Month guide · Seoul · South Korea
Seoul in September
What September is really like in Seoul: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
September is one of the best months to visit Seoul. Expect average highs of 26°C (79°F), lows of 18°C (64°F), about 9 rainy days and roughly 12.4 hours of daylight. Humidity eases and skies clear; the Chuseok harvest holiday can close shops and fill trains.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 26°C (79°F) / 18°C (64°F)
- Rainy days
- About 9
- Daylight
- About 12.4 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in September
September is the 4th-warmest month in Seoul: days average 26°C (79°F) against a yearly average high of 17°C (63°F), and nights fall to about 18°C (64°F). Rain falls on roughly 9 of its 30 days. Compared with August (30°C (86°F)), September is cooler; by October highs drop to around 20°C (68°F).
- Sunrise (15 September)
- About 06:14
- Sunset (15 September)
- About 18:40
- Daylight
- About 12.4 hours
Autumn (September–November). Clear skies, comfortable temperatures and fiery foliage on the mountains and in the palaces; the Chuseok holiday brings closures.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, September rates 4 for crowds (the peak is April at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in October). Book accommodation early: September is one of the pricier months.
Events in September
- Chuseok — harvest holiday with palace events and closures (September or early October)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in September
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
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
Market · Jongno
Gwangjang Market
Sit at a counter with a pancake and a bowl of makgeolli; go mid-afternoon on a weekday to avoid the evening crush.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Food
- Iconic
- Rainy day
- Shopping
Palace · Jongno
Changdeokgung and the Secret Garden
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Changdeokgung follows the slopes of its hillside rather than a rigid grid and was the favourite residence of many Joseon kings.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Architecture
- Couples
- Nature
What to pack
For highs near 26°C, lows near 18°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 September a good time to visit Seoul?
One of the best months to visit Seoul, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are April–May and October–November. Compare every month.
Seoul in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is September a good time to visit Seoul?
It is one of the best months to visit Seoul. Humidity eases and skies clear; the Chuseok harvest holiday can close shops and fill trains.
+How warm is Seoul in September?
Average highs are around 26°C (79°F) and lows around 18°C (64°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Seoul in September?
Expect rain on about 9 days of the month.