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Seoul Weather by Month:
Temperatures, Rain and What to Pack
Last updated: October 2026 · Written by the Seoul Travel Tips team, based in Seoul
Seoul has four very different seasons: a hot, rainy summer, a long and freezing winter, and two short, beautiful seasons in between. The month you visit changes what you pack, what you do and how much walking feels comfortable. Below are typical temperatures for each month, the weather events to plan around, and a packing list for every season.
Check today’s forecast: the Korea Meteorological Administration has the official Seoul forecast; weather apps on your phone work well too.
Seoul Weather Month by Month
| Month | Avg. high | Avg. low | What it’s like |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2°C | -6°C | Coldest month, dry, sharp winds; occasional cold snaps below -10°C |
| February | 5°C | -4°C | Still cold, slowly brighter |
| March | 11°C | 1°C | Cool and changeable; fine dust days begin |
| April | 18°C | 7°C | Cherry blossoms in early April; mild days, chilly nights |
| May | 24°C | 13°C | Warm, sunny, one of the best months |
| June | 28°C | 18°C | Hot; the rainy season usually starts late in the month |
| July | 29°C | 22°C | Monsoon — the wettest month, very humid, heavy downpours |
| August | 30°C | 23°C | Hottest month; humid, with storms and occasional typhoons |
| September | 26°C | 17°C | Warm early on, clearer and drier as the month goes on |
| October | 20°C | 9°C | Crisp, clear and dry; autumn colors start late in the month |
| November | 12°C | 2°C | Peak foliage in early November, then cold arrives |
| December | 4°C | -4°C | Cold and dry; festive lights around the city |
Typical long-term averages for Seoul. Any given year can be warmer or colder — always check the forecast before you pack.
The Best Time to Visit Seoul
Spring (April–May) and autumn (late September–early November) offer the most comfortable weather for walking around palaces, Bukchon and Namsan. They’re also the busiest times, so book accommodation and the Changdeokgung Secret Garden tour early.
Summer is fine if you plan around the heat and rain; winter suits travelers who like clear skies, shopping and fewer crowds.
Weather Events to Plan Around
| Event | When | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry blossoms | Early to mid-April | Best at Yeouido, Seokchon Lake and the palaces. Dates shift by a week or two each year |
| Fine dust (yellow dust) | Mainly March–May | Hazy days with poor air quality. Check an air quality app; many locals wear KF94 masks |
| Rainy season (jangma) | Late June to late July | Long spells of heavy rain. Cheonggyecheon’s paths can close; plan indoor backups |
| Typhoons | August–September | Most pass south of Seoul, but some bring strong wind and rain for a day or two |
| Autumn foliage | Late October to mid-November | Palaces, Namsan and Bukhansan turn red and gold |
| Cold waves | December–February | Wind makes it feel much colder than the thermometer says |
What to Pack by Season
Spring (Mar–May): layers, a light jacket for mornings and evenings, a compact umbrella, and masks for dusty days.
Summer (Jun–Aug): breathable clothing, a sturdy umbrella, sandals or quick-dry shoes, sunscreen, and a light layer for strongly air-conditioned subways and malls.
Autumn (Sep–Nov): long sleeves, a light jacket — and a warm coat if you’re visiting in November.
Winter (Dec–Feb): a warm padded coat, hat, gloves, scarf and thermal layers. Indoors is very warm, so dress in layers you can take off. Hand warmers are sold at every convenience store.
All year: comfortable walking shoes. You’ll walk a lot more than you expect.
Planning Your Day Around the Weather
| Weather | Good choices |
|---|---|
| Clear and comfortable | Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon, N Seoul Tower, Han River parks |
| Rain | National Museum of Korea, COEX and Starfield Library, department stores, underground shopping arcades |
| Very hot | Palaces right at 9:00, then indoor museums and cafes; evening walks by the river |
| Very cold | Short outdoor visits mixed with markets, cafes and a jjimjilbang (Korean spa) |
| Hazy / dusty | Indoor sights; skip the N Seoul Tower observatory if visibility is poor |
Weather Tips
- Check the forecast each morning, not just before your trip — summer storms and spring dust change daily.
- Use the subway to cut outdoor walking in rain or cold, and pick exits closest to your destination. → Seoul subway guide
- Evenings cool down fast in spring and autumn; carry an extra layer for N Seoul Tower and the Han River.
- Umbrellas are sold at convenience stores and subway stations whenever it starts to rain.
Related Guides
→ Seoul travel tips for first-time visitors · 3-day itinerary · Things to do in Seoul with kids
Climate averages are approximate. For your travel dates, always rely on the latest official forecast.