Seoul Weather Guide
South Korea
Best Time to Visit
April, May, September, October
Avoid
July, August (monsoon), December, January (bitter cold)
Climate
Humid continental — hot humid summers, cold dry winters, beautiful spring and fall
Annual Rainfall
57 inches (1,450 mm)
Overview
Seoul has four distinct seasons. Cherry blossoms in April and autumn foliage in October rival Tokyo's. Summers bring the monsoon (jangma) and intense heat; winters are dry and bitterly cold with clear blue skies.
Seasonal Weather Breakdown
Spring
March–May
43–70°F
6–21°C
Cherry blossom season (late March–early April) is Seoul at its most beautiful. Warm and increasingly sunny.
- →Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival (late March–early April)
- →Yellow dust (fine dust) from China is at its worst in spring — check AQI
- →Gyeongbokgung Palace in hanbok dress in spring is iconic
Summer
June–August
72–89°F
22–32°C
Jangma (monsoon) brings heavy rain in late June–July. Post-monsoon August is extremely hot and humid. Urban heat island is severe in downtown.
- →Han River parks for evening relief
- →Water parks (Caribbean Bay, Ocean World) are packed but fun
- →Bingsu (shaved ice) culture is peak summer
Fall
September–November
50–73°F
10–23°C
Spectacular foliage. Clear skies and crisp air. September is warm and beautiful; October peak foliage; November turns cold fast.
- →Bukhansan National Park foliage in mid-October is stunning
- →Best hiking weather of the year
- →Namdaemun and Insadong areas are at their most pleasant
Winter
December–February
19–36°F
-7–2°C
Dry and bitterly cold with clear blue skies. Wind chill from the Siberian high can push feels-like below -4°F. Snow falls but usually not heavily.
- →Proper winter gear is essential
- →Korean BBQ culture is perfect for warming up
- →Ski resorts (Yongpyong, Vivaldi Park) are within 1–2 hours of Seoul
What to Pack for Seoul
- ✓Down jacket and thermal layers for winter
- ✓Sunscreen and umbrella for spring
- ✓Air quality mask for yellow dust days (spring)
- ✓Rain gear for July–August monsoon
Seoul Weather FAQ
What is the best time to visit Seoul?
Late March to early April for cherry blossoms, or October for autumn foliage. Both offer ideal temperatures (55–70°F/13–21°C) and spectacular scenery. September is also excellent with warm weather and fewer tourists.
Does Seoul have a monsoon season?
Yes — the jangma (Korean monsoon) runs late June through late July with heavy persistent rain. August is hot and humid post-monsoon. Seoul receives about 60% of its annual rainfall from June–August.
How cold does Seoul get in winter?
January averages a high of 34°F (1°C) and a low of 19°F (-7°C). Wind chill from Siberian cold fronts can push feels-like temperature to -10 to -20°F (-23 to -29°C). It is one of the coldest major capitals in East Asia.
Neighborhoods in Seoul
Each neighborhood in Seoul has its own microclimate. Check real-time conditions below: