Weather overview
Сеул experiences four distinct seasons, each offering a different atmosphere for travelers. Winters here are cold and dry, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, while summers bring warmth, humidity, and frequent rain. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable times to visit Сеул, with mild temperatures and lower chances of precipitation.
In Сеул, January and February are the coldest months, with occasional snowfall, while July and August mark the peak of the rainy season. The transition months—April, May, September, and October—are ideal for outdoor activities, as the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. If you prefer avoiding crowds, visiting Сеул in November or March can be a quieter alternative with pleasant conditions.
Temperature
Temperatures in Сеул vary significantly throughout the year. In winter, the average highs reach 3.5 °C in January, while nighttime lows can drop to -4.5 °C. By March, the weather begins to warm, with averages rising to 7.8 °C, and by May, daytime temperatures often reach a comfortable 24 °C.
Summer in Сеул is hot, with July and August seeing highs of 30.3 °C and 31.1 °C, respectively. Evenings remain warm, rarely falling below 23.8 °C. The heat starts to ease in September, with temperatures gradually cooling to 22.7 °C on average. By November, Сеул enters a crisp autumn phase, with highs around 13.2 °C and lows near 4.2 °C.
| Month | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4.5 | 3.5 |
| February | -2.6 | 6.2 |
| March | 3.4 | 13.4 |
| April | 8.9 | 19 |
| May | 13.8 | 24 |
| June | 19.5 | 28.3 |
| July | 23.8 | 30.3 |
| August | 24.3 | 31.1 |
| September | 19.1 | 27.1 |
| October | 11 | 20.2 |
| November | 4.2 | 13.2 |
| December | -3.6 | 4.2 |
Precipitation
Rainfall in Сеул is unevenly distributed across the year. The driest months are January and February, with just 28.2 mm and 29.1 mm of precipitation, respectively. From March, rainfall increases, peaking dramatically in July and August, when Сеул receives 378.1 mm and 384 mm of rain. These months often bring heavy downpours and occasional storms.
The rainy season in Сеул tapers off in September, though the month still sees 147.5 mm of precipitation. By October, conditions become drier, with rainfall dropping to 56.6 mm. If you prefer dry weather, visiting Сеул between October and February will minimize the chances of rain disrupting your plans.
| Month | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| January | 28.2 |
| February | 29.1 |
| March | 42.4 |
| April | 64.6 |
| May | 104.9 |
| June | 138.5 |
| July | 378.1 |
| August | 384 |
| September | 147.5 |
| October | 56.6 |
| November | 87.9 |
| December | 33.7 |
What to pack
For a winter trip to Сеул, pack warm layers, including a heavy coat, gloves, and a scarf, as temperatures can fall below 0 °C from December to February. Waterproof footwear is also useful if there’s snow. In contrast, summer visits require lightweight, breathable clothing, along with an umbrella or rain jacket to handle sudden downpours in July and August.
Spring and autumn in Сеул call for versatile outfits. In April and May, light jackets or sweaters are ideal for daytime temperatures around 19 °C, while evenings can be cool. For September and October, layers are key, as days may be warm (20–27 °C) but nights can turn chilly. Comfortable walking shoes are a must year-round, especially if you plan to explore Сеул’s parks and streets.
| Month | Wind speed |
|---|---|
| January | 2.5 |
| February | 2.7 |
| March | 2.7 |
| April | 2.7 |
| May | 2.5 |
| June | 2.4 |
| July | 2.4 |
| August | 2.4 |
| September | 2.5 |
| October | 2.3 |
| November | 2.3 |
| December | 2.4 |