Best time to visit Seoul

Winter in Seoul is quite cold but also sunny and dry. The amount of sunshine in the wintertime is fairly greater than in the summer. The snowfall is not frequent, but it happens sometimes. The average temperatures hover several degrees below the freezing point. However, at night it can occasionally plummet to -20°C (-4°F). January belongs to the season of the northwest cold winds blowing from Asia. Besides, winter is the time when the yellow dust (HwangSa) phenomenon may occur—it comes from the Mongolian desert and China and is enhanced by local pollution which results in a characteristic haze observed during cold months. To keep warm and comfy in the freezing temperatures, pack a heavy coat and sweaters. A down jacket, winter boots, a hat, a scarf, and gloves—all winter gear should be brought.

The last month of a short Seoul winter, which is rather chilly but at the same time sunny season. The amount of sunshine is decent, reaching an average of six hours per day. The highs and lows rise a little, but the average temperature still hovers around the freezing point. Snowfall occurs rarely. Cold spells are possible, with the nighttime temperatures occasionally plunging to as low as -20°C (-4°F). In February, the northwest cold currents still blow from the Asian continent. Moreover, the likelihood of the yellow dust or HwangSa in Korean is even higher closer to the spring season. A characteristic haze is formed by air masses from China and Mongolia as well as local pollution. Wintertime visitors must pack warm clothing, including heavy jackets and sweaters. A down coat, a hat, gloves, a scarf, and other winter gear will be necessary.

The onset of spring is markedly felt due to the considerable rise of the average temperatures—the lows now hover above freezing, while the highs are around 10°C (50°F). The amount of sunshine remains decent in spring, with an average of six hours in March, just the same as in February. Precipitation doubles at the beginning of spring and rainy weather occur sometimes. Also, this is the season of yellow dust (HwangSa). It comes here from the Mongolian desert and China and results in a characteristic haze, often accompanied with breathing problems and eye irritation. Local pollution also matters in this case. When preparing for a visit in March, pack some heavier and lighter clothing to be ready for different weather. A wind jacket, a scarf, and an umbrella might be of use too.

Some define April as the true beginning of spring season since this is when the average temperatures reach the mild records. This month boasts the longest hours of sunshine in the year which is seven on average. It's also the peak of blossoming when the city is bathing in white and pink hues of the cherry trees. These are several reasons to consider April as the best time to visit Seoul. On the downside, precipitation gets higher, and rainy days are more likely to occur. Also, occasional yellow dust can cause certain inconveniences—when the air masses from China and Mongolia blend with local pollution. It results in a characteristic haze, which in some cases can cause breathing problems or eye irritation. For a springtime traveler, dressing in layers will be reasonable. Also, a raincoat or an umbrella, a windbreaker, a light scarf, and sunglasses could come of use.

Another beautiful month in Seoul with a lot of sunshine—seven hours per day, on average. The temperatures rise to comfortably warm, though the evenings remain cooler sometimes. Precipitation grows progressively, reaching its maximum by the end of the month, so rainy weather becomes more frequent. Humidity is higher too. In May, one can still occasionally spot a characteristic haze typical for winter and spring months. It's formed by the so-called yellow dust (HwangSa in Korean), which originates from the desert of Mongolia and China. Local pollution contributes to the phenomena too. Hence, some people can complain about breathing problems and eye irritation. Despite the increasing temperatures, it's still recommended to dress in layers. A jacket may be particularly useful in the evening. Also, pack an umbrella or a raincoat, a windbreaker, sunglasses, and possibly a light scarf.

Summers in Seoul are sultry and rainy. The weather is determined mostly by hot and humid currents of tropical origin. Sometimes, scorching days happen when the highs hit 35°C (95°F). Yet the sea in the nearby Incheon is still too cold for an enjoyable escape of such heat. Rainfall is abundant in June. Therefore, the sky is often overcast, and the sun appears rarer than in spring. Torrential rains also occur. Moreover, the second half of the month occasionally may be affected by typhoons, which are more typical between July and early October. If you visit Seoul in June, bring light cotton or linen clothes, sunscreen, and sunglasses, but also a sweater or sweatshirt for the evenings. A raincoat or umbrella will be valuable too.

Typical for the season, July is pretty much affected by the summer monsoon. Hot and humid tropical currents make it the second hottest month after August, and also the wettest one. Every other day in July is rainy. Torrential downpours occur frequently. As a result, the amount of sunshine hits a low with only four hours per day. Also, July is the start of typhoon season in South Korea, and tropical cyclones can influence Seoul to some extent too. The periods of good weather also happen, but then the temperatures occasionally exceed 35°C (95°F). Some people find relief at the seaside in Incheon. The sea, which is very cold in winter and spring, finally warms up to 22°C (72°F) in July. Summer visitors should not forget to pack a light rain-resistant jacket and an umbrella. Loose cotton and linen clothing, along with sunscreen, go without saying. A sweater might be useful for the evenings.

It is the peak of monsoon season—the hottest month without doubt, and also extremely wet. Abundant rainfall, including torrential downpour, occurs every other day in August, but the sun comes out more often than in June. However, in the periods of sunny weather, hot and humid tropical currents are likely to bring scorching heat. Then the temperatures can rise above 35°C (95°F). When it happens, the best option is to flee to the seaside in Incheon. In August, the sea temperature hits a high of 24°C (75°F). However, keep in mind, this is also the season of typhoons in South Korea, which may also affect Seoul. For a late-summer trip, pack plenty of loose summer clothing, preferably cotton and linen, as well as sunscreen and sunglasses, and a sun hat. For rainy days, bring a light waterproof jacket or an umbrella.

With the onset of autumn, the weather changes markedly. First of all, the precipitation is less than half of the August value, so naturally, rainy days are fewer now. Correspondingly, the amount of sunshine is greater than in the wet summer season. There's no uncomfortable humidity any longer. Besides, the air temperatures are much more comfortable. The average highs hover around mid-twenties (77°F), and lows plummet several degrees below 20°C (68°F). At the same time, the sea in Incheon hasn't lost its warmth yet—the sea temperature is 23°C (73°F). While hot and humid tropical currents don't affect Seoul in September, the month can still be influenced by typhoons caused by tropical cyclones of South-East Asia. Anyways, this month is considered one of the best times to visit the city. If you go in September, bring light clothes, sunscreen, and sunglasses. A long-sleeved shirt or a light jacket may be used in the cooler mornings or evenings. An umbrella will also be helpful on a rainy day.

Owing to its mild temperatures, low precipitation, rare rains, and a decent amount of sunshine, the month of October is considered one of the best times to visit Seoul. The average lows and highs hover between 20°C (68°F) and 10°C (50°F) which is perfect for taking in the sights, but not enough for the seaside weekend. Moreover, the sea in Incheon is much cooler in October than it was a month ago—the temperature plummets from 23°C (73°F) to 19°C (66°F). Also, in the first half of the month, the city can occasionally be affected by tropical cyclones of South-East Asia, as the typhoon season continues until early October. At last, mid-autumn is when the city dresses into warm hues of seasonal foliage. Traveling to Seoul in October, bring a mix of short- and long-sleeved shirts, as well as a sweater, sweatshirt, and a jacket. The weather is unlikely to spoil your vacation, but toss an umbrella just in case.

The last month of autumn is less pleasant than October, as the weather is progressively cooling down since winter is coming. The average highs now hover just above 10°C (50°F), while the lows plummet to just above freezing. The sun shines rarer than in October, but still quite frequent—an average of five hours per day. Also, precipitation gets a bit higher, and rains occur more often compared to the previous month. Late-autumn visitors should pack both a rainproof jacket and a heavier coat to stay warm and comfy during cooler and wetter weather. Such clothing articles as a hat, a scarf, and gloves might also be helpful. An umbrella can also be needed.

Winter comes to Seoul in December and is mainly characterized by a rapid drop in average temperatures to the freezing point and below. At night, it can occasionally plummet to as low as -20°C (-4°F). The sun, however, shines surprisingly often as for a cold season—the average of five hours per day remains a stable value for the period between November and January. Snowfall is rarely seen in the city. The season is distinguished by cold air currents blowing from the Asian continent. Besides, yellow dust (HwangSa in Korean) may be brought from the desert of Mongolia and China. Mixed with local pollution, it forms a characteristic haze typical for winter and spring seasons. While visiting Seoul in December, you'll need decent winter gear. A down jacket, winter boots, a hat, a scarf, gloves, and a couple of sweaters will help you feel warm and comfy.