Climate Overview
Seoul has a humid-continental climate with hot, soaking Jul–Aug (31°C, 306mm rainfall in Jul) and cold, dry winters that drop to -6°C. Spring cherry blossoms in Apr and autumn foliage in Oct–Nov sit in the driest, clearest windows — the obvious visitor stretches; summer monsoon turns the palaces humid and muddy.
Monthly Climate
Temperature range, rainfall, and humidity by month
Monthly Data
| Month | High | Low | Rainfall | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3.2° | -5.3° | 17mm | 63% |
| Feb | 3.2° | -6.5° | 4mm | 58% |
| Mar | 13.4° | 2.2° | 38mm | 65% |
| Apr | 18.1° | 6.8° | 98mm | 69% |
| May | 22.4° | 12.5° | 90mm | 71% |
| Jun | 28.2° | 19.2° | 108mm | 69% |
| Jul | 32.4° | 24.8° | 278mm | 74% |
| Aug | 31.3° | 24.3° | 241mm | 80% |
| Sep | 27.1° | 19.8° | 313mm | 81% |
| Oct | 20° | 12.5° | 153mm | 80% |
| Nov | 13.2° | 3.1° | 18mm | 68% |
| Dec | 4.6° | -4.1° | 34mm | 69% |
When to Visit
Experiences to seek out and peak periods to plan around
Experiences & Highlights
Yeouido Spring Flower Festival (8–12 Apr 2026) lines the Yunjungno road with 1,800 king cherries; April highs hit 19°C with only 70mm of rain, so dawn Han River walks before the crowds stay comfortable.
Yeondeunghoe UNESCO parade (16–17 May 2026) for Buddha's Birthday fills Jongno with lit floats from Dongdaemun to Jogyesa; 24°C highs and 113mm rain make evenings cool but humid — bring a light layer.
October is the driest month of fall (75mm avg) with 20°C highs; maples at Changdeokgung's Secret Garden and the Namsan Seoul Tower loop peak late Oct – mid-Nov before November cools to 13°C.
Seollal (17–19 Feb 2026) brings hanbok-clad ceremonies at Gyeongbokgung and free palace entry; pack for -4°C to 5°C and near-empty streets as locals travel to hometowns.
Peak Periods & Travel Advisories
July averages 306mm of rain and 82% humidity with 30°C highs — the wettest, stickiest stretch. Shift to COEX Mall, Leeum Museum, and jjimjilbang spas; typhoon tail-ends can hit late Jul – Aug.
Hotel rates around Yeouido and Seokchon Lake jump 40–70% for the two-week bloom (28 Mar – 14 Apr 2026); book 3+ months ahead and ride Line 5 or 8 to avoid gridlock.
Koreans return to hometowns so KTX and intercity buses sell out weeks ahead; many small restaurants and shops in Seoul close for 2–3 days, though palaces offer free admission.
Official Resources
Government portals and tourism boards for Seoul, South Korea