🌧️ Rainy season
Late June to July
- Rain can be frequent.
- Heavy rain may fall in a short time.
- Some outdoor activities may be affected.
- Carry a compact umbrella or rain jacket.
- Check the forecast before planning outdoor activities.
🌦️ Weather & Packing
Pick your travel month to see the season, what the weather is like and what to pack, plus Korea’s public holidays.
Before you pack: check these 4 things
- Weather forecast for your destination
- Rain and typhoon forecast
- Air quality (PM2.5 / fine dust)
- Temperature difference between daytime and night
Korea’s weather can change quickly, especially in spring and autumn. Check the forecast again 1–3 days before your flight and adjust your packing.
Live weather and warnings: Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA)When are you travelling?
Winter · December to February
Cold and dry
- Temperatures can fall below 0°C, and cold waves can occur.
- Snow and icy roads are possible in some areas.
- VisitKorea advises thick outerwear at all times.
- Seoul’s average temperature in January is -0.4°C, the coldest month.
Pack for January
Weather & clothing essentials
General travel essentials
Forgot something? Basic items such as umbrellas, chargers and daily necessities are widely available at convenience stores and discount stores in Korea.
All four seasons at a glance
Spring
March to May
Cool to mild
- Light jacket or cardigan
- Long and short sleeves for layering
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Compact umbrella
Summer
June to August
Hot, humid and rainy
- Light breathable clothes
- Compact umbrella or rain jacket
- Quick-drying shoes
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- Thin shirt or cardigan for air-conditioned places
- Swimsuit for the beach
Autumn
September to November
Warm to cool
- Light jacket and a scarf for evenings
- Layers you can add or remove
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light rain jacket in early autumn
Winter
December to February
Cold and dry
- Warm coat and thermal layers
- Gloves, hat and scarf
- Shoes with good grip for ice and snow
- Lip balm and moisturizer
- Hand warmers
Month highlights
- January: Seoul’s average temperature in January is -0.4°C, the coldest month.
- March: Cool mornings and evenings, and chilly weather often lasts until mid-March.
- April: Mild and comfortable.
- May: Warm, sometimes quite warm.
- June: The rainy season starts in late June.
- July: The rainy season continues through July. Seoul’s average is 28.8°C, the hottest month, with about 294 mm of rain.
- August: Seoul gets about 290 mm of rain in August, and typhoons are possible from June to October.
- September: Often still warm. Typhoons are still possible until October.
- October: Generally mild and comfortable. Typhoons are possible until October. Hangeul Day (October 9) is a public holiday.
- November: Cool, especially mornings and evenings.
Temperatures are general guides based on VisitKorea’s climate guide. Check the forecast 1–3 days before you fly.
What should I wear?
| Weather | What to pack |
|---|---|
| Below 0°C | Heavy coat, thermal layers, gloves |
| 0–10°C | Winter coat and a sweater |
| 10–20°C | Jacket and long sleeves |
| 20–25°C | Light jacket or cardigan, and shirts |
| 25–30°C | Light, breathable clothing |
| Above 30°C | Breathable clothes and sun protection |
| Rain expected | Umbrella or rain jacket |
| Snow or ice expected | Warm shoes with good grip |
Temperatures are a guide. Wind, humidity and the gap between day and night change how it feels.
Your quick packing list
Pick a place and a travel style. The month comes from the selector above.
Where are you going?
What will you do?
Your list for January: Seoul, City sightseeing
For the season
- Warm coat and thermal layers
- Gloves, hat and scarf
- Shoes with good grip for ice and snow
- Lip balm and moisturizer
- Hand warmers
For the place
- Layers for big day–night changes
For your activity
- Comfortable sneakers
- Light backpack
- Compact umbrella
- Layered clothing
Rain and typhoons
🌀 Typhoon season
Mainly June to October
Typhoons do not hit every region every year, but they can bring strong winds, heavy rain and disrupted transport.
If a typhoon is approaching Korea, check official weather warnings before travelling to airports, mountains, beaches or coastal areas.
Live weather and warnings: Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA)Heat, UV, cold and indoor temperature
☀️ Sun protection
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Lightweight long-sleeve clothing
UV levels can be high even when the temperature does not feel extremely hot.
Heat waves
Mid-summer can be extremely hot and humid, and some days go above 35°C. Drink water, rest in the shade or indoors in the afternoon, and plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning or evening.
Cold waves, snow and ice
Winter is cold and dry. Temperatures can fall below 0°C, cold waves can arrive from the north, and snow and icy roads are possible in some areas. Wear layers and shoes with good grip.
👟 Comfortable shoes matter
You may walk much more than you expect. Subway stations, palaces, shopping districts, markets and attractions often mean long walks and stairs.
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sneakers
- Weather-resistant shoes in the rainy season
- Shoes with good grip in winter
🏠 Indoor heating
Korean buildings are generally well heated in winter. Dressing in layers is more comfortable than one very heavy layer.
❄️ Strong air conditioning
Shopping malls, restaurants and public transport can feel much cooler than outside in summer. Bring a thin shirt or cardigan.
😷 Check air quality
Air quality varies from day to day. Check the PM2.5 and PM10 forecast before outdoor activities, especially if you are sensitive to air pollution.
If poor air quality is expected, you may want:
- A KF94 or equivalent mask
- Eye drops, if you need them
- Your personal medication
A mask is not required for a trip to Korea. Prepare one only if you need it.
AirKorea🌏 Weather varies by region
Korea has four distinct seasons, but the weather can differ a lot by region. Seoul and inland areas have colder winters, while Busan and the southern coast are generally milder. Jeju can be windy, and mountain areas can be much colder than nearby cities.
| Place | What to know |
|---|---|
| Seoul | Cold winters, hot and humid summers |
| Busan | Winters milder than Seoul |
| Jeju | Often windy, with fast-changing weather |
| Gangwon | Very cold winters with plenty of snow |
| Mountain areas | Can be much colder than the city on the same day |
VisitKorea’s monthly averages show the gap: in January Seoul averages about -5.5°C at its coldest, while Busan stays around -0.1°C.
📅 When should you check the weather?
7 days before
- Check the general forecast
- Adjust your clothing plan
3 days before
- Check temperature and rain
- Prepare an umbrella or rain gear
1 day before
- Check the latest forecast
- Check severe weather warnings
- Finalise what goes in your carry-on
🔋 Power banks
Power banks must go in your cabin baggage, never in checked baggage. Under Korea’s aviation rules in force from April 20, 2026, passengers may carry two power banks of 160Wh or less per flight, and using one or charging it from the plane’s power outlet during the flight is banned. Airlines can be stricter, so check your airline’s latest battery policy before you leave.
Power banks above 100Wh and up to 160Wh need your airline’s approval. Power banks above 160Wh are not allowed.
Incheon Airport: baggage and restricted items💊 Medicine
Bring essential medication in its original packaging. For prescription or controlled medicines, check Korea’s import requirements before departure and carry supporting documents if they are required.
Medicine and prescription rules, in Before You Go →Official weather and travel information
- Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA)
Weather forecasts and warnings
- VISITKOREA climate guide
Korea’s climate and seasonal travel information
- AirKorea
PM2.5 and PM10 air quality
- Incheon Airport: baggage and restricted items
Power bank and battery rules
Also check your own airline’s latest battery and baggage policy.
Public holidays in 2026
| Date | Holiday | Observed |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year’s Day | — |
| February 16–18 | Seollal (Lunar New Year) | — |
| March 1 | Independence Movement Day | March 2 |
| May 1 | Workers’ Day | — |
| May 5 | Children’s Day | — |
| May 24 | Buddha’s Birthday | May 25 |
| June 3 | Local Election Day | — |
| June 6 | Memorial Day | — |
| July 17 | Constitution Day | — |
| August 15 | Liberation Day | August 17 |
| September 24–26 | Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) | — |
| October 3 | National Foundation Day | October 5 |
| October 9 | Hangeul Day | — |
| December 25 | Christmas Day | — |
Seollal and Chuseok are the busiest travel periods: trains and buses sell out and some shops close, so book early.
Read the public holidays guide →Guides
- PlanningKorea Weather Guide: Seasons, Rain and Typhoons
How the weather works in Korea through the year: temperature ranges by season, the summer rainy season, typhoon months, Seoul’s monthly extremes and where to check forecasts.
Read the guide - PlanningSeasonal Packing for Korea: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter
What to wear and bring in each season in Korea, based on typical temperature ranges, the summer rainy season, typhoons and the cold winter.
Read the guide - PlanningWhat to Pack for Korea: The Essentials List
A short packing list that works in every season: documents, money, tech and power, health, and the clothing basics, with the airline carry-on rules that trip people up.
Read the guide - PlanningBest Time to Visit Korea: Season-by-Season Guide
What each season in South Korea offers: cherry blossoms, summer monsoon, autumn foliage and winter festivals, with weather and crowd tips for planning.
Read the guide - PlanningKorea Public Holidays 2026: Dates and What Closes
The 14 public holidays in 2026 with observed dates, how Seollal and Chuseok affect travel, and the expected dates for 2027.
Read the guide