The Best Time Of The Year To Visit Seoul

What to expect in spring

Temperatures are moderate and there’s not too much rain; spring in Seoul is mild. April brings with it an explosion of pastel pink - cherry blossom season. The city’s parks, historic castles, and sacred temples are transformed by the arrival of these beautiful trees blossoming. 

On the flip side of this good news, April is also when the infamous yellow dust or hwangsa descends upon the city. This phenomenon is caused by dust from storms in the Gobi Desert and leaves a wake of haze and pollution behind it - not the best time of year to be in Korea if you suffer from allergies or asthma. 

What to expect in summer

If you do want to visit Seoul during the summer, June is the best month to do so. Temperatures are warm (an average of around 21 degrees Celsius) but the evenings can still get cool, and the torrential summer rains haven’t yet arrived.

This all changes in July, when the monsoon season begins. Downpours can seem never-ending, and with such high oppressive heat and high humidity storms can be a daily occurrence. The monsoons continue into August, and this is usually the month when Seoul will experience a typhoon. As well as soaring temperatures, expect accommodation prices to shoot up too. 

What to expect in fall

With an unpredictable start to the season (September days can either feel like summer is never going to end, or autumn has arrived too soon with temperatures fluctuating), fall comes into its own by October and is undoubtedly one of the best times of the year to visit.

Temperatures get much cooler (an average of 13 degrees Celsius by October) and the monsoon season is well and truly over. Expect little rain, a mild climate, and best of all, the explosion of fall colors.

Everywhere from the granite mountains which encircle the city to the parks and gardens of the city itself are swathed in stunning red, gold, and orange as the leaves take on their autumn hues.

The country's biggest festival, Chuseok, also takes place in September or October so expect huge crowds, long queues, and domestic travel to be almost impossible if your trip falls at the same time. 

What to expect in winter

With its seasons of extremes, winter sees temperatures plummeting below freezing and thick snowfall blanketing the city in white, particularly in January.

The cold temperatures also keep the crowds away, meaning you can find great deals on accommodation and flights, and you won’t be stuck in queues to see the main attractions.

The Lunar New Year takes place in either late January or early February, and the city explodes into a riot of celebrating with traditional foods, wearing traditional dress, and playing folk games. 

So when is the best time to visit Seoul? 

Ultimately, it depends on whether you’re visiting with a specific festival or activity in mind. Unless you really do want to experience the intoxicating, dizzying, unique atmosphere of the major festivals like Chuseok and the Lunar New Year, it’s best to avoid these times completely.

The best tip? August is also best avoided at costs; if the heat and humidity aren't enough to keep you away, the crowds might be. If you want to experience the best of what Seoul has to offer, April or October are the best bets.

Both have mild temperatures and little rainfall, and are the months where Seoul is at its most beautiful. April sees the city explode in the pastel pinks of the cherry blossoms whilst in October the parks and surrounding mountains are carpeted in red and gold as the leaves start to change colour.