Month guide · Seoul · South Korea
Seoul in May
What May is really like in Seoul: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
May is one of the best months to visit Seoul. Expect average highs of 24°C (75°F), lows of 13°C (55°F), about 9 rainy days and roughly 14.2 hours of daylight. Warm, green and one of the most comfortable months, with lanterns for Buddha's Birthday.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 24°C (75°F) / 13°C (55°F)
- Rainy days
- About 9
- Daylight
- About 14.2 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in May
May is the 5th-warmest month in Seoul: days average 24°C (75°F) against a yearly average high of 17°C (63°F), and nights fall to about 13°C (55°F). Rain falls on roughly 9 of its 31 days. Compared with April (18°C (64°F)), May is warmer; by June highs climb to around 28°C (82°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 05:22
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 19:34
- Daylight
- About 14.2 hours
Spring (March–May). Cherry blossom in early April and warm, green May; fine dust and yellow dust can reduce air quality on some days.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 4 for crowds (the peak is April at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in October). Book accommodation early: May is one of the pricier months.
Events in May
- Lotus Lantern Festival — lantern parade along Jongno (usually the weekend before Buddha's Birthday, April or May)
- Seoul Jazz Festival (usually late May)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in May
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Waterfront · Jongno
Cheonggyecheon Stream
Walk it in the evening on the way from Gwanghwamun to Gwangjang Market for dinner.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- After dark
- Couples
- Kids
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Park · Yeouido and Banpo
Han River parks and Banpo Bridge
Riverside parks line both banks of the Han, with cycle paths, rental bikes and convenience stores for picnics.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Couples
- After dark
- Kids
Nature · Northern Seoul
Bukhansan National Park
Start early from Bukhansanseong trailhead, wear proper shoes and avoid icy winter days without crampons.
- Time needed
- 4–6 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- Active
- Views
- Outdoors
Palace · Jongno
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Built in 1395 as the main palace of the Joseon dynasty and largely reconstructed after Japanese-era destruction, Gyeongbokgung spreads behind Gwanghwamun Gate with the Geunjeongjeon throne hall, the Gyeonghoeru pavilion on its lotus pond and the National Folk Museum on site.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- History
- Architecture
- Photo spot
- Kids
What to pack
For highs near 24°C, lows near 13°C and 9 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit Seoul?
One of the best months to visit Seoul, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are April and September–November. Compare every month.
Seoul in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit Seoul?
It is one of the best months to visit Seoul. Warm, green and one of the most comfortable months, with lanterns for Buddha's Birthday.
+How warm is Seoul in May?
Average highs are around 24°C (75°F) and lows around 13°C (55°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Seoul in May?
Expect rain on about 9 days of the month.