Question 1

When is the best weather in Seoul?

Accepted Answer

Seoul enjoys its best weather during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), with April and October offering particularly pleasant conditions for visitors.

In 2024, spring brought mild temperatures averaging 11.5°C (52.7°F) across the season, with April standing out at 13.7°C (56.7°F) and daily highs reaching up to 28.7°C (83.7°F). Spring also delivered the lowest humidity of the year at 68.2% and just 209.6mm (8.3 inches) of rainfall across the three months. April 2024 recorded 247 sunshine hours, making it ideal for exploring Seoul's cherry blossom festivals and historic palaces.

Autumn offers equally favorable conditions. October 2024 averaged 14.5°C (58.1°F) with comfortable highs of 23.6°C (74.5°F), perfect for enjoying the city's famous fall foliage. The autumn season received 309.8mm (12.2 inches) of precipitation, concentrated mainly in September.

Visitors should avoid July and August during the monsoon season. July 2024 saw a dramatic 511.1mm of rainfall with humidity soaring to 86.9%, making outdoor activities challenging. By contrast, Seoul's winters are cold and dry, with December 2024 receiving just 4.1mm (0.2 inches) of precipitation.

For the most comfortable experience, plan your Seoul visit for April or October when temperatures are moderate, rainfall is minimal, and the city's natural beauty is at its peak.

Question 2

What is the driest month in Seoul?

Accepted Answer

December is the driest month in Seoul, with just 4.1mm (0.16 inches) of precipitation recorded in 2024. This makes it an exceptionally dry period compared to the rest of the year.

The contrast between Seoul's driest and wettest months is striking. While December saw only 4.1mm of rainfall, July 2024 received 511.1mm (20.12 inches)—making the wettest month over 124 times rainier than the driest. January follows as the second-driest month with 14.7mm (0.58 inches) of precipitation.

Seoul's winter months consistently experience low rainfall. The average winter precipitation (December through February) was 28.2mm (1.11 inches) per month in 2024, with humidity averaging 69.7%—the lowest seasonal humidity of the year. December 2024 also recorded the lowest monthly humidity at 64.1%.

The dry December conditions come with cold temperatures, averaging -1.3°C (29.7°F) in 2024. Despite the chill, the lack of precipitation and lower humidity can make Seoul feel crisp rather than damp during this period.

For visitors planning trips to Seoul, December offers dry weather ideal for exploring the city's outdoor markets and winter festivals, though warm clothing is essential. The 2024 annual precipitation total of 1,377.1mm (54.22 inches) shows that Seoul receives most of its rainfall during the summer monsoon season, leaving winter months pleasantly dry.

Question 3

How cold did Seoul get in winter 2023/24?

Accepted Answer

Seoul experienced severely cold temperatures during winter 2023/24 (December 2023 to February 2024), with the coldest night dropping to -15.2°C (4.6°F) on January 23, 2024.

The winter season brought challenging conditions to Seoul, with an average temperature of just -0.5°C (31.1°F) across the three-month period. Overnight lows averaged -4.9°C (23.1°F), and the city recorded 81 days where temperatures fell below freezing. January proved to be the coldest month, averaging -2.5°C (27.5°F), with a particularly harsh cold snap in late January when temperatures remained well below -10°C (14°F) for several consecutive days.

During winter 2023/24, Seoul experienced 12 nights where temperatures plunged below -10°C (14°F). The coldest period occurred between December 21-23 and January 22-25, when the city faced back-to-back nights of extreme cold. December 22 saw the second-lowest temperature of the season at -15.0°C (5.0°F).

These frigid winter conditions in Seoul require visitors and residents to prepare with heavy winter clothing, including insulated jackets, thermal layers, and protection for exposed skin. Indoor heating is essential throughout the winter months, and outdoor activities during January especially should account for potentially dangerous wind chill factors.

Question 4

How humid is Seoul in summer?

Accepted Answer

Seoul experiences high humidity during summer, with average levels reaching 79.3% across the season in 2024. The humidity is particularly intense due to the East Asian monsoon that brings significant rainfall and moisture to the Korean Peninsula.

July was the most humid month in Seoul during summer 2024, averaging 86.9% humidity, followed by August at 82.9% and June at 67.7%. The peak humidity occurred on July 8, when levels soared to 95.5% during heavy monsoon rainfall.

Throughout summer 2024, Seoul recorded 56 days with humidity at or above 80%, representing 61% of all summer days. The city received 773 mm (30.4 inches) of precipitation during this period, with rainy days averaging 84% humidity compared to 68.6% on dry days.

For visitors planning a summer trip to Seoul, the high humidity combined with temperatures averaging 25°C (77°F) creates a tropical feel that can be challenging for outdoor activities. Early June typically offers more comfortable conditions before the monsoon season intensifies. Staying hydrated and seeking air-conditioned spaces during midday hours is recommended for navigating Seoul's humid summer climate.

Question 5

What is the weather like in Seoul during autumn?

Accepted Answer

Seoul experiences a dramatic seasonal transition during autumn (September through November), with average temperatures dropping from a warm 23.5°C (74.3°F) in September to a crisp 7.4°C (45.3°F) by November. The overall autumn average temperature in 2024 was 15.1°C (59.2°F).

The temperature range during Seoul's autumn is considerable. Early September can still see summer-like highs reaching 32.9°C (91.2°F), while late November temperatures can plunge to -7.9°C (17.8°F). This 16°C (29°F) temperature drop across the season means visitors should pack layers when visiting Seoul in autumn.

Precipitation decreases steadily throughout the season in Seoul. September 2024 saw the highest rainfall at 204.9mm (8.1 inches), tapering to 64.2mm (2.5 inches) in October and just 40.7mm (1.6 inches) in November. The total autumn rainfall of 309.8mm (12.2 inches) is largely concentrated in the early part of the season.

Despite the rainfall, Seoul enjoys abundant sunshine during autumn, with 673.4 total sunshine hours across the three months. October and November are particularly pleasant for outdoor activities, offering clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Average humidity remains moderate at 78.3%, gradually decreasing from September to November.

Autumn is widely considered one of the best times to visit Seoul for its comfortable weather, vibrant fall foliage, and reduced rainfall compared to the summer monsoon season.

Samsŏnil-tong

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FAQ

When is the best weather in Seoul?

What is the driest month in Seoul?

How cold did Seoul get in winter 2023/24?

How humid is Seoul in summer?

What is the weather like in Seoul during autumn?