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Best time to visit Korea: A seasonal guide to weather & activities

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Choosing the best time to visit Korea can greatly enhance your experience, as each season offers unique weather, activities, festivals, and best destinations. Whether you want to see the pink cherry blossoms, swim on a gorgeous beach, hike against breathtaking foliage, or enjoy festive winter festivals, Korea has something special no matter when you visit. This guide to the best time to visit Korea will take you through the highlights (and lowlights) of each season, helping you decide the perfect time for your Korean adventure.

When is the best time to visit Korea?

Choosing when to visit Korea can be difficult because the country experiences all four seasons, each with pros and cons. Depending on the experience you’re looking for, each season can be appealing or unappealing for different reasons.

Typically, travelers consider spring or fall as the best time to visit Korea. During these seasons, there are mild temperatures and beautiful changes in nature including the famous cherry blossoms and colorful fall foliage. Specifically, April and October are the best months to visit because they have the mildest weather.

Spring
Fall

The worst weather is in the summer when monsoon season descends on the peninsula, bringing frequent downpours and extreme humidity. The peak of winter can also be a less enjoyable time to visit when temperatures are frequently below freezing. However, visiting during summer and winter can be a unique, rewarding experience if you come prepared for the weather.

Check out my Korea packing list for a guide to what to bring for each season and year-round.

After living in Korea for three years, my personal favorite season is fall. Not only is the weather mild and the leaves are colorful, but it’s less crowded than spring. Cherry blossom season is difficult to time right, short-lived, and very crowded. In the fall, pleasant weather and foliage lasts for weeks, making crowds more manageable.

Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of visiting Korea in each season:

Season Pros and Cons

Spring Pros:

  • The weather is mild and pleasant
  • Rainfall is low in March and into April
  • Cherry blossoms provide beautiful pink scenery across the country
  • There are many spring festivals, celebrating spring flowers and more
  • Buddha’s Birthday in May means that temples are beautifully decorated with colorful lanterns
  • It’s a great time to be outside

Spring Cons:

  • Cherry blossom season means that popular destinations can be crowded and accommodation can be more expensive
  • Cherry blossom bloom can be hard to time right (even the forecasts are sometimes wrong!)
  • It’s allergy season for those affected
  • April and May can have unpredictable spring showers
  • Poor air quality
  • The best weather is often shortlived – March can still be cold from winter while May can start to get hot for summer

Summer Pros:

  • Long days allow for more daylight to explore
  • There are many cultural and music festivals
  • Warm weather allows for water activities such as swimming, going to the beach, and water sports
  • Decent air quality

Summer Cons:

  • It’s very hot – the extreme heat and humidity can be uncomfortable
  • Monsoon season means it’s very rainy
  • It’s not comfortable to be outside for long
  • It can be crowded because of the influx of tourists on summer vacation, both from abroad and domestically

Fall Pros:

  • The weather is mild with low humidity
  • Stunning fall foliage enhances the already beautiful landscapes
  • There are many cultural and food festivals, along with Halloween festivities
  • It’s a great time to be outside
  • Decent air quality
  • The weather is just as nice as spring, but typically less crowded

Fall Cons:

  • Popular spots can be crowded as people flock to enjoy the nice weather and foliage
  • The best weather is often shortlived – September can still be warm from summer while November can start to get cold for summer

Winter Pros:

  • Get in the holiday mood with the festive atmosphere and events across the country
  • Cold weather allows for winter sports such as snowboarding, skiing, and sledding
  • There are many winter festivals, celebrating winter sports, snow, the holidays, and more
  • There are beautiful snowy landscapes across the country
  • The least crowded season

Winter Cons:

  • It’s very cold – you’ll want heavy padding and all the winter accessories
  • It’s not comfortable to be outside for long
  • Poor air quality
  • The shortest days of the year
ⓒKorea Tourism Organization-photographer
ⓒPhoto Korea – Lee Jung-kyu

Best Time to Visit Korea: Weather

Weather patterns differ across the peninsula, so here are the average highs, lows, and precipitation in Seoul and Busan throughout the seasons:

Spring Weather

MarchAprilMay
SeoulHigh: 52°F/11.1°C
Low: 33°F/0.6°C
Precipitation: 1.4 in/35.6 mm		High: 64°F/17.8°C
Low: 44°F/6.7°C
Precipitation: 2.8 in/71.1 mm		High: 73°F/22.8°C
Low: 54°F/12.2°C
Precipitation: 3.4 in/86.4 mm
BusanHigh: 54°F/12.2°C
Low: 39°F/3.9°C
Precipitation: 3.1 in/78.7 mm		High: 64°F/17.8°C
Low: 48°F/8.9°C
Precipitation: 4.2 in/106.7 mm		High: 71°F/21.7°C
Low: 57°F/13.9°C
Precipitation: 5.1 in/129.5 mm

Summer Weather

JuneJulyAugust
SeoulHigh: 80°F/26.7°C
Low: 64°F/17.8°C
Precipitation: 6.9 in/175.3 mm		High: 84°F/28.9°C
Low: 70°F/21.1°C
Precipitation: 15.6 in/396.2 mm		High: 85°F/29.4°C
Low: 70°F/21.1°C
Precipitation: 14.3 in/363.2 mm
BusanHigh: 77°F/25°C
Low: 66°F/18.9°C
Precipitation: 8.9 in/226.1 mm		High: 81°F/27.2°C
Low: 72°F/22.2°C
Precipitation: 12.1 in/307.3 mm		High: 84°F/28.9°C
Low: 73°F/22.8°C
Precipitation: 12.5 in/317.5 mm

Fall Weather

SeptemberOctoberNovember
SeoulHigh: 77°F/25°C
Low: 64°F/18°C
Precipitation: 6.9 in/175 mm		High: 66°F/19°C
Low: 52°F/11°C
Precipitation: 2.8 in/71 mm		High: 52°F/11°C
Low: 37°F/3°C
Precipitation: 1.9 in/48 mm
BusanHigh: 79°F/26°C
Low: 68°F/20°C
Precipitation: 7.3 in/185 mm		High: 68°F/20°C
Low: 55°F/13°C
Precipitation: 2.6 in/66 mm		High: 59°F/15°C
Low: 45°F/7°C
Precipitation: 2.1 in/53 mm

Winter Weather

DecemberJanuaryFebruary
SeoulHigh: 38°F/3.3°C
Low: 23°F/-5°C
Precipitation: 0.9 in/22.9 mm		High: 34°F/1.1°C
Low: 20°F/-6.7°C
Precipitation: 1 in/25.4 mm		High: 40°F/4.4°C
Low: 24°F/-4.4°C
Precipitation: 1.1 in/27.9 mm
BusanHigh: 48°F/8.9°C
Low: 33°F/0.6°C
Precipitation: 1.2 in/30.5 mm		High: 45°F/7.2°C
Low: 30°F/-1.1°C
Precipitation: 1.4 in/35.6 mm		High: 48°F/8.9°C
Low: 32°F/0°C
Precipitation: 1.9 in/48.3 mm

Best Time to Visit Korea: Activities, Festivals, & Destinations

Each season has its own unique events, activities, festivals, and destinations that make it special. Knowing the best places to go and the best things to do in each season will improve your experience, no matter when you visit Korea.

Seoul and Busan are can’t-miss destinations year-round!

Spring Activities, Festivals, & Destinations

Spring has the perfect weather for exploring Korea’s outdoor destinations while taking in the flower-covered scenery. Cherry blossoms are the star of the season, but spring has so much more to offer.

Spring Activities:

  • See the cherry blossoms
  • See the other spring flowers, including plum blossoms, canola, tulips, roses, and more
  • Visit palaces and temples
  • Explore hanok villages
  • Spend time outside going on a walk, hike, or bike ride
  • Go to a baseball game

Spring Festivals:

Spring Destinations:

Spring Tours:

These seasonal group tours are the perfect addition to your spring trip, making your spring adventures easy and convenient:

FULL SPRING IN KOREA GUIDE: everything you need to know if you’re visiting Korea in the spring!

Seoul Children’s Grand Park
Hallie in a yellow flower field in front of a mountain
Canola field, Jeju Island
Seoul Forest

Summer Activities, Festivals, & Destinations

While the hot and rainy weather in the summer isn’t ideal, it’s a lively time with many music festivals, water events and activities, indoor activities, and nighttime adventures.

Summer Activities:

Summer Festivals:

  • Boryeong Mud Festival
  • Daegu Chimac Festival
  • Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival
  • Semiwon Lotus Flower Festival
  • Waterbomb (music festival)
  • Haeundae Sand Festival

Summer Destinations:

  • Jeju Island
  • Gangneung
  • Sokcho
  • Yangyang
  • Busan (great year-round, but the beaches make it especially great in the summer)

Summer Tours:

These seasonal group tours are the perfect addition to your summer trip, making your summer adventures easy and convenient:

FULL SUMMER IN KOREA GUIDE: everything you need to know if you’re visiting Korea in the summer!

Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff, Jeju
Strawberry cheesecake bingsu
Waterbomb Seoul

Fall Activities, Festivals, & Destinations

Not only is the weather nice in the fall, but the already-stunning landscapes of Korea turn yellow, orange, red, and brown, providing a gorgeous backdrop to many outdoor activities.

Fall Activities:

  • See fall foliage at iconic sites like national parks and palaces
  • See the pink muhly grass and silver grass
  • Go hiking
  • Visit temples or do a temple stay
  • Explore hanok villages
  • Join in on Halloween festivities

Fall Festivals:

  • Jeonju Bibimbap Festival
  • Andong Mask Dance Festival
  • Busan International Film Festival
  • Jinju Lantern Festival
  • Seoul Silver Grass Festival

Fall Destinations:

Fall Tours:

These seasonal group tours are the perfect addition to your fall trip, making your fall adventures easy and convenient:

FULL FALL IN KOREA GUIDE: everything you need to know if you’re visiting Korea in the fall!

Seoraksan National Park
Seoul Forest
Bulguksa, Gyeongju

Winter Activities, Festivals, & Destinations

Come with your heaviest winter jacket, because winter in Korea is no joke. Once you’re bundled up, you can enjoy winter sports, snowy landscapes, ice festivals, holiday lights, and more.

Winter Activities:

Winter Festivals:

  • Hwacheon Ice Fishing Festival
  • Taebaeksan Snow Festival
  • Seoul Lantern Festival
  • Pyeongchang Trout Festival
  • Herb Island Light Festival
  • Garden of the Morning Calm Light Festival
  • Cheongyang Ice Festival

Winter Destinations:

  • Nami Island & Garden of the Morning Calm
  • Pyeongchang
  • Gangneung
  • Jeju Island

Winter Tours:

These seasonal group tours are the perfect addition to your winter trip, making your winter adventures easy and convenient:

FULL WINTER IN KOREA GUIDE: everything you need to know if you’re visiting Korea in the winter!

Ski Resort in Pyeongchang
Seoul Lantern Festival
Hwacheon Ice Fishing Festival

No matter when you choose to visit Korea, each season has its own appeal and unique experiences. From the blossoming flowers of spring to the snowy landscapes of winter and everything in between, there’s always something exciting happening. With this guide to the best time to visit Korea, you’re ready to plan your perfect Korean getaway, aligning your trip with the best weather, activities, festivals, and destinations.

Keep reading:

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About Hallie Pope Kielb

Hi, I'm Hallie! I'm a travel blogger from the USA currently solo backpacking the world. I recently lived in South Korea for three years before embarking on my solo adventure. I hope to encourage other travelers to travel adventurously, safely, and respectfully.

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