Best time to visit · Seoul · South Korea
The best time to visit Seoul
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best times to visit Seoul are April to early June and September to November, when days are mild and dry and the city is at its most colourful with cherry blossom in April and foliage from late October. Summer is hot and humid with the monsoon in July, and winter is bitterly cold but clear, quiet and lower-priced.
Key facts
- Best months
- April–May and September–November
- Shoulder season
- March, June and December
- Warmest month
- August (avg high 30°C (86°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 2°C (36°F))
- Rainiest month
- July (~16 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- January–February
Seasons
Seoul has four distinct seasons: freezing, dry winters with temperatures well below zero, short spring and autumn seasons that are the most pleasant, and hot, humid summers with a monsoon (jangma) from late June into July. Spring can bring fine dust and yellow dust days.
March–May
Spring
Cherry blossom in early April and warm, green May; fine dust and yellow dust can reduce air quality on some days.
June–August
Summer
Hot and humid, with the jangma monsoon bringing heavy rain from late June through July; river parks and night markets come alive.
September–November
Autumn
Clear skies, comfortable temperatures and fiery foliage on the mountains and in the palaces; the Chuseok holiday brings closures.
December–February
Winter
Bitterly cold with sub-zero nights and occasional snow, but sunny days, festive lights and lower 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 | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2°C | -6°C | 6 | 9.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| February | 5°C | -4°C | 6 | 10.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| March | 11°C | 2°C | 7 | 11.9 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 18°C | 7°C | 8 | 13.1 h | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| May | 24°C | 13°C | 9 | 14.2 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| June | 28°C | 18°C | 10 | 14.7 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 29°C | 22°C | 16 | 14.5 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| August | 30°C | 23°C | 15 | 13.6 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| September | 26°C | 18°C | 9 | 12.4 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| October | 20°C | 10°C | 6 | 11.1 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| November | 12°C | 3°C | 8 | 10.1 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| December | 4°C | -4°C | 7 | 9.6 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Seollal (Lunar New Year) — family holiday with palace events; some shops close (January or February) |
| February | Seollal holiday (January or February); Jeongwol Daeboreum — first full moon of the lunar year with traditional games (February or March) |
| March | Seoul Marathon (usually March) |
| April | Cherry blossom festivals at Yeouido and Seokchon Lake (usually early April) |
| May | Lotus Lantern Festival — lantern parade along Jongno (usually the weekend before Buddha's Birthday, April or May); Seoul Jazz Festival (usually late May) |
| July | Boknal — the hottest days, when locals eat samgyetang (mid-July to mid-August) |
| September | Chuseok — harvest holiday with palace events and closures (September or early October) |
| October | Seoul International Fireworks Festival over the Han River at Yeouido (usually early October); Autumn foliage at the palaces and Bukhansan (late October to early November) |
| November | Seoul Lantern Festival along Cheonggyecheon (usually November); Kimjang — kimchi-making season (November) |
| December | Christmas lights on Myeongdong department stores (December); New Year's Eve bell-ringing at Bosingak pavilion in Jongno (31 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in January–February, and the sights are quietest in January–February. Many visitors avoid July.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; 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; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Seoul?
The best times to visit Seoul are April to early June and September to November, when days are mild and dry and the city is at its most colourful with cherry blossom in April and foliage from late October. Summer is hot and humid with the monsoon in July, and winter is bitterly cold but clear, quiet and lower-priced.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Seoul?
Usually in January–February. The coldest month, with biting winds and occasional snow; clear skies and quiet palaces reward visitors who dress for it.
+What is the rainiest month in Seoul?
July, with about 16 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Seoul get?
The warmest month, August, averages highs of 30°C (86°F) and lows of 23°C (73°F).