Seoul month by month

The best time to visit Seoul

For most travellers, the sweet spot in Seoul is October · April · May: 19° avg. high, premium prices. Peak season brings the biggest crowds of the year, while the quiet months trade weather for space and value.

Climate through the year

Month	Temp	Crowds	Price	Verdict
January	-1° / -8°	Low	$	Quiet
February	2° / -5°	Low	$	Quiet
March	10° / -1°	Low	$	Fair
April	17° / 6°	High	$$$	Ideal
May	22° / 12°	Moderate	$$	Great
June	27° / 17°	Low	$	Fair
July	29° / 22°	Low	$	Avoid
August	31° / 23°	Low	$	Avoid
September	26° / 15°	Moderate	$$	Great
October	19° / 8°	High	$$$	Ideal
November	11° / 1°	Moderate	$$	Great
December	3° / -6°	Low	$	Quiet

Best months October April May September

Months to avoid July August

The year in Seoul

Four broad seasons, and what each one actually feels like on the ground in Seoul.

Spring Ideal

Mar–May · highs around 16°C · Cherry blossoms peak, parks packed with visitors

Mar ·Apr ·May

Summer Fair

Jun–Aug · highs around 29°C · Humidity rises as monsoon season approaches

Jun ·Jul ·Aug

Autumn Ideal

Sep–Nov · highs around 19°C · Best foliage, crisp air, packed trails

Sep ·Oct ·Nov

Winter Quiet

Dec–Feb · highs around 1°C · Cold and dry, quiet before Christmas

Dec ·Jan ·Feb

When to go, depending on what you want

Best weather

The months where climate comfort peaks, whatever else is happening.

October ·April

Best value

Still a good trip, at the lowest prices of the year.

January ·February

Fewest crowds

When you get the main sights closest to yourself.

January ·February

Biggest events

When the calendar gives you something the other months do not.

April ·May ·September

Practical basics

Region: Asia
Local currency: KRW
Hemisphere: Northern (summer in Jun–Aug)
Yearly range: -8° – 31°
Strongest months: October, April, May
Good for: city · culture · food

Events in Seoul

Apr Cherry Blossom Festival — Yeouido's riverside road turns into a tunnel of blooming cherry trees each spring.
May Buddha's Birthday Lantern Festival — Thousands of paper lanterns parade from Dongdaemun to Jogyesa Temple after dark.
Sep–Oct Chuseok Harvest Festival — Korea's lunar harvest holiday empties the city as families travel to ancestral hometowns.
Nov Seoul Lantern Festival — Illuminated sculptures float along Cheonggyecheon stream during the citywide light festival.

Every month in Seoul

A dedicated breakdown for each month — weather, crowds, prices, events and a verdict.

Seoul in January -1° · $ Quiet Seoul in February 2° · $ Quiet Seoul in March 10° · $ Fair Seoul in April 17° · $$$ Ideal Seoul in May 22° · $$ Great Seoul in June 27° · $ Fair Seoul in July 29° · $ Avoid Seoul in August 31° · $ Avoid Seoul in September 26° · $$ Great Seoul in October 19° · $$$ Ideal Seoul in November 11° · $$ Great Seoul in December 3° · $ Quiet

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to visit Seoul?

What is the cheapest time to visit Seoul?

January — Prices run low season this month: some of the best deals of the year. Save 69%.

When should you avoid Seoul?

July, August.

What is the weather like in Seoul?

Average highs sit around 31°C with lows near -8°C. Rainfall is moderate; the odd shower is likely.