Best Time to Visit Seoul (2026)
Seoul has dramatic seasonal extremes — blazing hot summers and bitter winters. Spring cherry blossoms (late March–April) and autumn foliage (October–November) are the two unmissable windows to visit.
Green ✓ = Best months · Red = Consider avoiding
Seoul Travel Guides
April–May & October–November
Cherry blossom and autumn foliage — Seoul's two bucket-list seasons. Book well in advance.
March & September
Transitional weather, manageable crowds. March is cold but cherry blossoms approach.
July–August (humid summer) & December–February (cold winter)
Summer is very hot and humid with monsoon rains. Winter is bitterly cold (-5 to -10°C).
Month-by-Month Guide
| Month | Weather | Avg Temp | Rain | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Very coldLunar New Year (Seollal) — transport busy | -3°C | Low | Low | Budget |
| Feb | Cold, warming slightly | 0°C | Low | Low | Budget |
| Mar | Cool, spring startingCherry blossoms approaching end of month | 7°C | Moderate | Moderate | Mid |
| AprBest | Warm & beautifulPeak cherry blossom — early to mid-April | 14°C | Moderate | High | Peak |
| MayBest | Warm & pleasantBuddha's Birthday, Children's Day | 19°C | Moderate | High | Peak |
| Jun | Hot & humidMonsoon season begins mid-June | 23°C | High | Moderate | Mid |
| Jul | Very hot & rainyMonsoon peak | 27°C | High | Moderate | Mid |
| Aug | Very hot & humidSchool holidays — domestic travel peaks | 28°C | High | High | Peak |
| Sep | Warm & pleasantChuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) — some closures | 22°C | Moderate | Moderate | Mid |
| OctBest | Cool & gorgeousAutumn foliage starting mid-October | 14°C | Low | High | Peak |
| NovBest | Cool, vivid coloursPeak foliage early November | 6°C | Low | High | Peak |
| Dec | Cold & festiveChristmas illuminations in Myeongdong | 0°C | Low | Moderate | Mid |
Key Events & Festivals
Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival
Seoul's most famous cherry blossom viewing spot along the Han River. Also Changdeokgung Palace Secret Garden and Gyeongbokgung.
Seoul Lantern Festival
Thousands of illuminated lanterns float along the Cheonggyecheon Stream in central Seoul. One of Asia's most beautiful light festivals.
Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)
Korea's biggest holiday — travel home to families, many shops closed, but traditional performances and events in palaces.
Planning Tips
Cherry blossom timing varies 7–10 days each year — check real-time forecasts at KNMI or Korean weather service
Chuseok holiday causes massive domestic travel — avoid inter-city travel on the main day if possible
Winter in Seoul (December–February) is brutally cold but excellent for skiing (Vivaldi Park, Alpensia are 90 min away)
Download Naver Maps before arriving — Google Maps has poor transit coverage for Korea
Plan your Seoul trip
Seoul Packing List
What to pack for your Seoul trip — by season and category