Weather in Seoul

Stay up to date with the latest weather conditions in the city of Seoul. Below you will find current data, forecasts, and useful weather charts to make your stay in the capital of South Korea as comfortable as possible.

The climate in Seoul is characterized as temperate, with four distinct seasons, each offering unique weather conditions. Travellers can expect significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, so it is important to consider the season when planning a trip to the capital of South Korea.

Winters (December-February) in Seoul are generally cold and relatively dry, with average temperatures below freezing, especially in January. Spring (March-May) brings gradual warming, with pleasant daytime temperatures and an increase in sunny days. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid, with peak temperatures in July and August. These summer months see the highest amount of rainfall, indicating the presence of the summer monsoon or rainy season. Autumn (September-November) is considered one of the best times to visit Seoul thanks to the mild, comfortable weather and colourful landscapes.

Overall, the weather in Seoul offers variety, from frosty winter days to sultry summer periods. The most notable feature is the summer rainy season, which brings significant rainfall, especially in July and August. During the rest of the year, rainfall is moderate, making spring and autumn particularly attractive for tourism.

The temperature regime in Seoul demonstrates clearly defined seasonality with substantial fluctuations throughout the year. The coldest month is January, when the average temperature drops to -2.2°C, and nightly lows can reach -6.7°C. Daytime temperatures in January rarely rise above 2.3°C. In contrast, the peak heat occurs in August, with an average temperature of 26.1°C. During this period, daytime highs often reach 29.3°C, while nights remain warm with a minimum temperature of around 22.8°C. July is also very warm with similar figures; its average temperature is 25.7°C.

The summer months in Seoul, especially July and August, are characterized by consistently high temperatures. Daily average values during this period confidently exceed 25°C. During the day, the air warms up to an average of 28-29°C, and nights bring only slight relief, with temperatures rarely dropping below 22°C. June, with an average temperature of 22.2°C, is a transitional month to the summer heat, with daytime highs reaching 26.6°C. This period is often accompanied by high humidity, which intensifies the sensation of heat.

Winter in Seoul, covering December, January, and February, brings frosty weather. Monthly average temperatures in December (-1.2°C) and January (-2.2°C) consistently stay below freezing. Night frosts are a common occurrence, with temperatures falling to -5°C and even -7°C. During the day, the thermometer hovers around the zero mark or rises a few degrees higher. February marks a gradual transition to spring, with an average temperature of 0.5°C, although nightly lows can still be negative (averaging -4.1°C). Overall, Seoul is characterized by noticeable daily temperature fluctuations, especially in the off-season. For example, in April, the difference between night (7.1°C) and day (17.3°C) temperatures is about 10°C, and a similar pattern is observed in October (from 9.5°C to 18.9°C).

Precipitation distribution in Seoul has a clearly defined seasonal character. The wettest period is summer, especially July and August, when the city is under the influence of monsoons. Conversely, winter months, as well as early spring, are characterized by the least amount of precipitation. Thus, the rainiest months are considered to be July (an average of 9 mm of precipitation and 17 days with precipitation) and August (8 mm and 16 days respectively). Meanwhile, December, January, February, and March are the driest, with a figure of just 1 mm of precipitation and 4-5 days with it in each of these months.

The summer rainy season in Seoul usually covers the period from June to September. The peak of precipitation, as already mentioned, falls in July and August, when intense downpours are frequent. In June and September, an increased amount of precipitation is also observed (4-5 mm) and about 10 rainy days, serving as the harbinger and conclusion of the main wet season. Travellers planning a visit to Seoul at this time should be prepared for frequent and sometimes heavy rains.

In winter (December-February) and early spring (March), dry weather sets in in Seoul. During these months, a minimal amount of precipitation falls – only about 1 mm, while the number of days with precipitation does not exceed 4-5. Considering that average temperatures in December and January drop below freezing, this rare precipitation most likely falls in the form of light snow. In spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November), the amount of precipitation is moderate: April, October, and November bring about 2 mm of precipitation and 6-7 days with it, while in May the amount of precipitation rises to 4 mm with 8 rainy days, transitioning smoothly to the summer rainy season.

When planning a trip to Seoul, it is important to choose your wardrobe correctly to feel comfortable in any weather. Since the climate in the capital of South Korea has four distinct seasons, your luggage will depend directly on the time of year. Regardless of the season, be sure to bring comfortable shoes, as you will be walking a lot while exploring the city. The principle of layering in clothing will also be your best friend, allowing you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day and when moving between the street and air-conditioned rooms.

In summer (June-August), it is hot and humid in Seoul, with peak rainfall in July and August, so light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics, sunscreen, headwear, and a reliable umbrella or raincoat will become a necessity. In winter (December-February), the weather is cold, with average temperatures below freezing, but there is little precipitation. You will need warm outerwear (a down jacket or coat), sweaters, thermal underwear, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. Although snow is infrequent, be prepared for frosty weather, especially in January.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are considered the most pleasant seasons for visiting Seoul. The weather at this time is generally mild but can be changeable. In spring, it is worth taking a light jacket or trench coat, sweaters and cardigans, as well as an umbrella in case of spring rains, the amount of which increases towards May. In autumn, layered clothing will also come in handy: from T-shirts and light jumpers in September to warmer sweaters and a jacket in November. An umbrella might be needed in early autumn, but overall, there is less precipitation. Do not forget sunglasses, as there are plenty of sunny days during these seasons.