Best Time to Visit Seoul, South Korea: Weather by Season and Month

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. Travellers will still enjoy mild to warm temperatures while avoiding the oppressive heat and humidity of the summer months. Besides comfortable weather, visiting at this time of year also comes with the added bonus of seeing Seoul’s beautiful spring cherry blossoms or fall colours in full force.

Although summer is one of the tourism high seasons in Seoul, it’s not a pleasant season to travel here. The summer months are not only hot & humid but are the wettest time 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, it’s not a bad season to visit. You’ll often find smaller crowds, great accommodation deals, and beautiful scenery as the city becomes blanketed with snow.

Ready to nail down your South Korea vacation plans? Plan the perfect trip with this complete Seoul weather by season and by month, including what to expect and what to wear!

Why Treksplorer? Founded in 2011 by Ryan O’Rourke, Treksplorer provides travel recommendations and advice to millions of readers every year. Our content is rooted in our writers’ firsthand experiences, in-depth research, and/or collaborations with other experts and locals. Read more about our editorial policy.

Overview of 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 the ideal time of year to explore South Korea’s capital city.

Han River in Yeoido

For the most part, Seoul is billed as a year-round destination. While it’s not 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. 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 a shoulder season, 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. The temperatures are also quite pleasant in spring. Averages inch into the teens as summer approaches.

What to wear in spring

Even with the milder temperatures, you’ll want to keep some warmer outerwear or mid-layers handy. The possibility of cooler temperatures still lingers in spring. Pair a comfortable fleece jacket with a waterproof jacket or softshell jacket. It’s a great 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 the most popular day trips from Seoul. Either way, I’d recommend taking along a solid pair of waterproof hiking shoes. It holds especially true in March when the melting snow leaves behind plenty of 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 one of the most miserable in terms of weather. Summer in Seoul is oppressively hot and humid. It also receives a massive onslaught of heavy rain that rolls in with the East Asia monsoon. 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. 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. You’ll also want to keep a travel umbrella and ultralight rain jacket handy to deal with the inevitable last-minute downpours.

Sunset over Han River

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 presents itself as a great season to visit Seoul. Average temperatures are still warm to mild, and it’s one of the driest times of the year in the capital. And who could forget the biggest 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 you’ll need to pack a few additional layers for the autumn months. When choosing what to wear in Korea in the fall, be sure to bring along warm base layers for the cooler days.

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. Fall is also one of the finest seasons for hiking in Seoul. Pack a pair of sturdy hiking shoes to crack the city and region’s most popular trails.

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, 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, winter is not the worst season to go to Seoul. The relative lack of popularity in the winter months means you’ll be able to score great deals on your 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. Bring along a warm hardshell jacket with warm, comfortable base layers. For outerwear, you’ll also want to bring 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, protect your feet with a comfy pair of waterproof insulated boots.

Seoul Weather by Month

January

As uncomfortable as the cooler temperatures may be for some, January is a decent month to travel to Seoul. 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.

  • Average Temperature: -4°C / 25°F
  • Low Temperature (Average): -9°C / 16°F
  • High Temperature (Average): 1°C / 34°F
  • Rainfall: 21 mm

February

In Seoul, the temperatures already start to get warmer in February. Like the other winter months, February is one of the driest months of the year.

Despite the cooler temperatures, February is a great month to enjoy the outdoors in Seoul. Avoid travelling around the Korean Lunar New Year (Seollal). It generally falls somewhere between late January and mid-February. Korean Lunar New Year is one of the busy times of year to travel in South Korea.

  • Average Temperature: -2°C / 28°F
  • Low Temperature (Average): -7°C / 19°F
  • High Temperature (Average): 4°C / 39°F
  • Rainfall: 25 mm

Winter @ Gyeongbokgung Palace

March

The beginning of March still feels winter-like in Seoul. You’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 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, April is one of the best months to travel to Seoul. At the beginning of April, the cherry blossoms make their first appearance. Yeouido and Nami Island, both quick day trips from Seoul, are two of the most beautiful places to see cherry blossoms around the Korean capital.

In April, the weather is improving, too. With average daytime temperatures in the teens, you can finally ditch your winterwear 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

Spring Hanok

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. The temperatures ramp up quite a bit, placing 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!

  • 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 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!

  • Average Temperature: 21°C / 70°F
  • Low Temperature (Average): 16°C / 61°F
  • High Temperature (Average): 26°C / 79°F
  • Rainfall: 151 mm

Gwanghwamun at Night

July

Let’s not 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 starts 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. Cooling down in the air-conditioned comfort of Seoul’s cafés, malls, and museums isn’t such a bad idea in July.

  • 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. The extreme humidity drags along its fair share of rainstorms. August is the second wettest month of the year in Seoul.

  • Average Temperature: 24°C / 75°F
  • Low Temperature (Average): 20°C / 68°F
  • High Temperature (Average): 28°C / 82°F
  • Rainfall: 283 mm

Night @ Yeoido

September

Shedding its summer monsoons, Seoul becomes far more pleasant into September. Temperatures start to tumble for the better, reaching more comfortable levels.

In September, rainfall finally starts to die down, leaving the great outdoors in & around Seoul waiting for you to explore. Keep in mind 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 and 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. October is one of the best months of the year to visit Seoul. Temperatures are comfortable, but you’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 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

Autumn in Insadong

November

By November, you’ll feel a distinct chill as winter nears. It’s still 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.

  • 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 you’d experience in fall. Despite a chill in the air, December is dry and sunny. Bundle up and experience the month to its fullest!

  • 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 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.

Changdeokgung Palace

Of all the reasons to go to Seoul in April, none is more compelling than witnessing the cherry blossom season in South Korea. The light pink blooms create a wispy scene throughout Seoul. In cherry blossom season, Seoul is at its most beautiful. Some of the most popular 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, a great time to travel to Seoul. Temperatures in Seoul in October are mild to cool yet still comfortable. Compared to the hell-storm of the summer, the contrast is stark. In October, you’ll need to dress warmly, preferably in layers. But that shouldn’t stop you from taking on Seoul to the fullest.

Autumn @ Gyeongbokgung

The real reason to travel to Seoul in October, however, 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.

Ryan O'Rourke

Ryan O'Rourke is a Canadian traveller, food & drink aficionado, and the founder & editor of Treksplorer. With over 20 years of extensive travel experience, Ryan has journeyed through over 50 countries, uncovering hidden gems and sharing firsthand, unsponsored insights on what to see & do and where to eat, drink & stay. Backed by his travel experience and in-depth research, Ryan’s travel advice and writing has been featured in publications like the Huffington Post and Matador Network. You can connect with Ryan on Twitter/X at @rtorourke.

DISCLAIMER: Treksplorer is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and its affiliated international sites.

DISCLAIMER: You'll notice that from time to time I link out to recommended hotels/tours/products/services. If you purchase anything through these links, I'll receive a commission. It won't cost you anything extra, but it will help keep me trekkin' on and delivering more free (and unsponsored!) travel information to you. Thanks :)