Seoul — Climate Guide
Monthly temperatures, rainfall, humidity and best time to visit Seoul.
Seoul climate at a glance
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -2°C | -8°C | 25mm | 55% |
| Feb | 1°C | -6°C | 40mm | 55% |
| Mar | 8°C | 0°C | 50mm | 58% |
| Apr | 16°C | 6°C | 70mm | 60% |
| May | 21°C | 11°C | 80mm | 62% |
| Jun | 26°C | 17°C | 130mm | 68% |
| Jul | 28°C | 22°C | 385mm | 78% |
| Aug | 29°C | 22°C | 265mm | 75% |
| Sep | 25°C | 16°C | 130mm | 68% |
| Oct | 19°C | 9°C | 50mm | 63% |
| Nov | 9°C | 2°C | 55mm | 64% |
| Dec | 2°C | -5°C | 25mm | 60% |
Climate overview
Seoul sits in a basin on the Han River in northwest South Korea, surrounded by mountains. It has a monsoon-influenced humid continental climate (Dwa), with four sharply defined seasons: cold, dry winters, hot and very wet summers, and short, pleasant springs and autumns. In winter, cold, dry winds blow from Siberia; in summer, warm, moist air flows in from the Pacific.
Average highs range from -2°C in January to 29°C in August. Annual rainfall is about 1,450 mm, with more than half falling from June to August during the rainy season, called jangma. July is the wettest month, averaging about 385 mm, while winter months receive only about 25 mm.
Köppen classification: Dwa — monsoon-influenced humid continental
Seoul through the seasons
Winter
December – FebruaryWinters are cold and dry, with January highs of about -2°C and lows of -8°C. Cold waves can bring temperatures below -15°C. Snowfalls are usually light, and skies are often clear and blue. The Han River sometimes freezes in very cold winters.
Spring
March – MaySpring warms quickly, from 8°C in March to 21°C in May. Cherry blossoms usually bloom in early April. Spring is also the season of yellow dust (hwangsa) from the deserts of China and Mongolia and high fine-dust levels.
Summer
June – AugustSummers are hot and humid, with highs of 26–29°C. The jangma rainy season, usually from late June to late July, brings intense rainfall. Hot, sticky weather follows in August, and typhoons occasionally reach the Korean Peninsula.
Autumn
September – NovemberAutumn is the most comfortable season, with clear skies and low humidity. Temperatures fall from 25°C in September to 9°C in November, and October is famous for colourful leaves on the mountains around the city.
What makes Seoul's weather distinctive
Seoul has one of the largest seasonal temperature ranges of any major city: a winter cold snap and a summer heatwave can be 45°C apart. The jangma can bring extremely heavy rainfall in short periods; in August 2022, record-breaking downpours flooded parts of southern Seoul, including the Gangnam area.
Air quality is a daily topic. Fine dust (misemeonji) levels are reported in forecasts, and on high-dust days many people wear masks and limit outdoor activity, especially in spring and winter.
Best time to visit Seoul
April to June and September to October are the best times to visit Seoul. Spring brings blossoms and mild weather, while autumn offers blue skies, comfortable temperatures and spectacular foliage. Winter is cold but clear and good for skiing trips nearby.
What to pack
- A heavy coat, gloves, hat and scarf for winter
- An umbrella and quick-drying clothing for the rainy season
- Layers for spring and autumn
- A mask (KF94) for fine-dust days
- Comfortable shoes for hilly neighbourhoods and mountain trails
Frequently asked questions
When is the rainy season in Seoul?
The jangma usually runs from late June to late July, though heavy rain is also possible in August.
How cold is Seoul in winter?
January averages about -2°C by day and -8°C at night, and cold waves can push temperatures below -15°C.
When is the best time to see autumn leaves in Seoul?
Mid to late October, when the mountains around the city turn red and gold.
Related reading
About this data: Monthly figures are rounded long-term averages consistent with published climate normals from national weather services and the World Meteorological Organization. Individual years can differ noticeably, and recent summers in many cities have run warmer than these averages. For current conditions and the next few days, use the live dashboard (data from WeatherAPI.com). Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
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