Seoul isn't a mild city with the odd cold snap. January lows average -7°C (19°F), and summer brings 30–31°C (86–88°F) highs with the year's heaviest rain, while spring and fall are short, mild and fairly dry. Pack for your season, and bring layers you can pull off in warm subways and cafés.
Seoul 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 | 2°C36°F | 5°C41°F | 12°C54°F | 19°C66°F | 22°C72°F | 28°C82°F | 30°C86°F | 31°C88°F | 27°C81°F | 19°C66°F | 12°C54°F | 4°C39°F |
| Low | -7°C19°F | -5°C23°F | 0°C32°F | 7°C45°F | 12°C54°F | 18°C64°F | 23°C73°F | 23°C73°F | 19°C66°F | 10°C50°F | 2°C36°F | -4°C25°F |
| Rain days | 5 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 12 | 19 | 17 | 13 | 8 | 5 | 5 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryCold and dry. January averages a 2°C (36°F) high and a -7°C (19°F) low, December and February aren't far behind, and there are only 5 rain days a month. Pack a warm insulated coat, a hat, gloves, a scarf and thermal layers for Gyeongbokgung Palace or the walk up to N Seoul Tower.
Spring
March–MaySpring warms fast, from a 12°C (54°F) high in March to 22°C (72°F) in May. March lows still hover around 0°C (32°F), so early-season mornings feel like winter. Rain is light at 7 to 8 days a month, so pack a warm jacket for March and lighter layers for May walks along the Cheonggyecheon Stream.
Summer
June–AugustHot, humid and wet. June reaches 28°C (82°F), July 30°C (86°F) and August 31°C (88°F), with lows of 23°C (73°F) in July and August. July is the wettest month of the year at 19 rain days, then August at 17, so bring breathable clothes, a light rain jacket and a way to stay cool.
Fall
September–NovemberSeptember is still warm at 27°C (81°F) with 13 rain days. October is the sweet spot, mild and dry at a 19°C (66°F) high with 8 rain days, and November cools to 12°C (54°F) with lows of 2°C (36°F). Pack light layers for September, a jacket and sweater for October, and a warm coat by late November.
What to bring to Seoul
0 of 21 packedThe EU plug fits Korea's type C and F outlets, but it doesn't convert voltage, so check your hair tools.
- A warm wrapClothing
A compact wool or cashmere wrap that adds warmth on the flight and on January days that bottom out at -7°C (19°F).
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
Earns its spot on hot subway rides and humid walks in July and August, when highs reach 30–31°C (86–88°F).
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Keeps water cold all day on humid summer walks, when highs hit 30–31°C (86–88°F).
A men's packable waterproof shell for July and August, when Seoul gets 17 to 19 rain days a month.
A light, packable women's rain shell for Seoul's showers. Easy to keep in a day bag.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
Cold winter days drain phone batteries faster, and this pocket-size bank tops you up with no cable.
Clothing
- Insulated winter coat · 1January lows average -7°C
- Thermal base layers · 2 setsDec–Feb
- Hat, scarf and gloves · 1 setDec–Feb
- Light knit layers · 3Pull off in warm subways and cafés
- Breathable tees · 4Summer highs of 30–31°C
Footwear
- Slip-on walking shoes · 1 pairShoes off in homes and floor-seating restaurants
- Clean socks without holes · 5 pairsYour socks show when shoes come off
Gear
- Compact umbrellaJuly has 19 rain days
- Sunglasses
Health and toiletries
- SunscreenSummer
- Hand cream and lip balmDry winter air
Documents and money
- Passport
- Rechargeable transit cardBuy on arrival for subway and bus
Tech
- Local maps appWorks better in Korea than some global map apps
What shoes should you pack for Seoul?
Seoul has more hills than people expect, from Bukchon Hanok Village to the paths around Namsan, and subway transfers mean long corridors and stairs. Bring cushioned walking shoes with good grip, since sidewalks can be icy in winter. Slip-ons help at homes and floor-seating restaurants, where shoes come off.
What do people wear in Seoul?
Seoul style is polished and current, especially in Gangnam and Seongsu-dong, with clean sneakers, tailored layers and long padded coats in winter. Casual is fine everywhere, but very worn or sloppy outfits stand out. Lots of people wear face masks in crowds, and nobody minds if you do too.
What plugs does Seoul use?
South Korea uses type C and F plugs at 220V. Most phone and laptop chargers are rated 100 to 240V and only need an adapter. Hair tools and other heating appliances from 100 to 120V countries often won't work safely, so check the label or buy one locally.
Tours and things to do in Seoul
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Seoul.
What should you leave at home for Seoul?
Leave the heavy rain boots, since a light rain jacket and quick-drying shoes handle summer showers in the city. Skip summer clothes for a December to February trip, when highs only reach 2–5°C (36–41°F). Skincare, socks and cheap umbrellas are easy to buy in Myeongdong, so don't pack many spares.
Around Seoul
Packing for Seoul: questions people ask
How cold does Seoul get in winter?
January averages a 2°C (36°F) high and a -7°C (19°F) low, and December and February lows are -4°C (25°F) and -5°C (23°F). Pack an insulated coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers.
When is the rainy season in Seoul?
July and August, with 19 and 17 rain days. June and September get 12 and 13, and the rest of the year has 5 to 8.
Do I need a plug adapter for South Korea?
Yes, if your devices have US or UK plugs. South Korea uses type C and F outlets at 220V, and most phone and laptop chargers handle that voltage with an adapter.
What is the best time to visit Seoul for weather?
October, with a 19°C (66°F) high and 8 rain days. May is close behind, at 22°C (72°F) with 8 rain days.
What should I wear in Seoul in summer?
Highs reach 30–31°C (86–88°F) in July and August, and it rains a lot. Light, breathable clothes and a packable rain jacket work best.
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