Best time to visit South Korea

January is the coldest month of the year in South Korea, however, there are still clear and sunny days. In the south, the weather is milder, meanwhile if you are visiting Seoul get ready for freezing temperatures. The capital of South Korea in January often has below zero temperature in Celsius or about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Sometimes after New Year cold waves bring temperatures up to -17°C (0°F). January also brings the most snow to Seoul. The snow doesn’t stay on the ground in the city, though. The skies are mostly overcast in Seoul with about five hours of daily sunshine. If you want to see the real Korean winters with lots of snow and frost, go to the mountainous Seoraksan and Songnisan parks or the northern provinces of Gangwon-do and Gyeonggi-do where skiing and snowboarding are available at this time. The southern coast experiences mild temperatures in January. In Jeju Island, you can even expect 10 °C (50 °F). In case you plan to visit Korea in January, pack a heavy winter coat, hats, gloves, and winter boots.

February is a dry and cold month in South Korea. It is the second coldest month in Seoul and the coldest in many provinces of the country. In the mountains, the temperature can drop to -20°C (-4 °F). In Seoul, freezing northeasterly winds bring cold and snow from the Siberian plains. The temperature stays slightly above freezing level, the skies are cloudy, and light snow is possible. The snow doesn’t stay on the ground for long, though. There are just about five hours of daily sunshine this month. The best thing you can do in South Korea in February is to visit the ski resorts of Pyeongchang, Yongpyong and Alpensia in Gangwon-do province. You can experience the real winter wonderland there with lots of snow and frost. If you want to visit the warmest place in South Korea, visit the southern coast. The temperature rarely drops below freezing in Jeju Island, where winters are quite moderate and dry. You will need a heavy coat, gloves, winter boots and a hat for your trip to South Korea in February.

March is still cold and dry month in South Korea. However, it also brings warmer temperatures and the first signs of spring. Seoul is still mostly cold and unpleasant in March with temperatures ranging from above freezing to 10°C (50°F). However, daily sunshine increases to about six hours. Light snow is possible, but it doesn’t stay on the ground. It also rains a little in March. Beautiful mountains at Songnisan National Park are still covered with snow. Northern provinces offer excellent skiing at this time. Southern cost is the first to welcome spring to South Korea. Busan and Jeju Island experience pleasant daily temperatures in the comfortable range. If you plan to visit South Korea in March, you will still need warm layers, an insulated jacket and a hat for those cold winds coming from Siberia.

April is an excellent time to visit South Korea. The country is blossoming and nature is especially beautiful. There is just a bit of rain, and the temperatures are pleasantly warm. In Seoul, April is sunny and pleasant. The temperature increases and you can already walk around without a jacket. The skies are clear and the blossoming cherry trees everywhere. There are about 7 hours of sunshine in April. The rainfall is moderate with about seven rainy days. The Northern and mountainous regions are a bit colder. Seoraksan and Songnisan national parks still experience frosty weather. However, the snow is melting, and spring arrives everywhere. Southern Busan and Jeju Island are the warmest spots in April with pleasant and sunny weather throughout the month. If you wish to visit South Korea in April, pack an umbrella and a light jacket for early mornings and late nights.

May is one of the best months to visit South Korea. The countryside is especially lush and green, flowers are blooming everywhere, and the weather is sunny and warm. In Seoul, May is pleasantly warm with some rainfall. Day temperature can rise up to 23°C (73°F). Humidity is also increasing. May had nine rainy days, a significant increase in comparison with dry winters. With about eight hours of daily sunshine, you can plan various outdoor activities. Hiking season starts in the National Parks of Jirisan, Songnisan, and Seoraksan. The southern part of the country is perfectly sunny and warm. Busan and Jeju Island enjoy wonderful balmy weather.

June is another great month to visit South Korea. Even though it marks the beginning of the monsoon season, it’s still not too rainy for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Temperatures rise to balmy levels throughout South Korea, flowers are blooming, and nature is beautiful and lush. In Seoul, the temperature stays in the 20s Celsius or 70s Fahrenheit. Heavy rainfall and stormy weather are possible, especially in the second half of the month. Sunshine decreases to about 6 hours per day, and the skies are often cloudy. June is a great time for hiking in Seoraksan, Jirisan, Songnisan and the other National Parks where the weather is perfectly warm and pleasant. June also marks the beginning of the beach season on the southern coast. Go to the seaside city of Busan or Jeju Island to enjoy some sunbathing and swimming. Water temperature is about 18-21°C (65-70 °F) in June.

South Korean summer is hot and very wet. Humidity is rather high at this time. After all, July is the wettest month of the year. Expect monsoon rains and cloudy skies throughout the country. Seoul experiences the peak of East Asian Monsoon influence in July. The skies are overcast, there are frequent downpours and thunderstorms. There are less than 4 hours of sunshine at this time. Flooding can be expected as a result of torrential rains. Landslides in the hills around Seoul is another problem. Typhoons that pass through South Korea in July usually don’t cause significant damage, like in some neighboring countries. The temperature stays in comfortable 20s Celsius or 70s Fahrenheit in July. In the South, it can be higher. However, the sea breeze on the southern coast brings some relief from the heat.

Hot and humid South Korean summer brings temperatures to 30°C (86°F). Thunderstorms and torrential rains continue throughout the country. Floodings, landslides, and typhoons are possible during this month. In Seoul, heavy rains and grey skies can hardly make you enjoy the summer. There are just 5 hours of sunshine, and it’s so hot and humid outside that people are longing to get inside, closer to an air conditioner. The heat affects less the mountainous areas of Seoraksan National Park and the southern coast. Visit Busan and Jeju Island to spend some quality time on the beach in between the rains.

September marks the end of the monsoon season in South Korea. That means that rains and the heat are easing up. The beginning of the month is still rather hot and rainy, but the second half features dropping temperatures and drier days. In Seoul, September is overall wet and cloudy. Humidity drops below 70%, and temperatures mostly stay in a comfortable range. About 6 hours of sunshine per day promise great sightseeing and outdoor activities. Typhoons, downpours, and heavy rains are still possible, however, in the second half of the month skies are mostly clear, and sunny dry weather is dominating. Late September is when fall starts to display its gorgeous colors. It’s a great occasion to visit national parks such as Seoraksan. In Busan, September is still a warm month that is suitable for a beach vacation. Temperatures are still balmy. Coastal resorts take advantage of drier and sunnier weather.

October is one of the best times to visit South Korea. The temperatures are still very warm, and fall foliage colors are simply amazing. This is a good period for all kinds of outdoor activities. Blue skies, sunny days and comfortable temperatures are ideal for exploring Korea, visit sites like Beopjusa temple and beautiful national parks. In Seoul, moderate temperatures and pleasant weather conditions last through the whole month of October. Rains are not frequent, calm sunny weather is perfect for long walks and sightseeing. The southern coast of South Korea enjoys mellow season in October. Temperatures are still high enough to spend a day on the beach and enjoy cloudless blue skies. Water temperature is around 20-22 °C( 68-73 °F), which is still warm enough to swim.

Even though the air is cooling down, November is still a good time to visit South Korea. The temperature remains quite comfortable throughout the country. It’s dry and sunny. Clear skies and crisp air create excellent conditions to explore the beautiful nature dressed in gorgeous fall colors. Seoul can see first cold waves in November when the temperature drops to slightly above freezing. However, there are also many warm days with moderate temperatures and sunshine. Nights get really chilly though. If you want to visit Seoul in November bring a warm jacket for late evenings and early mornings. Southern coastal regions like Busan and Jeju Island still enjoy warm weather in November with temperatures often reaching perfect 20°C (68 °F). It may be too cool to go to a beach, however, the water is still warm if you decide to go for a swim. In the mountains, November is already a cool month so bring some warm layers and insulated clothes.

December brings frosty weather to the northern regions of South Korea and the snow in the mountains. The southern coast is warmer and still enjoys moderate temperatures. It’s still a relatively good time for a visit since the weather is dry, and cold is not too extreme. December features many sunny and dry days which are suitable for sightseeing. In Seoul, you’ll see a mix of clouds and clear skies. At night the temperature can drop below freezing. But during the day it warms up a bit. Days get shorter. However, it’s not as freezing as during January and February. Temperatures in Busan, Jeju Island, and other seaside towns are much higher and stay within a comfortable range during December. Even though the beach season is over, it’s still pleasant to spend time outside. Ski resorts in northern provinces of Gyeonggi-do and Gangwon-do usually welcome skiers and snowboarders in December after the first major snowfalls cover the mountains.