Weather in South Korea

When it comes to the weather in South Korea, the country has a continental climate of freezing, dry winters and humid, hot summers, with short, mild spring and autumn months in between. South Koreans pride themselves on their country’s distinctive and beautiful four seasons.

Summer arrives in June and extends through September, beginning rainy before humidity levels build towards the middle of the season. Humidity can reach uncomfortable levels of 80 to 90 percent, making the air feel sticky and oppressive. This season is marked by warm, moist winds from the Pacific. The monsoon season begins in mid-to-late June and typically runs through late July. While South Korea doesn’t experience extreme monsoons like those in Southeast Asia, southern South Korea does experience considerable rainfall during this time. Typhoon season runs from August through September, with about one typhoon impacting the country each year.

From late September through to November, autumn is spectacularly beautiful in the mountainous areas as leaves turn to vivid shades of red, orange and gold. The season lasts longer in southern cities than it does in the north.

Starting in December, winters tend to be quite harsh, particularly as you move further north. Temperatures drop below freezing, with icy winds blowing across the country from Siberia. The north, especially in Seoul and in the mountains, experiences snowfall, while the milder south coast rarely does.

Spring occurs in late March and early April and offers pleasant temperatures. March and early April coincide with the yellow dust season and can see reduced air quality when fine dust from Chinese and Mongolian deserts affects air quality. May typically offers clearer conditions. As in neighbouring Japan, South Korea hosts cherry blossom festivals each spring. These blooms attract visitors from across the country.

There are regional climate differences across the country. Jeju Island in the south has a subtropical climate with milder winters that rarely drop below freezing, and spring arrives earlier with cherry blossoms appearing in late March. The east coast generally experiences better air quality compared to western regions, particularly during the spring months.

Weather in Seoul
Weather in Busan