Busan swings from freezing winter nights to hot, humid summers with a typhoon season in August and September. The city is also steep, with hilly neighborhoods like Gamcheon, so you need good shoes and gear for very different seasons.
Busan weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 8°C46°F | 9°C48°F | 14°C57°F | 18°C64°F | 22°C72°F | 26°C79°F | 29°C84°F | 31°C88°F | 28°C82°F | 22°C72°F | 16°C61°F | 10°C50°F |
| Low | -1°C30°F | 1°C34°F | 6°C43°F | 10°C50°F | 14°C57°F | 19°C66°F | 24°C75°F | 25°C77°F | 22°C72°F | 15°C59°F | 8°C46°F | 1°C34°F |
| Rain days | 3 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 4 | 3 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryCold and dry. Highs are 10°C (50°F) in December, 8°C (46°F) in January and 9°C (48°F) in February, with lows from -1°C (30°F) to 1°C (34°F). Rain days are 3 in December and January and 7 in February. Pack a warm coat, a hat, gloves and layers. The sea wind makes it feel colder.
Spring
March–MayMild and pleasant. Highs rise from 14°C (57°F) in March to 18°C (64°F) in April and 22°C (72°F) in May, lows 6–14°C (43–57°F), with 7–10 rain days a month. Bring layers and a light jacket.
Summer
June–AugustHot, humid and wet. Highs are 26°C (79°F) in June, 29°C (84°F) in July and 31°C (88°F) in August, lows 19–25°C (66–77°F). July is the wettest month with 13 rain days. Typhoon season runs August to September. Pack breathable clothes, swimwear for Haeundae and a rain jacket.
Autumn
September–NovemberWarm, then crisp. Highs fall from 28°C (82°F) in September to 22°C (72°F) in October and 16°C (61°F) in November, lows 8–22°C (46–72°F). Rain days drop from 10 to 8 and then 4. September can still bring typhoons. Bring a light jacket for October and November.
What to bring to Busan
0 of 23 packed- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
Gamcheon's steep stairs and Busan's hilly streets need grip and support, and this light sneaker stays cool in 31°C (88°F) summers.
- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
The men's version of the same sneaker, for long days on Busan's hills and beach promenades.
South Korea uses Type C and F sockets, so US, UK and Australian visitors need an adapter.
With 13 rain days in July and typhoon season in August and September, a rain jacket is worth packing.
The men's version of the same jacket, for summer storms and windy winter days.
- CALACH XL Compression Packing Cubes 2-PackBags & Luggage
Compression cubes help fit a warm coat and layers for -1°C (30°F) January nights.
- Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel PillowSleep & Comfort
A long-haul flight to Korea is easier with a supportive travel pillow.
Clothing
- Warm insulated coat · 1Dec–Feb lows reach -1°C with cold sea wind
- Warm hat and gloves · 1 setWinter wind off the sea feels colder
- Light jacket · 1Spring and Oct–Nov evenings
- Breathable short-sleeve tops · 5Jun–Aug highs of 26–31°C and humid
- Long-sleeve layering tops · 3Mild spring and crisp autumn days
- Swimwear · 1Haeundae beach in summer
- Modest outfit for temples · 1Temples expect modest dress
Footwear
- Slip-on shoes · 1 pairEasy to remove at temples
- Sandals · 1 pairHaeundae beach, not hill walking
Gear
- Compact umbrella · 1July has 13 rain days
- Day bag · 1Long days climbing Gamcheon's stairs
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen · 1Summer beach days
- Lip balm and moisturizer · 1Cold, dry winter air
Documents and money
- Passport
- Travel insurance · 1Typhoons can delay flights and ferries Aug–Sep
Tech
- Phone charger · 1220V is fine for most chargers
What shoes should you pack for Busan?
Sneakers with real grip and support. Gamcheon Culture Village and many neighborhoods are built on steep hills and stairs. Sandals work for Haeundae beach but not for a full day of walking.
What do people wear in Busan?
Casual, neat clothes. Locals dress fashionably but comfortably. Swimwear stays at the beach. At temples, dress modestly and remove shoes where asked.
Does typhoon season affect a trip to Busan?
It can. Typhoon season runs roughly August to September. Storms can cause flight and ferry delays and close beaches. Pack a rain jacket and keep plans flexible.
What plugs does Busan use?
South Korea uses Type C and F sockets at 220V. US, UK and Australian visitors need an adapter. Most phone and laptop chargers handle 220V fine.
Tours and things to do in Busan
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Busan.
What should you leave at home for Busan?
Leave heels and flimsy shoes. Busan's hills and stairs punish them. Also skip a heavy coat in summer, since August highs average 31°C (88°F).
Packing for Busan: questions people ask
What should I wear in Busan in August?
Light, breathable clothes and a rain jacket. August averages a 31°C (88°F) high, a 25°C (77°F) low and 11 rain days, and typhoon season starts.
When is typhoon season in Busan?
Roughly August to September. Storms can delay flights and ferries and close beaches.
How cold is Busan in winter?
Cold at night. January averages an 8°C (46°F) high and a -1°C (30°F) low.
Is Gamcheon Culture Village hilly?
Yes. It is built on a steep hillside with lots of stairs, so wear grippy, supportive shoes.
Do I need an adapter in South Korea?
US, UK and Australian visitors do. South Korea uses Type C and F sockets at 220V.
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