January is the coldest month in South Korea, with temperatures often below freezing in Seoul. Heavy snowfall is found in mountainous areas like Gangwon Province. Coastal regions such as Busan and Jeju are milder but still cool. It’s a quiet travel period overall, apart from ski resorts and winter festivals. Make sure to pack plenty of layers if visiting in January.
The best time to visit South Korea
The best time to visit South Korea is during spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and natural scenery is at its peak.
Spring brings cherry blossoms and clear skies, perfect for hiking and cultural festivals. Autumn offers cool, dry conditions, ideal for exploring national parks and attending iconic events like the Seoul International Fireworks Festival. Winter (December to February) is cold, with snow in northern areas, but it’s great for skiing and ice festivals. Summer (June to August) is hot and humid, marked by monsoon rains, but vibrant beach events like the Busan Sea Festival add excitement. Each season has its own appeal, so plan your trip based on weather preferences, seasonal activities and local festivals to make the most of your visit.
Explore the best time to visit
- Jan
- Feb
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- Apr
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- Jun
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- Aug
- Sep
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- Nov
- Dec
Visiting South Korea in January
low seasonSeongsan Sunrise Festival
A New Year’s celebration centred around the way the sun rises from Seongsan Ilchulbong, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its panoramic views. Enjoy traditional dance performances, fireworks and local food stalls. In Korean culture, viewing the first sunrise of the year is believed to bring luck and renewed energy.
Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival
A popular ice fishing event held on a frozen river in Gangwon, with sledding and winter games.
Visiting South Korea in February
low seasonTemperatures start to rise a little in February, though winter remains firmly in place. Snowy conditions still dominate in the mountains, making it another good month for winter sports. Cities are generally quieter, except during the Lunar New Year.
Seollal (Lunar New Year)
Expect traditional rituals, family gatherings and closures across the country during this major holiday.
Jeongwol Daeboreum (First Full Moon Festival)
Celebrating the first full moon of the lunar new year, traditional fire rites are conducted to ward off back luck. Folk games, bonfires and bureom (nuts cracked for good health) are shared.
Visiting South Korea in March
medium seasonMarch marks the start of spring. It can still be chilly early in the month, but signs of new life begin to appear, particularly in the southern regions like Jeju. It’s a good time to enjoy the cultural sites before the cherry blossom crowds arrive in April.
Jeju Fire Festival
Held in early spring, this traditional celebration involves burning old grasslands to wish for a good harvest.
Jeju Island
Mild weather and early blossoms make Jeju a strong spring destination before the peak season begins.
Visiting South Korea in April
high seasonApril is one of the most popular months to visit South Korea. Cherry blossoms bloom across the country, the weather is mild and outdoor activities are in full swing. This is the start of peak time season, particularly in the cities and parks known for blossom viewing.
Yeouido Spring Flower Festival (Seoul)
Usually held in early to mid-April, this festival celebrates the arrival of spring and the cherry blossom season. Over 1,800 Yoshino cherry trees line the sides of the streets, perfect for a stroll or photography. Some years there are also performances, street art and local food stalls.
Hampyeong Butterfly Festival
Held in late April in South Jeolla Province, this eco-friendly festival features live butterfly displays, flower gardens, insect exhibits and hands-on activities for families. A peaceful alternative to the cherry blossom crowds, it’s ideal for nature-focused travellers.
Visiting South Korea in May
high seasonMay offers warm, dry days with long hours of sunshine. May isn’t as busy as April, but it’s still a popular time for both domestic and international travellers. With fewer crowds, it’s a wonderful time for hiking, cycling and temple exploration. Bukhansan National Park has well-maintained trails for urban hiking, leading to panoramic views over Seoul.
Lotus Lantern Festival
Celebrating Buddha’s birthday, this event features lantern parades and traditional performances.
Temple Stays
Comfortable temperatures make May one of the best times for immersive overnight visits to mountain temples.
Visiting South Korea in June
medium seasonJune starts warm and becomes increasingly more humid as the month goes on, especially in the south. The summer monsoon arrives mid to late June, making early June a better time for travel before the heavier rains arrive.
Haeundae Sand Festival (Busan)
A beachside event featuring sand sculptures, games and sand bath experiences. International and local artists create elaborate sculptures, often based on annual themes. Visitors can try their hand at sculpting too.
Muju Firefly Festival
Held in late-May or early June in Muju, the firefly festival is centred around the native firefly, a designated national treasure in Korea. Experience a guided night firefly watching tour in a conservation zone, enjoy insect exhibits and workshops on biodiversity, and listen to traditional music and storytelling events linked to folklore and nature.
Visiting South Korea in July
low seasonJuly is the peak monsoon season with high humidity and frequent rain across much of the country. Travel can still be enjoyable with indoor-focused activities or by timing visits around local events.
Boryeong Mud Festival
Held over two weeks in mid-to-late July, this festival takes place on Daecheon Beach in Boryeong. Originally launched to promote the area’s mineral-rich mud, the festival has grown into a high-energy event popular with both locals and international travellers. You can expect mud zones, with giant mud pools, mud slides, wrestling pits and obstacle courses, a mud marathon and a mud beauty zone.
Jjimjilbang
Korean bathhouses offer a relaxing indoor experience during rainy days.
Visiting South Korea in August
low seasonAugust is hot and humid, with typhoons occasionally affecting southern and coastal regions. This is a busy month for domestic travel in South Korea, especially around beach and island destinations.
Busan Sea Festival
Celebrate the summer season across the beaches of Busan with water sports, cultural events and live entertainment.
Sokcho
Located in the Gangwon Province, around a 3 hour drive from Seoul, Sokcho is the gateway to Seoraksan National Park, renowned for its combination of mountains, beaches and seafood.
Visiting South Korea in September
medium seasonSeptember marks the end of South Korea’s monsoon season. Clear skies and cooler temperatures return, making it one of the most pleasant times to visit. Late in the month, early autumn foliage starts to peek through in the mountains.
Chuseok
This major harvest festival is celebrated with traditional food, games and cultural performances.
Andong
Known for its rich cultural traditions, well-preserved folk villages and the famous Andong Mask Dance Festival, Andong is a place where you can really immerse yourself in the heritage of the Joseon Dynasty while experiencing traditional Korean art and customs.
Visiting South Korea in October
high seasonOctober is widely considered the best time to visit South Korea. The weather is cool and dry, and the autumn foliage reaches its peak. Outdoor activities, festivals and scenic drives are all highly recommended.
Seoul International Fireworks Festival
Held over the Han River, this impressive evening event attracts large crowds from across the globe.
Jinju Lantern Festival
Only 3.5 hours by bus or train from Seoul, Jinju is home to one of South Korea’s most visually striking cultural events, the Jinju Lantern Festival. Lanterns float on the Namgang River and themed installations of giant lanterns, in the shape of dragons, pagodas etc., line the riverbanks and bridges.
Visiting South Korea in November
high seasonTemperatures start to drop in November, especially further inland. The foliage continues in the early part of the month, but the season shifts towards winter by the end. This is a great time to travel to experience South Korea’s culture.
Seoul Lantern Festival
Illuminated lanterns line the Cheonggyecheon Stream in the city centre. Each year’s festival follows a specific theme or motif, symbolising hope, tradition and modern creativity.
Kimchi Festival
Participate in kimchi-making and learn about the tradition behind Korea’s staple dish.
Visiting South Korea in December
medium seasonDecember is cold and dry, with snowfall likely in the northern and mountainous regions. Travel shifts towards indoor attractions, ski resorts and seasonal celebrations. Jeju and southern cities remain slightly milder. If you’re looking to travel over the festive period, make sure to book well in advance to make the most of availability.
Christmas light displays
Found in Seoul and Busan, especially around major shopping districts.
Gangwon ski resorts
The ski season kicks off in December with fresh powder and early season deals.
South Korea climate guide
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Explore South Korea
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