Are you dreaming of a trip filled with laughter, touching moments, surprises, unexpected events, and passion-driven experiences? Then, Korea is the perfect destination for you. If this is your first time to Korea, check out this essential guide on Korea’s climate and seasonal tips to help you get ready for your adventure!
Korea is a mid-latitude region and has an overall temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Spring and fall display clear and mild weather, summer is hot and humid, and winter shows cold and arid climate characteristics. Besides the islands, the temperatures do not differ much among regions—the yearly average temperature ranges from7℃ (Daegwallyeong) to 15℃ (Busan), with August being the hottest time of the year and January the coldest.
Highest average monthly temperature by city
|
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
Seoul |
2.1°C |
5.1°C |
11°C |
17.9°C |
23.6°C |
27.6°C |
29°C |
30°C |
26.2°C |
20.2°C |
11.9°C |
4.2°C |
|
Busan |
8.2°C |
10.2°C |
13.8°C |
18.2°C |
22°C |
24.6°C |
27.5°C |
29.5°C |
26.4°C |
22.5°C |
16.6°C |
10.4°C |
|
Gwangju |
5.7°C |
8.3°C |
13.6°C |
19.9°C |
24.8°C |
27.9°C |
30°C |
30.9°C |
27.1°C |
21.9°C |
15°C |
8°C |
Lowest average monthly temperature by city
|
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
Seoul |
-5.5°C |
-3.2°C |
1.9°C |
8°C |
13.5°C |
18.7°C |
22.3°C |
22.9°C |
17.7°C |
10.6°C |
3.5°C |
-3.4°C |
|
Busan |
-0.1°C |
1.5°C |
5.3°C |
10.1°C |
14.6°C |
18.3°C |
22.1°C |
23.7°C |
19.8°C |
14.5°C |
8.3°C |
2°C |
|
Gwangju |
-2.7°C |
-1.5°C |
2.4°C |
7.8°C |
13.4°C |
18.7°C |
22.8°C |
23.2°C |
18.2°C |
1.2°C |
5°C |
-0.8°C |
If you are planning to travel on foot, we recommend to visit in spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) when the temperature is moderate. For those who wish to enjoy water activities or have fun under the sun by the beach, a visit in the summer (June to August) can also be a great choice. If the fascinating combination of quiet, romantic walks through snowy mountains and the contrast of beating the cold with a hot spring bath sound interesting, winter (December to February) in Korea cannot be missed. Even the same attraction reveals a different charm with the change of seasons, making Korea a worthy place to revisit.
Travellers are advised to take special care in summer and winter. During the midsummer period (end of July to August), the weather may get extremely hot and humid. Additionally, stay alert for typhoon or heavy rainfall advisory before or during your trip. In winter, the northerly wind from Siberia causes intense cold temperatures so it is recommended to pack cloths in preparation for the cold waves. Even in the warm spring, chilly weather often continues until mid-March, which is why it is recommended to prepare appropriate outerwear. With the recent occurrence of the global climate change, Korea is also seeing changes in weather patterns from the previous years and therefore it is recommended to check real-time weather reports during your travels and to be prepared in advance for unexpected rain or extreme heat.