South Korea travel guide
April to May and September to October are the strongest months to visit South Korea, with comfortable temperatures and seasonal scenery. April brings cherry blossoms and October offers clear, mild weather for autumn foliage. Summer is hot and rainy, and winter is cold but suits city sightseeing with warm clothing.
Facts checked 3 Nov 2026
| Month | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | -6° to 2°C | 20 mm |
| Feb | -4° to 5°C | 5 mm |
| Mar | 2° to 11°C | 38 mm |
| Apr | 8° to 18°C | 95 mm |
| May | 13° to 23°C | 124 mm |
| Jun | 19° to 28°C | 98 mm |
| Jul | 23° to 31°C | 294 mm |
| Aug | 24° to 31°C | 290 mm |
| Sep | 19° to 27°C | 371 mm |
| Oct | 12° to 21°C | 186 mm |
| Nov | 4° to 13°C | 21 mm |
| Dec | -4° to 4°C | 41 mm |
South Korea has four clear seasons, and each one changes the trip. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable for walking between palaces, hanok lanes and markets. Summer brings heat, humidity and heavy rain, which can disrupt outdoor plans on Jeju and in the mountains. Winter is cold and dry, with snow in the north and east at times. The figures below come from our monthly research and show what to expect in each month.
Spring is one of the two strongest seasons. March is still cool, so it suits museums and long city walks in warm layers. April is the cherry-blossom month, and it is also the busiest period for hotels, so book early. Showers are common in April, so keep a light umbrella in your bag. May is the most reliable month of the spring, with comfortable days, pleasant evenings and a good balance of outdoor and indoor plans.
Summer is the hardest season for sightseeing. June warms up quickly and humidity rises, and the rainy season typically starts in mid-June. July and August are hot and wet, with the heaviest rain of the year and humid days near 31°C. Heavy rain can disrupt outdoor plans, especially on Jeju and in the mountains. If you must travel in summer, plan indoor activities such as museums, shopping, cafés and food markets for the middle of the day.
Autumn is the second strongest season, and October is often the most rewarding month. September still carries monsoon rain early on, but the weather improves later in the month. October is mild and clear, which suits palace walks, hiking and the autumn colours at Seoraksan. November is cooler and drier, with fewer visitors and good value before winter. Early November still shows some autumn colour, so it is a good shoulder option.
Winter is cold, with highs close to freezing and lows well below zero in January and February. The days are dry, and the city has a festive feel in December. Winter suits travellers who enjoy warm indoor spaces, city museums and winter activities, such as skiing near Pyeongchang. Dress in layers, use warm footwear and allow extra time for transport in icy weather.
Peak periods include April, October, public holidays, school vacations and major concert dates. These periods can lift hotel rates and reduce availability. Book Seoul accommodation and KTX seats early for them.
This guide is compiled from published tourism, weather and transport information and traveller reports, and it was last checked on 2 November 2026. Weather varies from year to year, so use the figures as a guide. Check the latest forecast in the weeks before you travel.
Start with the South Korea travel guide for the full overview. Then see places to visit in South Korea to match the season to the sights, and things to do in South Korea for seasonal activities. Our South Korea tour packages list the trip lengths we plan, and the South Korea visa guide for Indians explains entry requirements.
Ready-made trips
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FAQs
Short answers to what travellers ask about South Korea.
April to May and September to October are the best months, with comfortable temperatures and seasonal scenery. April has cherry blossoms, and October is mild and clear with autumn foliage. These months also see high demand, so book hotels and KTX seats early.
Summer is hot and humid, with highs near 31°C in July and August and heavy rain. Outdoor plans, especially on Jeju and in the mountains, can be disrupted. If you travel then, plan indoor activities such as museums, shopping and food markets during the hottest hours.
Snow is possible in winter, particularly in January and February, and it is more likely in the mountains and the north. Winter is cold and dry, with highs close to freezing. Dress in warm layers and allow extra time for travel if there is ice or snow.
Cherry blossom season is in April, which is one of the most popular times to visit. Blossoms can vary from year to year, so check the latest reports before you travel. Book Seoul hotels early, because April is a busy month.
October is the most reliable month for autumn foliage, and early November still shows some colour. Seoraksan National Park is a strong choice for autumn walks. Late September can be rainy, so plan flexible days for the mountains.
Yes. November is cool and dry, with lower crowds and good value before winter. Days are crisp, so bring warm layers. It suits city sightseeing and museums, and early November still has some autumn colour.
April, May and October suit families well, because the days are comfortable and outdoor plans are easier. Plan fewer attractions each day, and allow rest time. Check stroller access in palace compounds, hills and traditional markets.
Costs can be lower in November and early March, when demand is weaker. Summer can also see lower package demand, but the weather is a real risk. Book flights and KTX seats early in any season, because prices and availability change.
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