-March.
What to expect in winter
If you’re not used to cooler temperatures, I can guarantee that the chilly days of winter won’t be your favourite part of visiting the city. Truthfully, as unpleasant as it may seem at a glance, I don’t think winter is the worst season to go to Seoul.
The relative lack of popularity in the winter months means travelers can score great deals on accommodations. On top of that, getting to see Seoul’s palaces and temples under a soft blanket of snow is simply magical!
What to wear in winter
The cold temperatures mean that you’ll need to bundle up to stay comfortable. I’d recommend bringing along a warm hardshell jacket with warm, comfortable base layers.
After spending a couple of winter months in Korea, I’d also recommend bringing along a knitted hat (a toque for my fellow Canadians). Pack a pair of warm gloves to keep your hands toasty, too. In snowier conditions, I’d suggest protecting your feet with a comfy pair of waterproof insulated boots. (I often found my feet getting cold and wet during those few slushy mild days.)
Moving on after Seoul? Plan out the rest of your Korea itinerary with my guide to the best time to visit South Korea!
Seoul Weather by Month
January
As uncomfortable as the cooler temperatures may be for some, January is a decent month to travel to Seoul. In January, tourist crowds are among their lowest in the city—outside of the holidays, of course.
The days of January are generally sunny and pleasant, and among the driest of the entire year.
If you’re visiting in January, be sure to check out the Seoul Lantern Festival to watch Cheonggyecheon get illuminated under hundreds of holiday lights.
- Average Temperature: -4°C / 25°F
- Low Temperature (Average): -9°C / 16°F
- High Temperature (Average): 1°C / 34°F
- Rainfall: 21 mm
Visiting on a tight schedule? Maximize your trip with my complete one-day Seoul itinerary and guide to where to stay in Seoul.
February
In Seoul, temperatures already start getting warmer in February. Like the other winter months, February is one of the driest months of the year.
Despite the cooler temperatures, I think February is a great month to enjoy the outdoors in Seoul.
My only word of advice? Avoid travelling around the Korean Lunar New Year (Seollal). It generally falls somewhere between late January and mid-February. The Korean Lunar New Year is one of the busiest times of year to travel in South Korea.
(Been there, done that. And I don’t recommend it!)
- Average Temperature: -2°C / 28°F
- Low Temperature (Average): -7°C / 19°F
- High Temperature (Average): 4°C / 39°F
- Rainfall: 25 mm
March
The beginning of March still feels winter-like in Seoul. We’ll notice a distinct warming of temperatures as the month rolls along, though.
The new season starts to come to life elsewhere in the country in March. But, from my experience, you’ll have to wait a tiny bit longer to get the full Korean spring experience in Seoul.
- Average Temperature: 4°C / 39°F
- Low Temperature (Average): -2°C / 28°F
- High Temperature (Average): 9°C / 48°F
- Rainfall: 48 mm
April
Along with November, I think April is one of the best months to travel to Seoul. At the beginning of April, the cherry blossoms make their first appearance around Seoul.
Yeouido and Nami Island, both quick day trips from Seoul, are two of the most beautiful places I’ve found to see cherry blossoms around the Korean capital.
In April, the weather starts improving, too. With average daytime temperatures in the teens, you can finally ditch your winter wear for less bulky spring clothing.
- Average Temperature: 11°C / 52°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 5°C / 41°F
- High Temperature (Average): 17°C / 63°F
- Rainfall: 95 mm
May
Even with the cherry blossoms long gone, the intoxicating scent and sight of spring flowers make a good case for travelling to Seoul in May. When I visited the area at this time of year, I’ve often seen the temperatures ramp up quite a bit. It’s enough to place May firmly into the warm-weather category.
If you’re looking for dry conditions and sun, there’s a good chance you’ll get it in May. Don’t take it lightly. The Seoul weather is about to take a nasty turn!
Plant lovers visiting in May should pencil in a visit to the Seoul International Garden Show. The festival sees Ttukseom Hangang Park decorated in a beautiful array of themed gardens teeming with plants and colourful flowers.
- Average Temperature: 17°C / 63°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 11°C / 52°F
- High Temperature (Average): 22°C / 72°F
- Rainfall: 83 mm
June
For the first part of June, visiting Seoul is still quite beautiful. Temperatures continue to warm up as the first official days of summer near.
The problem comes towards the end of the month. In late June, the East Asian monsoon rolls over the Korean peninsula, bringing with it a torrent of nasty wet weather. Be prepared!
Fortunately, even with the weather starting to be less cooperative, there’s a handful of fun events taking place around the city. Get into an epic water battle for the ages at the Sinchon Water Gun Festival or dance the night away at the World DJ Festival.
- Average Temperature: 21°C / 70°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 16°C / 61°F
- High Temperature (Average): 26°C / 79°F
- Rainfall: 151 mm
July
I’m not gonna sugarcoat it: July is a miserable month to travel to Seoul. Rainfall is almost 2.5x higher in July than in June.
The heat and humidity that start to engulf the Korean capital can be tiresome on the traveller’s soul. You’ll no doubt feel an urge to spend more of your vacation indoors than out. And I wouldn’t blame you one bit.
Cooling down in the air-conditioned comfort of Seoul’s cafés, malls, and museums isn’t such a bad idea in July. In fact, I’d encourage it.
- Average Temperature: 24°C / 75°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 20°C / 68°F
- High Temperature (Average): 27°C / 81°F
- Rainfall: 383 mm
August
Like July, the summer month of August isn’t one of the most comfortable times to plan a trip to Seoul. The dead heat and sticky conditions don’t bode well for a comfortable journey, in my opinion.
In August, the extreme humidity drags along its fair share of rainstorms. August is the second wettest month of the year in Seoul.
Although the weather isn’t ideal, if you’re here in August, I’d suggest carving out time to attend the Seoul Fringe Festival. The event takes place during most of the month, filling galleries and theaters around Sinchon with dance, music, and art.
- Average Temperature: 24°C / 75°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 20°C / 68°F
- High Temperature (Average): 28°C / 82°F
- Rainfall: 283 mm
September
Shedding its summer monsoons, Seoul becomes far more pleasant in September. Temperatures start to tumble for the better, reaching more comfortable levels.
In September, rainfall finally starts to die down, too. All this means that the great outdoors in & around Seoul is waiting for you to explore!
One thing to keep in mind is that Chuseok (Korean harvest moon festival) usually falls in September. Along with the Korean Lunar New Year, Chuseok is one of the country’s biggest holidays. In my experience, it’s one of the worst times to travel with its big crowds and high prices.
- Average Temperature: 19°C / 66°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 14°C / 57°F
- High Temperature (Average): 24°C / 75°F
- Rainfall: 159 mm
October
The warm days of September roll into the mild and dry days of October. In my opinion, October is one of the best months of the year to visit Seoul.
Temperatures are comfortable, but we’ll start feeling a crispness in the air. This holds true, especially towards the end of October.
And it’s a good thing. The cooling temperatures usher in beautiful fall colours that paint Seoul in bright shades of yellow, red, and orange. Undoubtedly, this unfolds what I’d consider the city’s loveliest scenes of the year.
- Average Temperature: 13°C / 55°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 7°C / 45°F
- High Temperature (Average): 18°C / 64°F
- Rainfall: 52 mm
November
By November, we’ll start to feel a distinct chill as winter nears. I still think it’s a pleasant month to travel to Seoul, though. The bright fall colours usually hit their peak in Seoul in late October to early November, creating a lovely atmosphere around the city.
Along with the three colder winter months, November is one of the driest months of the year in Seoul. After wrestling with the weather in the summer months, I think it’s the perfect time to lace up the hiking boots and see the fall colours in places like Bukhansan National Park.
- Average Temperature: 5°C / 41°F
- Low Temperature (Average): -1°C / 30°F
- High Temperature (Average): 10°C / 50°F
- Rainfall: 46 mm
December
December is the first official month of winter in Seoul. It ushers in much colder temperatures than the fall. (Coincidentally, when I moved to South Korea to start my teaching job, this was my first full month in the country.)
Despite a chill in the air, December is dry and sunny. I recommend bundling up to experience the month at its fullest!
If you’re visiting in the second half of the month, don’t miss the Seoul Lantern Festival at Cheonggyecheon Stream. This popular annual festival lights up Cheonggyecheon with LED light displays and traditional hanji paper lanterns.
- Average Temperature: -2°C / 28°F
- Low Temperature (Average): -7°C / 19°F
- High Temperature (Average): 3°C / 37°F
- Rainfall: 25 mm
Final recommendations
The best month to visit Seoul is either April or October.
Why visit in April?
As the first month freed from the grips of the chilly Korean winter, April is a wonderful month to travel to Seoul. In April, temperatures become increasingly more pleasant. April is also relatively dry compared to the summer months ahead.
Of all the reasons to go to Seoul in April, I think none is more compelling than witnessing the cherry blossom season in South Korea. The light pink blooms create a wispy scene throughout the city.
After visiting at various times throughout the year, Seoul is, in my opinion, at its most beautiful during the cherry blossom season. Some of my favorite places to check out cherry blossoms in Seoul include Yeouido Park and Changdeokgung Palace.
Why visit in October?
With the summer monsoon season long behind, October is, along with April, one of my favorite times of year to travel to Seoul.
Temperatures in Seoul in October are mild to cool yet still comfortable. Compared to the hellstorm of the summer, the contrast is stark.
In October, I would recommend dressing warmly, preferably in layers. But I don’t think that should stop you from taking on Seoul to the fullest.
In my opinion, the real reason to travel to Seoul in October is for the fall colours. Along with the spring cherry blossoms, seeing the fall foliage erupt showcases Seoul at its most beautiful. The peak autumn viewing season crops up towards the end of October.
