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Living in Korea

Korea Weather & Seasons Guide

Monthly temperatures, rainfall, what to wear, and seasonal highlights — everything you need to plan for Korea's weather.

1Season Filter

2Temperature Unit

Monthly Weather Guide

January(1월)
-9°C ~ -1°C
High / Low
-1°C / -9°C
Rainfall
20mm
Humidity
55%
What to wear: Heavy padded coat (패딩/롱패딩), thermal layers, scarf, gloves, warm boots. Indoor heating is strong so dress in removable layers.
Highlights: Ski season peak. Beautiful snow scenery at palaces. Hot street food season (호떡, 붕어빵, 어묵).
February(2월)
-7°C ~ 2°C
High / Low
2°C / -7°C
Rainfall
25mm
Humidity
55%
What to wear: Heavy coat still needed. Late February may warm slightly. Layering essential.
Highlights: Seollal (Lunar New Year) celebrations. Still ski season. Cherry blossom forecasts start appearing.
March(3월)
-1°C ~ 9°C
High / Low
9°C / -1°C
Rainfall
45mm
Humidity
55%
What to wear: Medium jacket, layers. Temperature varies widely day-to-day. Yellow dust mask recommended.
Highlights: Yellow dust (황사/미세먼지) season begins. Independence Movement Day (3/1). University semester starts.
April(4월)
6°C ~ 16°C
High / Low
16°C / 6°C
Rainfall
65mm
Humidity
58%
What to wear: Light jacket, long sleeves. Comfortable walking shoes for cherry blossom viewing.
Highlights: CHERRY BLOSSOM season! Yeouido, Jinhae, Gyeongju are stunning. Best month for outdoor sightseeing.
May(5월)
12°C ~ 22°C
High / Low
22°C / 12°C
Rainfall
80mm
Humidity
62%
What to wear: T-shirts and light layers. Sunscreen starts becoming important.
Highlights: Children's Day (5/5), Buddha's Birthday lantern festivals. Perfect hiking weather. Last comfortable month before summer heat.
June(6월)
18°C ~ 27°C
High / Low
27°C / 18°C
Rainfall
130mm
Humidity
72%
What to wear: Light, breathable clothing. Umbrella essential. Humidity-friendly fabrics.
Highlights: Monsoon season (장마) begins mid-June. Hot and humid. Memorial Day (6/6). Good month for museum visits.
July(7월)
22°C ~ 29°C
High / Low
29°C / 22°C
Rainfall
350mm
Humidity
80%
What to wear: Lightest clothes, rain jacket, waterproof shoes. High UV — sunscreen and hat essential.
Highlights: Peak monsoon (장마). Heavy rainfall, occasional flooding. Beach season starts. Boryeong Mud Festival.
August(8월)
23°C ~ 30°C
High / Low
30°C / 23°C
Rainfall
280mm
Humidity
78%
What to wear: Light, moisture-wicking clothes. Sun protection. Portable fan useful.
Highlights: Hottest month — feels like 35-40°C with humidity. Liberation Day (8/15). Beach and water park season. Monsoon usually ends mid-August.
September(9월)
16°C ~ 26°C
High / Low
26°C / 16°C
Rainfall
130mm
Humidity
68%
What to wear: Light layers, long sleeves. Temperatures cool significantly by late September.
Highlights: Summer heat breaks. Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving). Autumn begins — pleasant temperatures return.
October(10월)NOW
8°C ~ 19°C
High / Low
19°C / 8°C
Rainfall
45mm
Humidity
60%
What to wear: Medium jacket, sweaters. Perfect layering weather. Comfortable walking shoes for foliage hikes.
Highlights: AUTUMN FOLIAGE peak! Seoraksan, Naejangsan, Bukhansan are spectacular. Best hiking month. Many holidays (National Foundation, Chuseok, Hangeul Day).
November(11월)
1°C ~ 10°C
High / Low
10°C / 1°C
Rainfall
50mm
Humidity
58%
What to wear: Warm coat, scarf. Winter gear needed by late November. Layers important.
Highlights: Late autumn foliage in southern regions. First cold waves arrive. Kimjang (김장) season — families make winter kimchi together.
December(12월)
-6°C ~ 2°C
High / Low
2°C / -6°C
Rainfall
20mm
Humidity
55%
What to wear: Heavy winter coat (패딩), thermal underwear, warm accessories. Similar to January.
Highlights: Christmas (couples holiday). Ski season begins. Beautiful holiday illuminations in Seoul (Cheonggyecheon, Starfield). Year-end parties (송년회).

Korea's 4 Distinct Seasons

Spring (봄) - March to May

Cherry blossoms (벚꽃) bloom from late March (Jeju) to mid-April (Seoul). Temperatures are mild but variable. Yellow dust (황사) and fine dust (미세먼지) are significant concerns — check the air quality app (에어코리아) daily and wear KF94 masks when levels are high. Despite the dust, spring is one of the most beautiful seasons for sightseeing.

Summer (여름) - June to August

Hot and humid with temperatures reaching 33-38°C (feels like 40°C+ with humidity). The monsoon season (장마) typically runs mid-June to late July with heavy rainfall. Preparation tips: portable fan (휴대용 선풍기), sunscreen, waterproof bag, and a light rain jacket. Stay hydrated — every convenience store sells iced drinks. Air conditioning is strong everywhere indoors.

Autumn (가을) - September to November

The most pleasant season. Cool, dry weather with stunning autumn foliage (단풍) peaking in mid-October to early November. Best national parks for foliage: Seoraksan (설악산), Naejangsan (내장산), Bukhansan (북한산), and Gyeongju. This is the ideal time for hiking, temple stays, and outdoor activities.

Winter (겨울) - December to February

Cold and dry with temperatures dropping to -10 to -15°C. Snowfall is common but usually light in Seoul. Ondol (온돌) floor heating keeps Korean apartments very warm — you may find yourself wearing shorts indoors. Must-haves: a long padded coat (롱패딩, Korea's signature winter gear), thermal underwear (내복), and hand warmers (핫팩, ₩500 at convenience stores).

Packing Guide by Season

SpringLight jacket, layers, comfortable walking shoes, KF94 masks for yellow dust, allergy medicine, sunglasses, umbrella
SummerLight breathable clothes, rain jacket, waterproof shoes, sunscreen SPF50+, hat, portable fan, mosquito repellent, deodorant (hard to find in Korea)
AutumnMedium jacket, sweaters, layers, hiking boots (if planning mountain visits), camera for foliage, light scarf
WinterHeavy padded coat (or buy 롱패딩 in Korea for ~₩100-300K), thermal underwear, warm boots, gloves, scarf, beanie, lip balm, hand cream
✓Updated for 2026Last reviewed October 6, 2026See what changed

Written and reviewed by Taeyang Kim · Rates and thresholds are taken directly from the official notices of Korea's National Tax Service, National Pension Service, National Health Insurance Service, Ministry of Employment and Labor, and Minimum Wage Commission. Results are non-binding estimates for reference only and may differ from the actual amount depending on your circumstances. Found a mistake? Tell us through Contact.