Travelling in January
Be prepared for freezing temperatures and a blanket of snow across much of South Korea during January. Temperatures in Seoul in the north of the country will range from -7°C to 3°C, whereas the southern coast is milder, with Jeju Island expecting a minimum of 5°C and a maximum of 11°C. It may be cold but it will be dry as there is very little rain in the South Korean winter.
Travelling in February
February is the coldest month of the year in South Korea and can see temperatures plummet to as low as -20°C in some hilly, inland areas such as Deogyusan National Park. Snow will blanket the landscapes, offering great skiing opportunities, especially in the peaks of Muju and Pyeongchang. Rainfall may be low but those icy temperatures are sure to be felt. Temperatures in Seoul in the north of the country will range from -9°C to 0°C, whereas the southern coast is milder, with Jeju Island expecting a minimum of 3°C and a maximum of 8°C.
Travelling in March
The long South Korean winter begins to draw to a close in March, but temperatures are still bracing and there will be plenty of snow on the ground. The coldest areas are in the mountainous interior, with the southern coast experiencing the mildest temperatures. Rainfall is low, as the winter here is relatively dry, but make sure you pack warm clothes. Temperatures in the north still dip below freezing, with Seoul ranging from -8°C to 3°C, whereas Jeju Island in the south records a slightly more bearable minimum temperature of 4°C and a maximum of 9°C.
Travelling in April
April sees the arrival of the South Korean spring. With its low rainfall, mild weather and the delightful flowering of cherry blossoms, this is one of the most popular times of year to visit South Korea. Bear in mind that the long winter is only just finishing so temperatures can still be bracing, particularly in the hills and mountains. Temperatures in the northern capital of Seoul can still dip below freezing but often hit 8°C; in the milder south Jeju Island and the southern coastline experiences average minimum temperatures of 6°C and maximums of 13°C.
Travelling in May
A strong contender for the best month of the year to visit South Korea, May offers spring blossoms, very little rainfall and mild weather that avoids the humidity and downpours of summer. Temperatures are excellent all over the country, ranging from 8°C to a balmy 17°C in the capital of Seoul. What’s more, by travelling in May you not only miss the rains, but also avoid the crowds that summer can bring.
Travelling in June
June is an ideal month of the year to visit South Korea, as spring gradually morphs into summer. The heat is rising - but it is still bearable - and the monsoon rains of July and August are yet to arrive. If you are planning to explore the great outdoors, or enjoy some time on the beach, then June is a good month to pick. You can expect average temperatures of 20-22°C and there is none of the humidity that sets in during the height of the summer.
Travelling in July
Summer is here! But summer in South Korea can bring torrential monsoon rains, so make sure you pack an umbrella. More than half of the country’s annual rainfall comes down in July and August, and July sees the brunt of it. The humidity levels can be high, and it may feel muggy and uncomfortable as the temperatures begin to creep towards the high 20s - with 27°C the likely maximum in Seoul.
Travelling in August
As the mercury rises the South Korean weather can begin to feel oppressively muggy - so you’ll be glad of all the air-conditioned spaces, breezy coastal resorts and cooler mountain air. July’s torrential monsoon rains continue throughout August, so be sure to pack your rain gear. More than half of the country’s annual rainfall comes down in July and August. The humidity levels are high and the temperatures can reach around 29°C.
Travelling in September
The worst of the summer rains disappear towards the tail-end of September and autumnal colours start to paint a very pretty picture in the countryside. September, however, is still by and large a rainy month and the temperatures can remain very high, nudging towards a maximum of 30°C. You should expect more than a few downpours and the high levels of humidity may still feel uncomfortable.
Travelling in October
With autumn painting the countryside in glorious hues of reds and oranges, October is a wonderful month to visit South Korea. The muggy, oppressive heat and rains of summer have finished, leaving in their place cool breezes, comfortable t-shirt temperatures and none of the high humidity. The weather across the country is a pleasant 15-26°C, although at night in mountainous areas it can start to feel a bit chilly, so make sure you pack some layers. Rainfall can still be expected but is less frequent and lighter than the summer monsoon downpours.
Travelling in November
Winter has yet to arrive in South Korea so you can enjoy the last of its autumnal glory if you visit in November. There is very little rain and low humidity levels, but you will need to pack a few extra layers as temperatures are beginning to drop. In Seoul the mercury is likely to record a minimum of 7°C and a maximum of 19°C, so you’ll still be getting plenty of wear out of those t-shirts! The hilly interior areas tend to feel a little cooler, whilst the coastal south remains balmy, with Jeju Island typically enjoying temperatures in the range of 15-21°C.
Travelling in December
Winter in South Korea can get very cold indeed. Thankfully, although snow can be expected all over the country, it tends to be a dry winter with very little rainfall. As the year draws to a close temperatures can really begin to drop. Whilst December is nowhere as near as cold as the depths of South Korea’s winter in February, you can expect some freezing temperatures, with Seoul often recording lows of 0°C. At its wamest, the capital will typically only reach 11°C during December. In the hilly interior, temperatures can be lower, whilst on the southern coast things remain more welcoming, with Jeju Island ranging from 10-16°C.