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Best Time to Visit Seoul

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is best enjoyed during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is pleasant and festivals are in full swing.

 

High Season in Seoul

Seoul experiences high season during the months of April, May, September, and October, when the weather is mild and the cherry blossoms or colorful autumn foliage create stunning landscapes.

lighted city skyline at night
Yohan Cho @ Unsplash

Shoulder Season in Seoul

Shoulder season in Seoul falls in March, June, and November, offering fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, and the chance to witness the vibrant cherry blossom festivals or autumn foliage without the peak season rush.

Low Season in Seoul

The low season in Seoul occurs in the winter months of December, January, and February when temperatures drop significantly. However, visitors can enjoy stunning cityscape views, ice skating, and various winter festivals.

 

Annual Average Temperature

* The chart above displays the average yearly 'feels like' temperature in Seoul over the last 5 years.

Seasons

Seoul in Spring

Spring in Seoul brings mild temperatures, blooming cherry blossoms, and vibrant festivals like the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival.

people walking on sidewalk near high rise buildings during daytime
Zequn Gui @ Unsplash

Seoul in Summer

Summer in Seoul is hot and humid with occasional showers. It's a great time to explore the city's indoor attractions and enjoy summer festivals.

Seoul in Fall

Fall in Seoul is characterized by pleasant temperatures, stunning autumn foliage, and festivals like the Seoul Lantern Festival.

Seoul in Winter

Winter in Seoul is cold with occasional snowfall. It's a great time to experience winter activities, visit traditional markets, and admire cityscape views.

Annual Average Precipitation

* The chart above shows the annual average precipitation for Seoul for the past 5 years.

Month-By-Month

Seoul in January

→ -11 to -2 °C (13 to 28 °F)

January in Seoul is chilly with occasional snow. Bundle up and explore ice skating rinks and winter festivals.

Seoul in February

→ -9 to 0 °C (16 to 33 °F)

February in Seoul is cold but less crowded. Enjoy Lunar New Year celebrations and visit indoor attractions like museums.

city under cloudy sky
Sava Bobov @ Unsplash

Seoul in March

→ -2 to 9 °C (28 to 48 °F)

March in Seoul marks the arrival of spring with blooming cherry blossoms. Don't miss the Seoul Comic World event and other cultural festivals.

Seoul in April

→ 4 to 15 °C (38 to 58 °F)

April in Seoul is beautiful with cherry blossoms in full bloom. Join the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival and visit palaces and gardens.

Seoul in May

→ 11 to 22 °C (52 to 72 °F)

May in Seoul is mild and perfect for outdoor activities. Explore hiking trails, visit the Lotus Lantern Festival, and enjoy the local cuisine.

Seoul in June

→ 19 to 29 °C (66 to 84 °F)

June in Seoul is warm and rainy. Visit indoor attractions like art galleries, explore traditional neighborhoods, and enjoy summer festivals.

Seoul in July

→ 26 to 33 °C (78 to 92 °F)

July in Seoul is hot and humid with occasional rain. Beat the heat by visiting water parks, cafes, and enjoying evening river cruises.

aerial photography of lighted city high rise buildings during dawn
Mathew Schwartz @ Unsplash

Seoul in August

→ 26 to 33 °C (79 to 92 °F)

August in Seoul continues the hot and humid weather. Explore air-conditioned shopping malls, relax at urban parks, and attend cultural festivals.

Seoul in September

→ 18 to 27 °C (64 to 80 °F)

September in Seoul brings mild temperatures and beautiful autumn foliage. Attend the Seoul International Fireworks Festival and explore hiking trails.

Seoul in October

→ 7 to 17 °C (45 to 63 °F)

October in Seoul is characterized by cool temperatures and stunning fall colors. Join the Seoul Lantern Festival and explore historical sites.

Seoul in November

→ -1 to 9 °C (30 to 48 °F)

November in Seoul offers pleasant weather and colorful autumn foliage. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, Myeongdong shopping district, and try street food.

Seoul in December

→ -10 to -1 °C (14 to 30 °F)

December in Seoul is cold with occasional snow. Explore Christmas markets, go ice skating, and enjoy festive lights at amusement parks.

Annual Average Humidity

* The chart above shows the annual average humidity percentage for Seoul for the past 5 years.

Accommodation

Seoul offers a wide range of accommodation options including luxury hotels, boutique guesthouses, and budget-friendly hostels. It's recommended to book in advance, especially during high season.

aerial photography of gray and black house
Bundo Kim @ Unsplash

Public Transportation

Seoul has an extensive public transportation system including subway, buses, and taxis, making it easy to get around the city. T-money card is a convenient option for payment.

Seoul Airport

Incheon International Airport is the main airport in Seoul, located about 30 kilometers west of the city center. It offers various transportation options including airport express trains and buses.

Airport to City Center

The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) provides a direct connection between Incheon Airport and Seoul Station. Buses are also available to major areas in the city.

Is Seoul Safe?

Seoul is generally safe for travelers, with a low crime rate. However, it's always recommended to take normal precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

According to the Global Peace Index, South Korea ranks 43rd among all countries in the world in 2023. South Korea achieved a score of 1.76 out of 5, based on 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ideal Time to Visit Seoul

The best time to visit Seoul is during the spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) seasons when the weather is pleasant and festivals are in full swing.

Best Seoul Visit Length

A recommended duration for a Seoul trip is 4 to 5 days to explore the main attractions and experience the city's vibrant culture and cuisine.

Must-See Attractions in Seoul

Some must-see attractions in Seoul include Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, N Seoul Tower, and the lively markets of Myeongdong and Namdaemun.

Seoul Nightlife: What to Do

Seoul comes alive at night with vibrant nightlife options. Explore the streets of Hongdae for clubs and live performances, visit the Han River for scenic views, or try street food in Dongdaemun.

Getting Around Seoul Efficiently

Seoul has an excellent public transportation system including subways and buses. Taxis are also readily available. T-money card is recommended for easy payment and transfers.

Seoul 3 day Itinerary

Day 1

Start your day by visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most iconic palace in Seoul. Explore the nearby Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional neighborhood with well-preserved hanok houses. In the afternoon, head to Insadong, known for its traditional crafts and tea houses. End the day with a visit to N Seoul Tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city.

  1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
  2. Bukchon Hanok Village
  3. Insadong
  4. N Seoul Tower
gray concrete road between brown trees during daytime
Daniel Bernard @ Unsplash

Day 2

Spend your second day exploring the vibrant district of Myeongdong. Shop at the trendy boutiques, try street food at the lively markets, and visit the famous Myeongdong Cathedral. In the afternoon, explore Namdaemun Market, one of the largest traditional markets in Korea. End the day with a relaxing stroll along the Cheonggyecheon Stream.

  1. Myeongdong
  2. Myeongdong Cathedral
  3. Namdaemun Market
  4. Cheonggyecheon Stream

Day 3

On your final day, visit the vibrant neighborhood of Hongdae known for its indie music scene and street art. Explore the Hongdae Street for shopping and unique cafes. In the afternoon, visit the peaceful Bongeunsa Temple in Gangnam area. End your trip with a visit to COEX Mall, one of the largest underground shopping malls in Asia.

  1. Hongdae
  2. Bongeunsa Temple
  3. COEX Mall