Best time to visit · Busan · South Korea
The best time to visit Busan
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
The best times to visit Busan are April to May and September to November, when the weather is mild and dry and coastal walks are at their best; early October adds the film festival. July and August are the beach season, hot and crowded, with a rainy spell in late June and July and typhoon risk into September. Winter is cold but sunny and the lowest-priced time.
Key facts
- Best months
- April–May and September–November
- Shoulder season
- March, June and August
- Warmest month
- August (avg high 30°C (86°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 8°C (46°F))
- Rainiest month
- July (~13 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- December–February
Seasons
Busan has a mild, humid climate moderated by the sea: winters are dry, sunny and cool, rarely freezing for long, spring and autumn are pleasant, and summers are hot and humid with a rainy season in late June and July and typhoons possible from July to September.
March–May
Spring
Cherry blossom in late March and early April, mild days and sand and anchovy festivals; the sea is still cool for swimming.
June–August
Summer
Beach season with packed sands at Haeundae and Gwangalli, humid heat, a rainy season from late June and possible typhoons.
September–November
Autumn
Warm sea in September, then clear, dry days, the film festival, fireworks and autumn colour in the mountains.
December–February
Winter
Cold, windy and sunny with little rain; quiet beaches, Christmas lights and the lowest hotel prices.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sea | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C | 0°C | 4 | 15°C | 10 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| February | 10°C | 2°C | 5 | 14°C | 10.9 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| March | 14°C | 6°C | 8 | 14°C | 11.9 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 19°C | 10°C | 9 | 15°C | 13 h | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 23°C | 15°C | 9 | 18°C | 14 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| June | 25°C | 19°C | 11 | 20°C | 14.5 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| July | 28°C | 23°C | 13 | 23°C | 14.3 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| August | 30°C | 24°C | 11 | 26°C | 13.5 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| September | 27°C | 20°C | 9 | 24°C | 12.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| October | 23°C | 14°C | 5 | 21°C | 11.2 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| November | 17°C | 8°C | 5 | 19°C | 10.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| December | 11°C | 2°C | 3 | 16°C | 9.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Haeundae Polar Bear Swim (usually in winter); Seollal — Lunar New Year (late January or February) |
| March | Cherry blossom season — Dalmaji-gil and Oncheoncheon (usually late March to early April) |
| April | Gijang Anchovy Festival at Daebyeon port (usually April); Jinhae cherry blossom festival nearby (usually early April) |
| May | Haeundae Sand Festival (usually May); Buddha's Birthday lantern displays at temples (usually May) |
| June | Beach season opens at Haeundae and other city beaches (usually June or July) |
| July | Peak beach season (mid-July to August) |
| August | Busan Sea Festival on the city beaches (usually early August) |
| September | Chuseok harvest holiday (September or early October) |
| October | Busan International Film Festival (usually early October); Busan Fireworks Festival over Gwangalli (usually late October or November) |
| November | Autumn foliage on Geumjeongsan (usually early to mid-November) |
| December | Busan Christmas Tree Festival in Gwangbok-ro (usually December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in December–February, and the sights are quietest in December–February.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | A warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Busan?
The best times to visit Busan are April to May and September to November, when the weather is mild and dry and coastal walks are at their best; early October adds the film festival. July and August are the beach season, hot and crowded, with a rainy spell in late June and July and typhoon risk into September. Winter is cold but sunny and the lowest-priced time.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Busan?
Usually in December–February. Cold, dry and sunny with biting sea winds; good for walking and markets, with low hotel prices.
+What is the rainiest month in Busan?
July, with about 13 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Busan get?
The warmest month, August, averages highs of 30°C (86°F) and lows of 24°C (75°F).