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Best time to visit Seoul
Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.
Photo by Louie Nicolo Nimor on Unsplash
Best time to visit Seoul, South Korea
Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.
| Month | Score | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -5-3°C, dry and very cold with occasional snow | low | low |
⚠ Extreme cold can limit outdoor activities. | |
| February | -2-6°C, cold and dry with occasional snow | low | low |
⚠ Seollal can cause some businesses to close. | |
| March | 3-12°C, crisp and becoming sunnier | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Weather can be unpredictable, with lingering cold snaps. | |
| April | 8-19°C, pleasant with plenty of sunshine | high | high |
⚠ Cherry blossoms are highly weather-dependent and bloom dates vary. | |
| May | 13-23°C, warm and sunny | high | high |
⚠ Golden Week in neighboring East Asian countries can increase crowds. | |
| June | 18-27°C, warm and humid with increasing rain | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Start of the monsoon season, expect frequent rainfall. | |
| July | 22-30°C, hot and very humid with heavy rain | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Peak monsoon season, typhoons are possible. | |
| August | 23-31°C, hot and humid with lingering rain | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Still within typhoon season, heat waves are common. | |
| September | 17-26°C, clear skies and pleasant autumn warmth | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Chuseok can lead to travel disruptions as many Koreans visit family. | |
| October | 11-20°C, sunny and comfortably cool | high | high |
⚠ Popular month for both locals and international tourists. | |
| November | 5-14°C, cool and becoming colder | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Weather can turn cold quickly towards the end of the month. | |
| December | -3-5°C, cold and dry with early snow | moderate | high |
⚠ Christmas and New Year's Eve attract crowds and increase prices. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
February
Lunar New Year (Seollal)
A major traditional holiday with family gatherings, special foods, and traditional games.
April
Yeouido Spring Flower Festival
Celebrates the cherry blossoms and other spring flowers along the Han River.
May
Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeon Deung Hoe)
A vibrant festival celebrating Buddha's birthday with parades, temple events, and lantern displays.
May
Seoul Rose Festival
Showcases a wide variety of roses in Seoul Rose Garden, often accompanied by performances.
September
Chuseok
Korean harvest festival similar to Thanksgiving, with family visits, ancestral rites, and special foods.
October
Seoul International Fireworks Festival
Spectacular fireworks displays over the Han River, often featuring international teams.
November
Kimjang Season
The traditional time for making large quantities of kimchi to last through winter, often a communal activity.
Insider timing tips
- •Spring (April-May) and Autumn (October) offer the most pleasant weather, but also the highest prices and crowds due to peak tourist seasons and major festivals.
- •The monsoon season (July-August) brings heavy rain and humidity, making it less ideal for sightseeing, though prices may dip slightly.
- •Winter (December-February) is very cold but offers lower prices and fewer crowds, except around Christmas and Lunar New Year.
- •Shoulder months like March and November can offer a balance of decent weather and fewer tourists, but be prepared for more variable conditions.
- •Major Korean holidays like Seollal and Chuseok can see significant domestic travel, leading to crowded transportation hubs and some business closures.
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