The best times to visit South Korea for ideal weather are
April 23rd to July 1st
or
September 3rd to October 28th
based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Read below for more weather and travel details.
South Korea Travel Guide
Other South Korea Travel Info
Weather in South Korea
Temperature
Average temperatures in South Korea vary drastically. Considering humidity, temperatures feel cold for about half of the year and otherwise nice with a low chance of precipitation most of the year. The area is somewhat temperate — in the 45th percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above. If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit South Korea, the hottest months are August, July, and then June. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally early August where highs are regularly around 86.8°F (30.4°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 73.7°F (23.2°C) at night.
South Korea Temperatures (Fahrenheit)
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South Korea Temperatures (Celsius)
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“Feels-Like” Temperatures
The way we experience weather isn’t all about temperature. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person.
South Korea Perceived Temperature (F)
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South Korea Perceived Temperature (C)
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Average South Korea Temperatures by Month
Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night.
Show Fahrenheit
Month | Avg. High (°F) | Avg. Mean (°F) | Avg. Low (°F) |
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Jan | 37.9 | 29.5 | 20.6 |
Feb | 43.4 | 34.8 | 26.2 |
Mar | 52.1 | 42.9 | 33.5 |
Apr | 62.8 | 52.8 | 43 |
May | 73.6 | 63.7 | 54.1 |
Jun | 79.4 | 71 | 63.6 |
Jul | 83.1 | 76.3 | 70.8 |
Aug | 84.4 | 77.2 | 71.4 |
Sep | 77.8 | 69.1 | 61.7 |
Oct | 69 | 58.8 | 49.7 |
Nov | 55 | 46.3 | 38.1 |
Dec | 40.9 | 32.9 | 24.6 |
Show Celsius
Month | Avg. High (°C) | Avg. Mean (°C) | Avg. Low (°C) |
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Jan | 3.3 | -1.4 | -6.3 |
Feb | 6.3 | 1.6 | -3.2 |
Mar | 11.2 | 6.1 | 0.8 |
Apr | 17.1 | 11.6 | 6.1 |
May | 23.1 | 17.6 | 12.3 |
Jun | 26.3 | 21.7 | 17.6 |
Jul | 28.4 | 24.6 | 21.6 |
Aug | 29.1 | 25.1 | 21.9 |
Sep | 25.4 | 20.6 | 16.5 |
Oct | 20.6 | 14.9 | 9.8 |
Nov | 12.8 | 7.9 | 3.4 |
Dec | 4.9 | 0.5 | -4.1 |
Precipitation (Rain or Snow)
If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in South Korea are January, October, and then February. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around early to mid January. For example, on the week of January 8th there are no days of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in early to mid July with an average of 2 days of significant precipitation the week of July 9th.
When can you find snow in South Korea? Weather stations report a good amount of seasonal snow likely to be deepest around February, especially close to mid April. The best time to ski (if at all) in South Korea is often around around April 16th when fresh powder is deepest. Please note that a value of 0 for snow in the graph below may either mean there was no snow, or that snow is unreported.
Chance of Precipitation
The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in South Korea.
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Snow on the Ground
The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in South Korea (in).
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Average Rain and Snow by Month
Show Inches
Month | Daily Chance of Rain | Average Snow Depth (in) | Total Precipitation (in) |
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Jan | 6% | 2 | 0.7 |
Feb | 8% | 2.2 | 1.2 |
Mar | 11% | 1.7 | 1.8 |
Apr | 13% | 1 | 2.5 |
May | 10% | 0 | 2.4 |
Jun | 12% | 0 | 3.1 |
Jul | 21% | 0 | 7.5 |
Aug | 20% | 0 | 6.3 |
Sep | 13% | 0 | 3.8 |
Oct | 7% | 0 | 1.5 |
Nov | 11% | 1.4 | 1.7 |
Dec | 9% | 1.9 | 1 |
Show Centimeters
Month | Daily Chance of Rain | Average Snow Depth (cm) | Total Precipitation (cm) |
---|---|---|---|
Jan | 6 | 5.1 | 1.8 |
Feb | 8 | 5.6 | 3 |
Mar | 11 | 4.3 | 4.6 |
Apr | 13 | 2.5 | 6.4 |
May | 10 | 0 | 6.1 |
Jun | 12 | 0 | 7.9 |
Jul | 21 | 0 | 19.1 |
Aug | 20 | 0 | 16 |
Sep | 13 | 0 | 9.7 |
Oct | 7 | 0 | 3.8 |
Nov | 11 | 3.6 | 4.3 |
Dec | 9 | 4.8 | 2.5 |
Humidity and Wind
South Korea has some very humid months, with other moderately humid months on the other side of the year. The least humid month is March (48.3% relative humidity), and the most humid month is July (74.9%).
Wind in South Korea is usually calm. The windiest month is March, followed by April and December. March’s average wind speed of around 5.3 knots (6.1 MPH or 9.9 KPH) is considered “a light breeze.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in early April where average top sustained speeds reach 11.3 knots, which is considered a moderate breeze.
Relative Humidity (%)
The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in South Korea.
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Wind
The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots.
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Average Wind Speeds
Show Wind Speeds
All wind speeds are in knots. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH.
Month | Avg. Wind | Avg. Wind Feel | Sustained High Wind | High Wind Feel |
Jan | 4.8 | Light breeze | 9.4 | Gentle breeze |
Feb | 4.7 | Light breeze | 9.3 | Gentle breeze |
Mar | 5.3 | Light breeze | 10.7 | Gentle breeze |
Apr | 5.2 | Light breeze | 10.8 | Gentle breeze |
May | 4.6 | Light breeze | 9.5 | Gentle breeze |
Jun | 4.1 | Light breeze | 8.4 | Gentle breeze |
Jul | 4.3 | Light breeze | 8.6 | Gentle breeze |
Aug | 4.1 | Light breeze | 8.2 | Gentle breeze |
Sep | 3.8 | Barely noticeable | 7.7 | Gentle breeze |
Oct | 3.9 | Barely noticeable | 8.1 | Gentle breeze |
Nov | 4.6 | Light breeze | 9.4 | Gentle breeze |
Dec | 5 | Light breeze | 9.7 | Gentle breeze |
Show Relative Humidity by Month
Month | Avg. Relative Humidity |
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Jan | 49.3% |
Feb | 49% |
Mar | 48.3% |
Apr | 49.9% |
May | 53.9% |
Jun | 65.2% |
Jul | 74.9% |
Aug | 73.4% |
Sep | 68.3% |
Oct | 60.3% |
Nov | 56.7% |
Dec | 52.3% |
Is it Safe to Travel to South Korea?
Our best data indicates this area is generally safe. As of Dec 04, 2023 there are no travel advisories or warnings for South Korea; exercise normal security precautions. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. This advisory was last updated on Oct 30, 2023.
The Busiest and Least Crowded Months
The busiest month for tourism in South Korea is January, followed by May and April. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit South Korea in December. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.
Estimated Tourism by Month
Most Popular Months to Visit
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Overall South Korea Travel Experience by Season
Spring (March through May)
Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel moderately cold. Highs range from 76.6°F (24.8°C) and 47.9°F (8.8°C) with far warmer temperatures in the later months. Rain is rare with 3 to 4 days of significant precipitation per month. Spring is the busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do.
Summer (June through August)
The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are comfortable. These months see the most precipitation with 4 to 6 days of precipitation per month. June – August is fairly slow season for tourism in South Korea, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly less.
Fall (September through November)
Fall daily highs range from 79.7°F (26.5°C) and 49.3°F (9.6°C), which will feel comfortable given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a normal amount: 2 to 4 days per month. Tourism is the slowest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be affordably priced.
Winter (December through February)
Weather is far too cold this time of year in South Korea to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 47.9°F (8.8°C) and 36°F (2.2°C). On average, it rains or snows a smalll amount: 2 to 3 times per month. These times of year are the second busiest with tourists.
Best Times to Travel › South Korea