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How hot or cold is Korea each month? (Seoul and Busan averages)

Short answer

January is the coldest month and August the hottest. In Seoul the average low and high are −5.5°C / 2.1°C in January and 22.9°C / 30°C in August; Busan is milder in winter. Recent summers have been hotter than these averages, so check the forecast just before you leave.

If a typhoon or heavy-rain warning is issued, postpone beach, valley and mountain plans.

What to do
  1. Find your travel month and city in the monthly averages below (low / high).
  2. Travelling from late June to late July (rainy season) or from June to October (typhoon season)? Pack an umbrella or raincoat.
  3. Just before you leave, check the Korea Meteorological Administration forecast and warnings, and adjust what you pack.
Check before relying on this
  • Monthly figures are long-term averages. The same month can be much warmer or colder in a given year or week.
  • Mountains and islands differ from the cities. Yearly averages range from 7°C in Daegwallyeong to 15°C in Busan.
More details and examples Expand

Spring (March–May)

Average low / high. Seoul: March 1.9 / 11°C, April 8 / 17.9°C, May 13.5 / 23.6°C. Busan: March 5.3 / 13.8°C, April 10.1 / 18.2°C, May 14.6 / 22°C. March mornings and evenings are chilly, so bring a light jacket or trench coat. In May, bring a light outer layer and short sleeves.

Summer (June–August)

Average low / high. Seoul: June 18.7 / 27.6°C, July 22.3 / 29°C, August 22.9 / 30°C. Busan: June 18.3 / 24.6°C, July 22.1 / 27.5°C, August 23.7 / 29.5°C. The rainy season usually runs from late June to late July, and typhoon season from June to October. Bring breathable clothes, sunscreen and an umbrella or raincoat.

Recent summers are hotter

In Korea Meteorological Administration observations for July and August 2024–2026, the average daily high was 29.6–33.3°C in Seoul and 29.0–32.9°C in Busan. The hottest days reached 38°C in Seoul and 38.8°C in Busan. In August 2024, Seoul's daily low stayed at 25°C or above on 25 days. Plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning or evening, and take breaks indoors in the afternoon heat.

Autumn (September–November)

Average low / high. Seoul: September 17.7 / 26.2°C, October 10.6 / 20.2°C, November 3.5 / 11.9°C. Busan: September 19.8 / 26.4°C, October 14.5 / 22.5°C, November 8.3 / 16.6°C. Temperatures change a lot, so wear light layers or bring a jacket or coat.

Winter (December–February)

Average low / high. Seoul: December −3.4 / 4.2°C, January −5.5 / 2.1°C, February −3.2 / 5.1°C. Busan: December 2 / 10.4°C, January −0.1 / 8.2°C, February 1.5 / 10.2°C. Bring a winter jacket, gloves, a scarf, and non-slip shoes for snow.

Sources and provider examples

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