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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 is common; indoor activities are key. | |
| February | -2-6°C, cold and dry | low | low |
⚠ Some businesses may close for Seollal. | |
| March | 3-12°C, crisp and increasingly sunny | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Weather can be unpredictable, with lingering cold snaps. | |
| April | 8-19°C, mild and pleasant with blooming flowers | high | high |
⚠ Cherry blossom timing varies; book accommodations well in advance. | |
| May | 13-23°C, warm and sunny | high | high |
⚠ Very popular, expect crowds at major attractions. | |
| June | 18-27°C, warm and humid with increasing rain | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Beginning of the monsoon season; frequent rain showers. | |
| July | 21-29°C, hot, humid, and rainy | moderate | moderate |
⚠ High humidity and heavy rainfall are common during the monsoon. | |
| August | 22-30°C, very hot, humid, and rainy | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Typhoon season can bring intense storms and disruptions. | |
| September | 15-25°C, clear skies and comfortable temperatures | high | high |
⚠ Chuseok is a major holiday; expect travel and business closures. | |
| October | 9-20°C, crisp, sunny, and ideal for outdoor activities | high | high |
⚠ Extremely popular for its beautiful fall colors. | |
| November | 3-12°C, cool and dry with some sunny days | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Temperatures drop significantly towards the end of the month. | |
| December | -3-5°C, cold and dry with potential for snow | moderate | high |
⚠ Christmas and New Year's Eve lead to higher prices and crowds. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
February
Lunar New Year (Seollal)
A major traditional holiday with family gatherings, special foods, and cultural performances.
April
Yeouido Spring Flower Festival
Celebrates the blooming cherry blossoms and other spring flowers on Yeouido Island.
May
Buddha's Birthday
Lantern festivals and parades are held at temples across the city, notably Bongeunsa Temple.
May
Seoul Rose Festival
A vibrant celebration of roses held in Seoul Rose Garden, World Cup Park.
September
Chuseok
Korean Thanksgiving, a harvest festival with traditional food, games, and family visits.
October
Seoul International Fireworks Festival
A spectacular display of fireworks over the Han River, often featuring international teams.
Insider timing tips
- •The 'S-curve' of weather and crowds means spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are peak seasons for good reason, but also the most expensive.
- •The monsoon season (June-August) offers lower prices and fewer crowds, but expect significant rainfall and high humidity.
- •Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) are major holidays where many smaller shops and restaurants may close, and transportation can be heavily congested.
- •While cherry blossoms are a major draw in April, their exact timing can shift by a week or two each year, so flexibility is key.
- •Winter offers a unique charm with fewer tourists and festive decorations, but requires preparation for extreme cold.
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