When is the best time to visit South Korea? The best periods are spring (April to May) and autumn (late September to early November): dry weather, mild temperatures and landscapes at their best, with cherry blossoms in spring and red maples in autumn. Summer is hot, humid and very rainy, and winter is cold and dry, especially in Seoul. To place Seoul and the other stops, open our map of South Korea.
Safety: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 14 May 2026), the demilitarised zone (DMZ) separates North Korea and South Korea; peace has been maintained under an armistice agreement, but no formal peace treaty has ever been signed. If you are in the area of the DMZ, exercise caution and follow the advice of the local authorities. Check the official travel advice before any excursion toward the DMZ.
The country has four clearly marked seasons, more contrasted than in much of Western Europe. The key thing to know is the summer rainy season, called jangma, followed by a risk of typhoons. Here is how to choose your dates, based on the official 1991–2020 climate normals of the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA).
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When to go to South Korea at a glance
- Best times April–May and late September to early November
- Cherry blossoms usually late March to mid-April, first on Jeju and in the south, then in Seoul
- Autumn leaves usually mid-October to early November, first in the mountains
- Rainy season (jangma) roughly late June to late July; July and August each top 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain in Seoul
- Typhoons the typhoon season normally runs from June to November, according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 14 May 2026)
- Winter December to February, dry but cold, with an average low of −5.5 °C (22 °F) in January in Seoul
- Entry rules depend on your nationality and can change; see the entry requirements for South Korea in our country guide
When to go to South Korea by priority
- Best weather: April–May and late September to early November; October is the most recommended month (52 mm (2.0 in) of rain in Seoul)
- Cheapest: January–February outside the Lunar New Year, March and June
- Fewest crowds: January and February, outside Seollal; in spring, May after the blossom season
- Events: cherry blossoms from late March to mid-April, Buddha’s Birthday in April or May, Chuseok in September or early October, autumn leaves from mid-October to early November
- Other destinations: see our ideas for where to go in October
South Korea: the calendar at a glance
✅ Best months: April, may, October, November
❌ Period to avoid: January, July, August
South Korea weather and climate month by month
The table below gives the normals for Seoul, the arrival point for most trips and representative of the north-west of the country. Busan, Daegu (near Gyeongju) and Jeju are compared further down. For the volcanic island in the south, see our guide to visiting Jeju.
| Month | Avg. max | Avg. min | Rain | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2.1 °C (36 °F) | −5.5 °C (22 °F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | Low | Low | ❌ Dry cold, the coldest month |
| February | 5.1 °C (41 °F) | −3.2 °C (26 °F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | Low | Low (except Lunar New Year) | ⚠️ Still very cold |
| March | 11.0 °C (52 °F) | 1.9 °C (35 °F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ⚠️ Thaw, cool nights |
| April | 17.9 °C (64 °F) | 8.0 °C (46 °F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | High (cherry blossoms) | High | ✅ Spring, cherry blossoms early in the month |
| May | 23.6 °C (74 °F) | 13.5 °C (56 °F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | High | Moderate to high | ✅ Mild and bright |
| June | 27.6 °C (82 °F) | 18.7 °C (66 °F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ⚠️ Warm, jangma starts late in the month |
| July | 29.0 °C (84 °F) | 22.3 °C (72 °F) | 414 mm (16.3 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ❌ Wettest month, hot and humid |
| August | 30.0 °C (86 °F) | 22.9 °C (73 °F) | 348 mm (13.7 in) | Moderate (holidays) | High | ❌ Muggy heat, thunderstorms, typhoon risk |
| September | 26.2 °C (79 °F) | 17.7 °C (64 °F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ⚠️ Drier late in the month, typhoons possible |
| October | 20.2 °C (68 °F) | 10.6 °C (51 °F) | 52 mm (2.0 in) | High | High | ✅ The most pleasant month, autumn leaves |
| November | 11.9 °C (53 °F) | 3.5 °C (38 °F) | 51 mm (2.0 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ✅ Cool, end of the autumn colors early in the month |
| December | 4.2 °C (40 °F) | −3.4 °C (26 °F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | Low to moderate | Moderate | ⚠️ Cold, year-end illuminations |
Worth noting: more than half of Seoul’s annual rainfall falls in July and August (762 mm (30.0 in) over these two months). Conversely, from November to March, less than 55 mm (2.2 in) falls per month. Winter is therefore cold but generally sunny.
South Korea’s seasons: pros and cons
Spring (April to mid-June): cherry blossoms and mild weather
After a still-cool March, April marks the real start of spring: an average high of 17.9 °C (64 °F) in Seoul, and 23.6 °C (74 °F) in May. The cherry trees bloom from south to north, usually from late March on Jeju and in the south, and around early April in Seoul. Bloom dates vary every year: the Korea Meteorological Administration publishes forecasts at the start of spring. Since the blossom in early April in Seoul needs early planning, our Seoul travel guide helps you organize your stay around it.
- Pros: ideal temperatures for city walks and hiking, cherry blossoms and azaleas, rainfall still moderate in April in Seoul
- Cons: heavy crowds and higher prices during the blossom season; fine-dust episodes are frequent in spring
- Our tip: May is as pleasant as April, with slightly fewer people after the blossom
Summer (late June to mid-September): jangma, heat and typhoons
The summer rainy season, the jangma, usually begins around late June and lasts about a month. It is followed by intense humid heat in August (an average high of 30 °C (86 °F) in Seoul and 31.3 °C (88 °F) in Daegu) and thunderstorms. According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 14 May 2026), the typhoon season normally runs from June to November; in Seoul, typhoons mostly mean heavy rain and gusts.
- Pros: beach season (Busan, Jeju), very green mountains, summer festivals
- Cons: very heavy rainfall (414 mm (16.3 in) in July in Seoul), muggy heat, risk of floods and landslides, flights and ferries disrupted by typhoons
- Who is it for? Travelers tied to school holiday dates, who focus on city sightseeing (museums, palaces, covered districts)
Autumn (late September to November): the favorite season
Once the typhoon season has passed, the air turns dry and the sky clears. October is often considered the ideal month: 20.2 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon in Seoul, and only 52 mm (2.0 in) of rain. The leaves turn red first at altitude, notably in Seoraksan National Park, then spread south and into the cities until early November.
- Pros: stable, sunny weather, autumn colors, ideal hiking, many festivals
- Cons: heavy crowds in the national parks on weekends, high demand on transport during Chuseok (the harvest festival)
- Good to know: in November, nights turn cold again in Seoul (an average low of 3.5 °C (38 °F))
Winter (December to February): dry cold and skiing
Winter is harsh in the north of the country: in Seoul, the average low falls to −5.5 °C (22 °F) in January and the average high does not exceed 2.1 °C (36 °F). The south is milder: 8.2 °C (47 °F) in the afternoon in Busan and 8.6 °C (47 °F) on Jeju in January.
- Pros: often clear skies, few tourists and low prices outside the holidays, ski resorts in Gangwon Province, winter food
- Cons: biting cold, short days, less colorful landscapes
- Who is it for? Skiers and travelers focused on Seoul, food and culture, who are well equipped against the cold
When to go to South Korea by region
The country is small, but the climate varies between the north-west (Seoul), the interior (Daegu, Gyeongju), the south-east coast (Busan) and the island of Jeju. Comparison of the normals for four cities:
| Month | Seoul | Daegu (near Gyeongju) | Busan | Jeju (city) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2.1 °C (36 °F) / 17 mm (0.7 in) | 5.9 °C (43 °F) / 19 mm (0.7 in) | 8.2 °C (47 °F) / 35 mm (1.4 in) | 8.6 °C (47 °F) / 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| February | 5.1 °C (41 °F) / 28 mm (1.1 in) | 8.8 °C (48 °F) / 25 mm (1.0 in) | 10.2 °C (50 °F) / 50 mm (2.0 in) | 9.9 °C (50 °F) / 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| March | 11.0 °C (52 °F) / 37 mm (1.5 in) | 14.2 °C (58 °F) / 49 mm (1.9 in) | 13.8 °C (57 °F) / 90 mm (3.5 in) | 13.3 °C (56 °F) / 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| April | 17.9 °C (64 °F) / 73 mm (2.9 in) | 20.6 °C (69 °F) / 71 mm (2.8 in) | 18.2 °C (65 °F) / 141 mm (5.6 in) | 18.0 °C (64 °F) / 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| May | 23.6 °C (74 °F) / 104 mm (4.1 in) | 25.7 °C (78 °F) / 78 mm (3.1 in) | 22.0 °C (72 °F) / 156 mm (6.1 in) | 22.1 °C (72 °F) / 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| June | 27.6 °C (82 °F) / 130 mm (5.1 in) | 28.7 °C (84 °F) / 129 mm (5.1 in) | 24.6 °C (76 °F) / 188 mm (7.4 in) | 24.9 °C (77 °F) / 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| July | 29.0 °C (84 °F) / 414 mm (16.3 in) | 30.8 °C (87 °F) / 224 mm (8.8 in) | 27.5 °C (82 °F) / 327 mm (12.9 in) | 29.3 °C (85 °F) / 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| August | 30.0 °C (86 °F) / 348 mm (13.7 in) | 31.3 °C (88 °F) / 245 mm (9.6 in) | 29.5 °C (85 °F) / 267 mm (10.5 in) | 30.1 °C (86 °F) / 272 mm (10.7 in) |
| September | 26.2 °C (79 °F) / 142 mm (5.6 in) | 27.0 °C (81 °F) / 142 mm (5.6 in) | 26.4 °C (80 °F) / 161 mm (6.3 in) | 26.1 °C (79 °F) / 228 mm (9.0 in) |
| October | 20.2 °C (68 °F) / 52 mm (2.0 in) | 22.0 °C (72 °F) / 50 mm (2.0 in) | 22.5 °C (73 °F) / 80 mm (3.1 in) | 21.6 °C (71 °F) / 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| November | 11.9 °C (53 °F) / 51 mm (2.0 in) | 14.9 °C (59 °F) / 30 mm (1.2 in) | 16.6 °C (62 °F) / 50 mm (2.0 in) | 16.4 °C (62 °F) / 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| December | 4.2 °C (40 °F) / 23 mm (0.9 in) | 7.9 °C (46 °F) / 19 mm (0.7 in) | 10.4 °C (51 °F) / 34 mm (1.3 in) | 11.0 °C (52 °F) / 56 mm (2.2 in) |
Seoul and the north-west
The most contrasted climate: icy winters and very rainy summers. The best windows are April–May and late September to early November. In July–August, the capital remains visitable thanks to its museums, underground shopping arcades and subway, but plan for rainy days.
Gyeongju, Daegu and the interior
Daegu, the large city closest to Gyeongju, has the hottest summers of these four cities (31.3 °C (88 °F) average high in August) and dry, cold winters. Gyeongju, the former capital of the Silla kingdom, is best explored on foot and by bike: aim for April, when the cherry trees bloom, or October.
Busan and the south-east coast
Milder than Seoul in winter (8.2 °C (47 °F) average high in January), Busan is also wetter in spring (141 mm (5.6 in) in April, 156 mm (6.1 in) in May). The beach season, at Haeundae or Gwangalli, corresponds to summer, which is also typhoon season. The best compromise runs from late September to November.
Jeju Island
Jeju has the mildest winter (3.7 °C (39 °F) average low in January), but it is also the wettest: it has between 7 and 13 rainy days a month. August and September top 220 mm (8.7 in) there, with a typhoon risk. The best periods are April–May (cherry blossoms, rapeseed fields) and October.
Region-by-region summary: the right month depending on the part of the country you are heading to (KMA normals quoted above).
| Month | Seoul | Gyeongju and Daegu | Busan | Jeju |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | ❌ Dry cold | ⚠️ Dry and cold | ⚠️ Mild (8 °C (46 °F)) | ⚠️ Mild winter, wet |
| February | ⚠️ Very cold | ⚠️ Dry and cold | ⚠️ Mild | ⚠️ Mild winter, wet |
| March | ⚠️ Thaw | ⚠️ Mild | ⚠️ Cherry blossoms late in the month | ⚠️ First cherry blossoms |
| April | ✅ Cherry blossoms | ✅ Cherry blossoms | ⚠️ Cherry blossoms, rain | ✅ Cherry blossoms, rapeseed |
| May | ✅ Mild | ✅ Mild | ⚠️ Rainy | ✅ Mild |
| June | ⚠️ Jangma late in the month | ⚠️ Warm, rain | ⚠️ Rainy | ⚠️ Rain |
| July | ❌ Wettest | ❌ Heat, rain | ❌ Very rainy, typhoons | ⚠️ Beach, typhoons possible |
| August | ❌ Muggy heat | ❌ Hottest (31.3 °C (88 °F)) | ⚠️ Beach, typhoons possible | ❌ Rain, typhoons |
| September | ⚠️ Typhoons possible | ⚠️ Rain | ⚠️ Typhoons possible | ❌ Rain, typhoons |
| October | ✅ Most pleasant | ✅ Ideal | ✅ Best compromise | ✅ Ideal |
| November | ✅ End of the colors | ✅ Dry | ✅ Mild | ⚠️ Moderate rain |
| December | ⚠️ Cold | ⚠️ Dry cold | ⚠️ Mild and dry | ⚠️ Mild, wet |
✅ favorable conditions, ⚠️ possible with reservations, ❌ best avoided. Summary based on the normals quoted on this page and the regional advice above.
When to go to South Korea by trip type
| Your trip | Best time | Where? |
|---|---|---|
| First trip (Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan) | April–May, late September to early November | Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan |
| Cherry blossoms | Late March to mid-April depending on region and year | Jeju, Busan, Gyeongju, Seoul |
| Autumn leaves | Mid-October to early November | Seoraksan, Seoul palaces |
| Hiking | May, October | Seoraksan, Bukhansan, Hallasan (Jeju) |
| Beach | July–August (accepting the typhoon risk) | Busan, Jeju |
| Skiing and winter sports | December to February | Gangwon Province |
| Budget | January–February outside Lunar New Year, March, June | Seoul, Busan |
| Family trip | Spring and autumn holiday periods | Seoul, Gyeongju, Jeju |
| Honeymoon | May, October | Seoul, Gyeongju, Jeju |
Major events to plan your trip around
| Period | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Late January or February (depending on the lunar calendar) | Seollal, Lunar New Year (packed transport, some businesses closed) | Nationwide |
| Late March to mid-April | Cherry blossoms and related festivals | Jeju, the south, Seoul |
| April or May (depending on the lunar calendar) | Buddha’s Birthday, lanterns in the temples | Seoul and temples across the country |
| September or early October (depending on the lunar calendar) | Chuseok, harvest festival (heavy transport demand) | Nationwide |
| Mid-October to early November | Autumn leaves | National parks, Seoul palaces |
South Korea month by month: what to expect
January: The coldest month: an average low of −5.5 °C (22 °F) in Seoul, often clear skies. A good month for skiing and for prices, provided you are well equipped.
February: Still cold in the north, milder in Busan and on Jeju. The Lunar New Year often falls this month: avoid traveling on those days.
March: Gradual thaw (11 °C (52 °F) in the afternoon in Seoul). The first cherry trees may bloom on Jeju and in the south late in the month. Fine dust possible.
April: Cherry blossoms across most of the country, mild temperatures. High season: book early.
May: One of the best months: 23.6 °C (74 °F) in Seoul, green countryside. Ideal for hiking and for Jeju.
June: It is warm (27.6 °C (82 °F) in Seoul) and the jangma usually arrives late in the month. The first half remains a good option.
July: The wettest month in Seoul (414 mm (16.3 in)) and in Busan (327 mm (12.9 in)). Humid heat, typhoon risk: favor indoor visits.
August: Still very wet and the hottest of the year (30 °C (86 °F) in Seoul, 31.3 °C (88 °F) in Daegu). Beach season, but typhoons are possible, especially in the south.
September: Rainfall drops sharply late in the month. Typhoons still possible, and Chuseok falls in September in some years. Prices fall before October.
October: The most recommended month: dry (52 mm (2.0 in) in Seoul), 20 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon, first red leaves in the mountains.
November: End of the autumn colors in the cities early in the month, then the cold sets in. Fewer people, good value.
December: Cold and dry, year-end illuminations in Seoul. The ski season starts in Gangwon Province.
When to book your trip to South Korea
For April (cherry blossoms) and October (autumn), book your flights and accommodation 3 to 5 months ahead. During Seollal and Chuseok, KTX trains and buses are taken by storm: buy your domestic tickets early, or avoid traveling on those days. In winter and in June, 1 to 2 months is generally enough.
Planning your trip to South Korea
- Entry requirements: rules depend on your nationality and can change; see the entry requirements for South Korea in our country guide and check them with official sources before you leave.
- Time difference: South Korea is UTC+9 and does not use daylight saving time: 9 hours ahead of London in winter and 8 in summer; 14 hours ahead of New York in winter and 13 in summer.
- Currency: the South Korean won (KRW). Cards are very widely accepted. Use our currency converter to estimate your budget.
- Health: at least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest vaccine recommendations for South Korea; air pollution, including yellow dust, is common, especially in spring, so follow local media reports and the KMA website, and expect many residents to stay indoors or wear face masks on high-concentration days (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 14 May 2026).
- Typhoons and heavy rain: the typhoon season normally runs from June to November. Monitor approaching storms with the Korea Meteorological Administration or call 131 in Korea for an English-language forecast, and consider the government’s Emergency Ready App, available on iOS and Android (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 14 May 2026).
To go further, see our complete South Korea travel guide. Hesitating with the neighboring country? Compare with our article on when to go to Japan: the seasons follow a similar rhythm.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit South Korea?
October is often the most favorable month: dry skies (52 mm (2.0 in) of rain in Seoul), 20 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon and autumn leaves. April and May are the other great window, with cherry blossoms in April.
When can you see the cherry blossoms in South Korea?
Usually from late March to mid-April: first on Jeju and in the south, then in Seoul around early April. Dates vary every year; the Korea Meteorological Administration publishes forecasts at the start of spring.
What is the jangma?
It is the summer rainy season, which usually begins around late June and lasts about a month. Together with the August thunderstorms, it explains the 414 mm (16.3 in) in July and 348 mm (13.7 in) in August in Seoul.
Can you visit South Korea in summer?
Yes, but expect humid heat, frequent rain and a risk of typhoons (the season normally runs from June to November, according to the UK FCDO). Plan indoor activities and some leeway in your itinerary.
Is it very cold in winter in South Korea?
In Seoul, yes: an average low of −5.5 °C (22 °F) in January and 2.1 °C (36 °F) in the afternoon. Busan and Jeju are milder, at around 8 °C (46 °F) in the afternoon. Winter is, however, dry and often sunny.
Do I need a visa or travel authorization for South Korea?
It depends on your nationality, and the rules can change. Check the entry requirements for South Korea in our country guide and confirm them on the official government websites before booking; if you apply for an authorization, use only the official site.
Is April a good time to visit South Korea?
Yes, it is one of the best months: in Seoul, the KMA normals give 17.9 °C (64 °F) in the afternoon, 8.0 °C (46 °F) at night and 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain. The cherry trees bloom early in the month, which attracts many visitors and pushes prices up: book early and pack a jacket for the evenings. See also our ideas for where to go in April.
If you are only visiting the capital, see also when to go to Seoul.
Our sources
- Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA): 1991–2020 climate normals for the Seoul, Busan, Daegu and Jeju stations
- Safety, health and weather information read on 26 October 2026: UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for South Korea (GOV.UK, updated 14 May 2026), and U.S. Department of State, South Korea country information (travel.state.gov, last updated August 11, 2025)
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
