KcationKorea month by month
The best months to visit Korea are April–May and late September–November — mild weather, cherry blossoms in spring and golden leaves in autumn. Here's what each month is like in Seoul and what's worth doing, from ski trips in January to Christmas lights in December.
January
Seoul avg. high / low: 2°C / -6°C
Coldest month — ski, snow festivals and cozy food.
- Ski and snowboard in Gangwon-do (Pyeongchang, Jeongseon)
- Winter festivals on frozen rivers, such as ice fishing in Hwacheon (usually January)
- The Seoul Lantern Festival on Cheonggyecheon usually runs into January
Tip: Layer up and carry heat packs; indoor places are very warm.
February
Seoul avg. high / low: 5°C / -4°C
Still winter; Lunar New Year (Seollal) often falls this month.
- Seollal holidays: palaces and folk villages hold traditional games — but many shops close and trains sell out
- Last weeks of ski season
- Early camellias in Jeju
Tip: Check the Seollal dates before booking — the holiday moves each year with the lunar calendar.
March
Seoul avg. high / low: 11°C / 1°C
Spring arrives from the south — first flowers, fewer crowds.
- Yellow canola fields in Jeju
- Plum and early cherry blossoms in the south (Gwangyang, Jinhae — usually late March to early April)
- New-season K-beauty launches and spring sales
Tip: Mornings are still cold — bring a warm jacket.
April
Seoul avg. high / low: 18°C / 7°C
Cherry blossom season — one of the most beautiful (and busiest) months.
- Cherry blossoms in Seoul, usually early April (Yeouido, Seokchon Lake)
- Azaleas and forsythia on hills and palace grounds
- Picnics and bike rides along the Han River
Tip: Fine dust (yellow dust) can be high in spring — check the air quality and pack a mask.
May
Seoul avg. high / low: 24°C / 13°C
Warm, green and festive — many say the best month to visit.
- Lotus Lantern Festival before Buddha's Birthday (lantern parade in Seoul)
- Roses and outdoor festivals; university festivals with K-pop stages
- Perfect weather for hiking (Bukhansan) and day trips
Tip: Early-May holidays (Children's Day) make trains and hotels busy — book ahead.
June
Seoul avg. high / low: 28°C / 18°C
Early summer — long days before the rainy season.
- Hydrangeas in Jeju
- Han River night markets and riverside picnics
- Rainy season (jangma) usually starts in late June
Tip: Plan outdoor days early in the month; carry a small umbrella later.
July
Seoul avg. high / low: 29°C / 22°C
Monsoon then heat — plan indoor fun and beach days.
- Boryeong Mud Festival on the west coast (usually July)
- Summer sales at department stores and Olive Young
- Cool down with naengmyeon and bingsu
Tip: Humidity is high; museums, malls and cafés are well air-conditioned.
Naengmyeon guide →August
Seoul avg. high / low: 30°C / 23°C
Hottest month — beaches, night views and summer festivals.
- Busan beaches (Haeundae, Gwangalli) and night views
- Observation decks and night markets in the cooler evenings
- Valley and island escapes (Gangwon, Jeju)
Tip: Korean school holidays — book Busan and Jeju hotels early.
Seoul Sky night view →September
Seoul avg. high / low: 26°C / 18°C
Heat breaks, skies clear — Chuseok often falls in September or early October.
- Chuseok (Korean thanksgiving): hanbok events at palaces, but many restaurants close
- Comfortable weather for walking tours and hanok villages
- Night views and rooftop bars
Tip: Check the Chuseok dates — trains sell out and some sights close on the day itself.
October
Seoul avg. high / low: 20°C / 10°C
Peak autumn — clear skies, fireworks, film festivals and the first red leaves.
- Seoul International Fireworks Festival over the Han River (usually early October)
- Busan International Film Festival (usually early October)
- Autumn leaves start in the mountains (Seoraksan) and reach Seoul's ginkgo trees late in the month
Tip: One of the busiest months — reserve popular restaurants and hotels early.
When ginkgo leaves turn yellow →November
This monthSeoul avg. high / low: 12°C / 3°C
Last golden leaves, big sales, kimjang season and the first ski slopes.
- Ginkgo and maple leaves in early November
- Duty-free and K-Sale festivals; Christmas lights from mid-November
- Kimjang (kimchi-making) season and hot stews
Tip: Temperatures drop fast — pack a warm coat for late November.
Full November guide →December
Seoul avg. high / low: 4°C / -3°C
Christmas lights, lantern festival, ski season and year-end countdowns.
- Christmas displays at department stores (Myeongdong, Yeouido)
- Seoul Lantern Festival on Cheonggyecheon (usually from mid-December)
- New Year's Eve bell-ringing at Bosingak and countdown events
Tip: The Korea Grand Sale for foreign visitors has started in mid-December in recent years — look for tourist discounts.
The Hyundai Seoul guide →Festival dates change every year — check the official schedule before you book. Temperatures are rounded Seoul averages. · Last updated:
FAQ
What is the best month to visit Korea?
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Spring (April–May) and autumn (late September–November) have the most comfortable weather. April brings cherry blossoms, May is warm and green, October has clear skies and festivals, and early November has the last golden ginkgo leaves. Summer (July–August) is hot and humid, and winter (December–February) is cold but good for skiing and Christmas lights.
When is the cheapest time to visit Korea?
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Flights and hotels are usually cheaper in the cold months outside holidays (January–early March, except Lunar New Year) and in the rainy season. Avoid Seollal, Chuseok, early May and the August school holidays if you want lower prices.
When does it snow in Seoul?
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Seoul's first snow often comes in late November or December, and January is the coldest month. For reliable snow, go to the ski areas in Gangwon-do from December to February.