Best Time to Visit Seoul: Complete Monthly Weather Guide

Planning your trip to South Korea? Choosing the best time to visit Seoul depends a lot on the weather, festivals, and what kind of experiences you’re looking for. With four distinct seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—each month offers something unique. This Seoul weather by month guide will help you understand the climate, seasonal highlights, and what to wear so you can make the most of your trip.

Seoul Weather by Season – Plan the Best Time to Visit Seoul

Spring in Seoul (March–May) – Best Time to Visit Seoul for Cherry Blossoms

Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons in Korea. Gentle breezes, mild temperatures, and blooming flowers create a perfect setting for travelers. Plum blossoms appear in mid-March, followed by yellow forsythias, white magnolias, and the famous cherry blossoms in Korea, peaking around mid-April. Best time to visit Seoul if you love flowers and spring festivals.

• Temperature: Around 0°C to 22°C (32°F to 72°F)
  
• Highlights: Yeouido Hangang Park and Seokchon Lake near Lotte World for cherry blossom festival
  
• Downside: Yellow dust from China can sometimes affect air quality in March and April.
  
• What to Wear: Wear layers in Spring in Seoul. March needs warm coats for chilly days, April calls for light jackets and sweaters, and May is mostly T-shirts and light clothes with a cardigan for cool evenings.

Summer in Seoul (June–August)

Summer brings heat, humidity, and plenty of rain. The rainy season (jangma) runs from June to August, delivering more than half of Seoul’s annual rainfall. July and August are the hottest and wettest months, often with tropical nights and high humidity.

• Temperature: Around 15°C to 29.4°C (59°F to 85°F) (feels hotter with humidity)
  
• Highlights: Summer festivals, Han River picnics, bike rides, and water parks
  
• Downside: Heavy rain, typhoon season, uncomfortable heat
  
• What to Wear: Wear light, breathable clothes like T-shirts, blouses, skirts, shorts, or thin pants, with sandals or sneakers; bring an umbrella or rain jacket for monsoon rains, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for strong sun, and a light cardigan for chilly indoor air-conditioning

Autumn in Seoul (September–November) – Experience the Best Time to Visit Seoul for Foliage

If you’re looking for the best time to visit Seoul, autumn is the clear winner. The weather is cool, and the city transforms with brilliant red and golden autumn foliage in Korea. Palaces, parks, and mountains like Bukhansan are especially breathtaking. Perfect for sightseeing, photography, and outdoor lovers.

• Temperature: Around 1°C to 23°C (34°F to 73°F)
  
• Best Month: October—comfortable weather, colorful landscapes, and ideal for hiking
  
• What to Wear: Dress in layers—light clothes in September, cozy sweaters and jackets in October, and warmer coats by November.

Winter in Seoul (December–February)

Winters in Seoul are cold and dry, with occasional snow, especially in January, followed by December and February. While daytime averages hover around 0°C to 5°C, wind chills make it feel much colder. It’s a magical time for those who enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or experiencing festive holiday vibes.

• Temperature: -8°C to 8°C (18°F to 46°F)
  
• Highlights: Ski resorts near Seoul and winter illuminations
  
• Downside: Fine dust pollution is more common in late fall and winter
  
• What to Wear: Wear a thick padded coat or heavy jacket, thermal layers, warm pants, scarf and gloves—especially in January when it’s freezing.

Café hopping in South Korea is perfect all year round. If you’re traveling to South Korea, be sure to visit some of the country’s unique cafés like Leedorim, Cafe Comma and ChecknGrow.

Korea Travel Tips: Best Time to Visit Seoul

• Budget Travelers: The cheapest times to visit are late November to February (excluding Lunar New Year), mid-May to June, and late October to early November. The most expensive period is late March to early April.
  
• Families with Children: April–May or October offer family-friendly activities like parks, palaces, theme parks with mild weather.
  
• Photography Enthusiasts: Late March–April for blossoms, late October–November for foliage.
  

Final Thoughts

Seoul is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit Seoul depends on your style of travel.

• Spring: Love flowers? Visit in April for cherry blossoms.
  
• Summer: Beat the heat? Join Han River picnics or water parks.
  
• Autumn: Love foliage? October is perfect for colorful leaves.
  
• Winter: Love snow? January–February is ideal for skiing and winter fun.

Additional Korea Travel Tips: Before you go, always check the Seoul weather by month using this Korea Meteorological Administration website to pack the right clothes. With the right timing, your trip will be both comfortable and unforgettable.