Best time to visit South Korea: a month-by-month guide

The best time to visit South Korea is April to June or September to November, when days are mild, skies are often clear and the hills turn green or gold. July and August are hot, humid and wet because of the Changma rainy season, while December to February is cold and dry, which suits winter sports and crowd-free palaces.

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) describes a temperate climate with a wide gap between summer and winter. National monthly means range from −6 to 7°C in January, the coldest month, to 23 to 27°C in August, the warmest. The south coast and Jeju are milder in winter than Seoul and the mountains of Gangwon. Start with the table below, then see our South Korea destination page for places and routes.

South Korea month by month

Spring: blossom and comfortable sightseeing

Spring is short but beautiful. From late March, blossom spreads north from the south coast and Jeju, and by April Seoul's palace gardens and riverbanks are in flower. Humidity is low and days are pleasantly warm, which makes it an ideal time for walking routes through Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. May stays settled and is excellent for temples and hiking before the summer heat. Spring is popular with domestic and regional visitors, so book well ahead for April.

Summer: Changma rains, heat and typhoons

According to KMA, the Changma rainy season starts in the south in late June and moves north, lasting about 30 days on average, and more than half the year's rain falls during this period. Humidity peaks in July at 80–90% nationwide. The UK Foreign Office warns that heavy rain in June and July can cause flooding near rivers and landslides in hilly areas.

Typhoons are the other summer factor. KMA notes that around 28 typhoons form in the north-west Pacific each year and two or three affect the Korean Peninsula between June and October; the FCDO gives the typhoon season as June to November. Summer can still be rewarding for the beaches of Busan and Jeju, air-conditioned museums and lively night markets, but build in flexibility for ferries and flights.

Autumn: the foliage season

Autumn is many travellers' favourite season. After the rains, September dries out, and October and November bring clear skies, comfortable temperatures and spectacular foliage. Colour appears first in the mountains of the north-east, including Seoraksan, before reaching Seoul's palaces and the southern temples such as Bulguksa. Chuseok, the harvest festival, is one of the biggest family holidays; it follows the lunar calendar and usually falls in September or early October, when transport is busy and some shops close.

Winter: cold, dry and clear

Winter is cold, especially in Seoul and the north-east, with dry air driven by north-westerly winds. KMA notes that winter precipitation makes up less than 10% of the annual total, so skies are often bright. Ski resorts in Gangwon are busy from December, and Seollal (Lunar New Year) creates a domestic travel peak in January or February. The rest of winter is quiet and good value for city breaks, steaming street food and hot-spring stays.

Regional differences

• Seoul and the north-west: the biggest seasonal swing, with cold winters and hot, humid summers.
• Gangwon and the north-east mountains: the earliest autumn colour and the coldest winters; best for skiing and Seoraksan hiking.
• Gyeongju and Andong: inland heritage towns with hot summers; spring and autumn suit long days of walking.
• Busan and the south coast: milder winters and a beach season in summer; the KMA gives annual rainfall of 1,000 to 1,800 mm in the south.
• Jeju Island: the mildest winter climate in the country, but exposed to typhoons in summer and early autumn; Hallasan trails can be snowy in winter.

Choosing your dates

For classic sightseeing with the best weather, choose April, May, October or early November. For beaches, July and August work if you accept heat and some rain. For value and space, consider March, late November or winter outside the Lunar New Year. Our South Korea trip cost guide explains how season affects price, and the first-timer's travel guide covers routes and entry. When you know roughly when you want to go, tell us your plans and a specialist will tailor the itinerary to the season.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

1. Korea Meteorological Administration — Climate of Korea
2. GOV.UK — South Korea travel advice: safety and security
3. GOV.UK — South Korea travel advice