Weather in Cheongju

Stay up to date with the current weather conditions in Cheongju. Below you will find the latest weather reports, forecasts, and useful information for planning your stay.

The climate in Cheongju, located in South Korea, can be characterised as temperate with four distinct seasons. The city experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, which is typical for a continental climate. Winters here are cold, with average monthly temperatures dropping below freezing, while summers are warm and even hot, with peak temperatures occurring in July and August.

Spring and autumn in Cheongju are transitional seasons with pleasant weather. In spring, from March to May, temperatures gradually rise, while in autumn, from September to November, they gently decline. The most notable feature of the climate is the summer monsoon period. July and August stand out not only for the highest temperatures but also for the highest amount of rainfall and rainy days, indicating a distinct rainy season during these months. Precipitation is significantly lower during the rest of the year.

The climate in Cheongju is characterised by pronounced seasonal temperature variations. The hottest month is traditionally August, when the average air temperature is 26.4°C, and daily highs can reach 30.0°C. The coldest period is observed in January: the average temperature in this month drops to -1.0°C, and nightly lows can reach -5.3°C. Thus, the annual temperature progression in Cheongju demonstrates a significant range, typical for regions with a moderate continental influence.

The summer months in Cheongju, especially July and August, are distinguished by hot and quite humid weather. Average daytime temperatures consistently stay above 27-29°C, and nights remain warm, with minimum values around 22-23°C. This period also sees the highest amount of rainfall. Winter, conversely, brings freezing weather. From December to February, average daytime temperatures hover around 0°C to +6°C, however, night temperatures regularly drop below freezing, especially in January when significant frosts are possible.

Diurnal temperature fluctuations in Cheongju are most noticeable in the spring months. In March and April, the difference between the maximum daytime and minimum nighttime temperature can be 10-11°C, meaning quite warm days and noticeably cool nights. In summer, due to high humidity and warm nights, this difference shrinks to 6-7°C. In winter, temperature variances between day and night are also substantial, averaging 8-9°C. This should be taken into account when choosing clothing, especially if you plan to be out at different times of the day.

In Cheongju, there is marked seasonality in the distribution of precipitation throughout the year. The highest amount of rainfall occurs in the summer months, forming a distinct wet season, whereas winter is characterised by minimal precipitation.

The peak of the rainy season falls in July and August. In July, an average of 9 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days reaches 18. August is also quite humid: about 8 mm of precipitation and approximately 16 days with rain. During these summer months, precipitation is likely to occur as heavy showers, which is typical for monsoon influence. June and September also receive a notable amount of moisture – 4 mm and 5 mm respectively, with roughly 10 days of precipitation in each of these months.

The driest months in Cheongju are the winter ones – December, January, and February. Only 1 mm of precipitation falls in each of these months. The number of days with precipitation is also minimal: 4 days each in December and January, and 5 days in February. Given the average temperatures hovering around 0°C and dropping below freezing (especially the minimums), precipitation during this period most likely falls as light snow.

The spring months (March, April, May) and autumn months (October, November) are transitional periods with moderate amounts of precipitation. In March, April, October, and November, about 2 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of days with precipitation varies from 6 to 7. In May, a slight increase to 3 mm of precipitation and 9 rainy days is observed, serving as a precursor to the onset of the summer rainy season.

When planning a trip to Cheongju, it is important to consider the distinct change of seasons characteristic of this region of South Korea. In winter (December-February), it is quite cold here; average temperatures hover around freezing, and night temperatures can drop to -5°C. Therefore, your suitcase must include warm outerwear (a down jacket or winter coat), jumpers, thermal underwear, a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Although there is little precipitation in winter, waterproof shoes will not go amiss. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are transitional seasons with moderate temperatures that gradually rise in spring and fall in autumn. The principle of layering is ideal for this time: a light jacket or windbreaker, jumpers, and long-sleeved t-shirts. Do not forget an umbrella, as the number of rainy days increases, especially in May and September.

Summer in Cheongju (June-August) is warm and humid, with average temperatures above 20°C, reaching 30°C in July and August. This is also the rainiest period, especially July, when the number of wet days reaches 18. Therefore, light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics (cotton, linen) will be the most comfortable. Be sure to bring a good umbrella or raincoat. Sunscreen, headwear, and sunglasses will also come in handy for protection against the summer sun on clear days. Regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes are a must-have, as you will likely be walking a lot while exploring the city.

In general, for a trip to Cheongju, it is recommended to bring clothes that can be easily combined. Layering will allow you to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. A small backpack will be convenient for day excursions to carry water, an umbrella, and other necessary small items. Considering that precipitation is possible even in drier months, a compact umbrella or a light waterproof jacket may prove useful at any time of the year.