Seoul, South Korea Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Seoul
Located in South Korea, Seoul experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Afternoon temperatures peak near 85°F (29°C) in August and dip to about 36°F (2°C) in January, with around 48.7 inches (1236 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: August - highs near 85°F (29°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 36°F (2°C)
- Record high: 97°F (36°C) · Record low: -3°F (-20°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: July (18 rainy days) · Sunniest: May (10.0 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid subtropical - hot, humid summers and generally mild winters
- Snow: about 5 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on August. Highs average 85°F (29°C) and overnight lows stay near 72°F (22°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 36°F (2°C) and lows around 20°F (-7°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 97°F (36°C) and dropped as low as -3°F (-20°C).
Rain, sun and snow
July is usually the wettest month. It brings about 12.2 inches (310 mm) of rain over 18 days, while January is the driest. May brings the most sunshine, averaging 10.0 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 5 days in a typical year, mostly from December through March.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 36° | 20° | 3 | 0.7 in | 7.8 h/day | 58% |
| February | 41° | 23° | 4 | 1.0 in | 8.4 h/day | 61% |
| March | 53° | 32° | 6 | 1.6 in | 9.1 h/day | 66% |
| April | 64° | 44° | 7 | 2.5 in | 9.3 h/day | 65% |
| May | 73° | 53° | 8 | 4.2 in | 10.0 h/day | 68% |
| June | 81° | 64° | 10 | 4.7 in | 9.8 h/day | 72% |
| July | 84° | 72° | 18 | 12.2 in | 8.2 h/day | 82% |
| August | 85° | 72° | 16 | 10.2 in | 9.2 h/day | 82% |
| September | 78° | 63° | 9 | 5.2 in | 8.6 h/day | 77% |
| October | 65° | 49° | 6 | 3.0 in | 8.3 h/day | 74% |
| November | 52° | 35° | 7 | 2.3 in | 7.2 h/day | 71% |
| December | 38° | 23° | 4 | 1.0 in | 7.2 h/day | 63% |
Seoul month by month
Seoul weather in January
January brings highs around 36°F (2°C), lows near 20°F (-7°C), about 3 wet days and roughly 1 snowy days - typically the coldest month and the driest month of the year in Seoul.
Seoul weather in February
February brings highs around 41°F (5°C), lows near 23°F (-5°C), about 4 wet days and roughly 1 snowy days.
Seoul weather in March
March brings highs around 53°F (12°C), lows near 32°F (0°C), about 6 wet days.
Seoul weather in April
April brings highs around 64°F (18°C), lows near 44°F (6°C), about 7 wet days.
Seoul weather in May
May brings highs around 73°F (23°C), lows near 53°F (12°C), about 8 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Seoul.
Seoul weather in June
June brings highs around 81°F (27°C), lows near 64°F (18°C), about 10 wet days.
Seoul weather in July
July brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 72°F (22°C), about 18 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Seoul.
Seoul weather in August
August brings highs around 85°F (29°C), lows near 72°F (22°C), about 16 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Seoul.
Seoul weather in September
September brings highs around 78°F (25°C), lows near 63°F (17°C), about 9 wet days.
Seoul weather in October
October brings highs around 65°F (19°C), lows near 49°F (9°C), about 6 wet days.
Seoul weather in November
November brings highs around 52°F (11°C), lows near 35°F (2°C), about 7 wet days.
Seoul weather in December
December brings highs around 38°F (3°C), lows near 23°F (-5°C), about 4 wet days and roughly 1 snowy days.
Seasons in Seoul
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Seoul is crisp but comfortable, with daytime highs averaging 63°F (17°C) and nights around 43°F (6°C); expect showers on roughly 21 days across the season.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Seoul runs hot, with daytime highs averaging 83°F (28°C) and nights around 69°F (21°C); expect showers on roughly 43 days across the season. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Seoul is crisp but comfortable, with daytime highs averaging 65°F (18°C) and nights around 49°F (9°C); expect showers on roughly 22 days across the season.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Seoul brings deep cold, with daytime highs averaging 38°F (3°C) and nights around 22°F (-6°C); rain falls on about 12 days over the three months, plus around 4 snowy days. Wind makes those temperatures feel harsher than they sound - pair the forecast winds with the wind speed converter to judge conditions on exposed skin.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Seoul?
Is Seoul hot in summer?
Is Seoul cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Seoul get in a year?
Best time to visit Seoul
The best time to visit Seoul is generally April to June and September to October, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 72°F (22°C).
Pack for Seoul with a heavy insulated coat, hat and gloves for winter; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - August nights average 72°F (22°C).
Seoul temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.