When looking for the best time to visit South Korea, the following are the best months to travel: April, May, June, September, October, and November. Spring and autumn are the two best seasons to visit Seoul and South Korea. Now, let’s find out the particularities of each month, the temperatures, and the weather in Korea during these periods and throughout the year.
- Best months 👍
- Months to avoid 😐
- In the spring 🌸🌿
- In summer 🌳🌧️
- In autumn 🍁🍂
- In winter ❄️☃️
1. Best time to visit South Korea and Seoul
Spring and autumn are the two best seasons to visit South Korea. The temperatures are pleasant, not too humid or too hot, and it does not rain much compared to other seasons of the year. However, these are also the busiest seasons of the year. The budget for traveling to Korea will likely be higher, especially for accommodation.
What to choose? The fall colors are just fantastic in Seoul. Traveling in autumn in Korea means taking full advantage of this magnificent season of the year. Spring is also delightful, with milder temperatures. To choose when to go to South Korea, find out more about the advantages, disadvantages, and weather for each month of the year.
Good to know. The climate is not the same all over Korea. There are differences between Seoul and Busan. Nonetheless, the best times to visit Korea are autumn and spring. The best months are July and August unless you want to swim (for example, on Jeju Island).
2. Months to avoid during a trip to South Korea
Summer and winter. These two seasons are considered the least interesting for traveling to Korea. Negative temperatures happen in Seoul in December and remain until February. Since many visits to Seoul are outside, it can be problematic (to find out more, read our article: TOP 40 things to do in Seoul). In Seoul, the rainiest month of the year is July. Summer is a humid and hot season, which makes visits less comfortable.
Really to avoid? If you want to escape the cold, winter is to be avoided. However, Seoul is beautiful in the snow. And if it’s not your first trip to Korea, then why not. Same for summer. Admittedly, the temperatures are sweltering, but you can swim. It all depends on your desires and your expectations. To choose when to go to South Korea, find out more about the advantages, disadvantages, and weather for each month of the year.
3. Go to South Korea in the spring: April, May, June
Spring is one of the best times to visit South Korea and Seoul. The temperatures are mild, and the weather is pleasant. One of the peculiarities of this time of year is the cherry blossoms. The only disadvantage of spring (like autumn) is the influx of tourists, which is greater than at other times of the year. Therefore, the budget for traveling to South Korea during this period will be higher than in summer or winter.
South Korea and Seoul in March
At this time of the year, the cherry trees begin to bloom. The dates vary each year, but generally, it is around March 23-28. If you go to Seoul during this period, you will see many festivals all over the city that celebrate this particular time of the year. In addition, it rains little in March, only 4 days on average.
South Korea and Seoul in April
April is one of the best months to travel to South Korea and Seoul. Temperatures rise to 18 degrees during the day, with only 5 rainy days. Seoul is a beautiful destination if you are looking for where to go in April.
South Korea and Seoul in May
If you travel to South Korea in May, you will undoubtedly enjoy good weather. There are still only 5 rainy days in May, but the weather is also better. Average temperatures rise to 23 degrees during the day. Many travelers choose this month to visit Seoul and South Korea. It is a perfect time to go to Seoul and Korea!
South Korea and Seoul in June
June is the hottest month to go to South Korea. Temperatures are 27 degrees on average during the day. It rains more than in May or April, but it is warmer. In addition to Seoul, if you wish to visit the south of Korea, particularly the island of Jeju, be aware that the water temperatures are still cool in June and are around 21 degrees on average.
4. Visit Seoul in summer: July, August, and September
Summer in Korea is hot and humid, and the heat can sometimes be stifling. For this reason, July and August are not the best months to visit South Korea or Seoul. However, September is a month to consider.
South Korea and Seoul in July
Temperatures exceed 30 degrees during the day. It is also the rainiest month of the year, with an average of 13 days of rain, and therefore twice as much as in April, May, or June. If this is your first trip to Seoul, this is a month to avoid.
South Korea and Seoul in August
In Seoul, August is the hottest month but the second rainiest, with rain 10 days a month. Therefore, it is not the best time to visit.
South Korea and Seoul in September
Temperatures drop, and we reach 27 degrees on average during the day. September can be one of the best months to go to South Korea, apart from the most touristic months. The rain is rarer (only 7 days a month), and there are fewer tourists than in autumn.
5. Go to South Korea and Seoul in autumn: October, November
Like spring, fall is the best time to go to Seoul and Korea. The colors are magnificent and will make you unforgettable memories of your trip. It is a magical period that Koreans particularly appreciate. Accommodation prices may increase during the fall, so book in advance (see our article: Best areas to stay in Seoul). When should you go to South Korea in autumn?
South Korea and Seoul in October
October is undoubtedly the most touristic month to travel to South Korea. Daytime temperatures are around 20 degrees, with only 4 rainy days. The weather is ideal for exploring Seoul and other parts of Korea. The colors of autumn appear from mid-October, particularly during the last week of October. It’s a perfect time to go to Seoul and the best time to visit South Korea.
South Korea and Seoul in November
There are no more leaves on the trees from mid-November, or very few. Temperatures drop to around 12 degrees during the day. However, during the beginning of November, you can still admire the pretty colors of autumn. Hence, it still is an exciting month to visit South Korea. Moreover, if you are going to Seoul in November, do not miss the Seoul Bitchorong Festival, which takes place during the first part of November.
6. Traveling to Seoul and South Korea in Winter
Winter is the least touristy season of the year. Many travelers flee the cold and snow. As the visits take place outside, it is necessary to dress well to be warm. When should you go to South Korea in winter?
South Korea and Seoul in December
Temperatures are negative from December, especially during the night. Evenings and nights are cold. Many decorations await you in Seoul for the end-of-the-year celebrations. During the day, temperatures rise and are close to 0 degrees. Christmas is a holiday celebrated in Korea. More than half of the people who say they have a religion in Korea are Christian.
South Korea and Seoul in January
If you are going to Seoul in January, understand it is the coldest month of the year. But you can also come across the Lunar New Year, the most important holiday in South Korea. Warning: not to be confused with December 31. The date of the Lunar New Year varies from year to year, between January 21 and February 20. It’s a fun time to go to Seoul.
South Korea and Seoul in February
February is milder, although temperatures remain below 0 degrees at night. The days are getting longer, making February an excellent month to visit South Korea in winter. It all depends on the Lunar New Year date, but if you are in Seoul right now, come to Namsangol Hanok Village to experience beautiful dance and music performances.
In summary: when is the best time to visit Seoul?
When should you go to South Korea and Seoul? If this is your first trip to South Korea, the best choices are spring and autumn. These seasons are the most interesting for a first encounter with Korea. There are many outdoor visits. Thus, choosing a time of year when there is less rain is best. Therefore, the best months to go to South Korea and Seoul on a first trip are April, May, June, September, October, and November for the fall colors.
Tip. If you want to go to Seoul and Korea during these months, it is better to book accommodation in advance (read our article: Best neighborhoods and hotels in Seoul). These are the most tourist months. If you book in advance, you will have more choices.
November and March: lower rates. If you want to visit Korea and take advantage of lower fares, choose less touristy periods. From November, you can see a drop in prices, and this until March. It is not very cold in November or March, and the prices are lower than in the tourist season. For example, the budget for traveling to South Korea in November or March will probably be lower than in April or October. For a budget trip, March and November can be an ideal time to go to Seoul.
Go to South Korea in the fall or spring to take advantage of the mild temperatures and the best seasons of the year for visits. These are the best times of the year to visit Seoul and other parts of Korea. However, choose periods outside the tourist season, such as the winter months, for lower accommodation rates.
The cheapest periods to visit South Korea are when there are fewer tourists: winter and summer. But these periods may not be the best for visiting South Korea. You could choose to visit South Korea in September: it is cheaper than Autumn or Spring while still being fabulous.
Cherry trees usually blossom at the end of March. Thus, March is the best time to visit South Korea to enjoy cherry tree blossoms.
