Best (and Worst) Times to Visit South Korea in 2024/2025

South Korea experiences four distinct seasons. Generally, the best times to visit South Korea are in spring (March to May) for the cherry blossoms and autumn (September to November) for the fall foliage. Both periods have mild temperatures with an average range of around 10–16°C (50–61°F), with more clear days than summer/winter.

The best time for you to visit South Korea could be different however, depending on what you want to see and your travel preferences. Read our article to find out the best times to visit South Korea based on different factors.

South Korea Weather and Climate

South Korea has four distinct seasons:

Spring (March to May): Being one of the best times to visit South Korea, the average temperature ranges from 8–16°C (46–61°F), providing pleasant weather to enjoy the cherry blossoms and outdoor activities.

Summer (June to August): The sweltering conditions may make it uncomfortable for you to explore sightseeing spots during summer in South Korea. The average daily high during this season is 30°C (86°F) and there is frequent rainfall due to the rainy season. June is a better time to travel compared to July and August as it's cooler and has fewer crowds, with an average daily temperature range of 18–27°C (64–81°F).

Autumn (September to November): This is another one of the best times to visit South Korea. Cooler temperatures and decreased rainfall are the main features of this season. The average night-day temperature range is from 10 to 18°C (50–64°F). Many locals choose to go hiking during fall.

Winter (December to February): It is the coldest and driest time of the year, with temperatures ranging from 3 to 5°C (37–41°F) on a typical day. We don't usually advise visiting South Korea during this period because it is too cold for comfort. However, if you are going for skiing or snowboarding activities, it's a different story. A Japanese skiing/winter experience is even better though.

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The Worst Times to Visit South Korea

The summer months (July to August) in South Korea are the worst time to visit. High temperatures usually reach up 35°C (95°F) on the hottest days, and two-thirds of the annual rainfall occurs during this season, making heavy rainfall common. Therefore, you're recommended to avoid this period if you have a flexible schedule.

The second worst time to visit South Korea is in winter, from December to February. January is the coldest month of the year, with temperatures in Seoul sometimes dropping below -10°C (14°F) and occasionally falling below -15°C (5°F).

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Best Times for Pleasant Weather and Fewer Crowds

Wearing Hanbok to visit Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul

Late April to May has mild weather in South Korea, with average daily temperatures ranging from 13 to 23°C (55–73°F), and there are more sunny days before the rainy season arrives. The crowds of people viewing the cherry blossoms have disappeared and the summer vacation has not yet started, making it a perfect time to do outdoor activities and go sightseeing.

June is the start of summer and the rainy season in South Korea. The night-day temperature range is about 18–27°C (64–81°F) and rainfall typically consists of steady drizzles, but it doesn't rain every day.

September marks the tail end of the summer crowds and the rainy season. The weather tends to be drier and cooler, with an average daily temperature range of 17–26°C (63–79°F). More crowds arrive in October and November for the colorful autumn scenery. South Korea usually has a 3-day holiday in September for the important Chuseok (Mid-Autumn) festival and some stores may close or open late. Chuseok would not affect your trip and could be a chance to see more of Korea's culture.

Suggested reading: Plan a 2-Week Itinerary in Japan and South Korea>>>

The Cheapest Time to Visit South Korea

Traditional Hanok

Winter (December to February) is the cheapest time to visit South Korea, except during Christmas and New Year (usually from December 23rd to January 5th). Not only could you benefit from lower hotel prices and better deals on international flights, but also you would see fewer crowds. However, be prepared for the chilly weather!

South Korea Travel Guide by Month

• Jan - Feb
• Mar - Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul - Aug
• Sep
• Oct - Nov
• Dec

January and February: Cold and Dry

Traditional Korean houses covered in snow

• Average temperature: -4–5°C (25–41°F)
• Average rainfall: 23 mm (1 in)

January and February in South Korea have the coldest and driest weather of the year, with temperatures dropping as low as -10°C (14°F). It's quite cold and it may not be an ideal time for you to visit the country.

Festivals and events: Seollal, Korean Lunar New Year, is the most important festival in South Korea. During this time, you could immerse yourself in Korean culture at a temple fair to experience traditional Korean performances, sample local cuisines, and pray for the coming year.

March to April: Best Time for Cherry Blossoms

Gyeongbokgung Palace with cherry blossoms in spring, Seoul

• Average temperature: 5–14°C (41–57°F)
• Average rainfall: 56 mm (2 in)

The cherry blossom season, from March to April, is one of the best times to visit South Korea due to the pleasant weather and increased number of sunny days. The cherry blossoms are usually in full bloom from late March to early April.

Festivals and events: Cherry blossom festivals are held in many cities in South Korea to view the charming pink blossoms, and it's the most popular event in spring.

May: Warm with Clearer Days

Haedong Yonggung Temple in Busan

• Average temperature: 13–23°C (55–73°F)
• Average rainfall: 106 mm (4 in)

May offers an excellent opportunity for travel in South Korea due to its pleasant climate and sunny days. It's a perfect time to travel, particularly if you have a flexible schedule, as the rainy season and summer vacation crowds have yet to arrive.

June: Coolest Summer Month

Visit the ancient palace in Hanbok

• Average temperature: 18–27°C (64–81°F)
• Average rainfall: 133 mm (5 in)

June marks the beginning of summer in South Korea and is considered to be the coolest month to travel during the summer season. However, it is also the start of the rainy season, which typically means a steady drizzle rather than downpours.

June is a better month for families with school-age children (if you can get time off school) compared to July and August because you could enjoy fewer crowds and lower costs.

Festivals and events: South Korea celebrates the Dragon Boat Festival. As well as seeing dragon boat races, you could also eat aizi cake (wormwood rice dumplings) and appreciate captivating traditional performances.

July to August: Hot and Humid

Jeju Island

• Average temperature: 22–31°C (72–88°F)
• Average rainfall: 380 mm (15 in)

July and August are the hottest months of the year, and the rainfall is very high and sometimes stormy. However, it does not rain every day. High temperatures could exceed 35°C (95°F), creating an uncomfortable feeling of heat and humidity while doing outdoor sightseeing on some days. There are also the summer vacation crowds. If you are flexible with when you can go, it is suggested that you avoid this period.

September: End of the Rainy Season with Fewer Crowds

Feeding the seagulls on the beach in Haeundae, Busan

• Average temperature: 17–26°C (63–79°F)
• Average rainfall: 169 mm (7 in)

The weather becomes cooler and drier in September. You could expect fewer crowds and cheaper costs when traveling to South Korea during this month.

Festivals and events: The Chuseok festival is another important festival in South Korea where you could appreciate the full moon and enjoy traditional performances, immersing yourself in the festive atmosphere.

October to November: Best Time for Autumn Foliage

Autumn foliage in Seoul

• Average temperature: 7–16°C (45–61°F)
• Average rainfall: 52 mm (2 in)

October to November is one of the peak times to travel to South Korea due to the comfortable weather and sunny days. The whole country explodes with colors and you could enjoy the stunning red and yellow fall foliage scenery.

December: Celebrating Christmas

Traditional performance in Seoul

• Average temperature: -3–4°C (27–39°F)
• Average rainfall: 22 mm (1 in)

December is cold and dry in South Korea. Although it's not quite as cold as January, it's too cold for travel without being encumbered by lots of warm clothing. If you want to celebrate Christmas with your family in South Korea, remember to book your Christmas feast in advance.