When is the best time to visit South Korea?

Visiting South Korea in February

Attractions remain less crowded, but snow is still possible in the north until the end of the month. The Korean New Year generally falls in January or February, so it’s best to avoid that time. The temperatures are still too cold to recommend visiting.

Events & Festivals

• Jeju Fire Festival (late February, early March): A giant bonfire, fireworks and K-Pop concerts are held on Jeju Island to celebrate the arrival of spring.

Visiting South Korea in March

Temperatures begin to increase during March, but overall, it’s still chilly. Depending on the weather, the cherry blossoms may begin to bloom near the end of the month.

Events & Festivals

• Jeju Fire Festival (late February, early March): A giant bonfire, fireworks and K-Pop concerts are held on Jeju Island to celebrate the arrival of spring.

Visiting South Korea in April

This is one of the best times to visit, when the cherry blossoms are likely to be in full bloom. However, the most popular destinations are busy. Additionally, the yellow dust from the Gobi Desert often covers South Korea at this time — people with allergies may want to avoid visiting in April.

Visiting South Korea in May

This month features warm, pleasant temperatures and plenty of sun. It’s an excellent time to try outdoor activities, such as climbing Mount Hallasan on Jeju Island. Do be aware, however, that the cherry blossom bloom will be completely over by May.

Events & Festivals

• Yeon Deung Hoe Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul (beginning of May): Entertainment, a parade and a procession of lanterns light up the Seoul streets.

Visiting South Korea in June

Crowds tend to die down in June, and popular attractions become less crowded. The caveat is that the upcoming monsoon season means rain is very common during this time of year.

Visiting South Korea in July

July is peak monsoon season, so we don’t recommend visiting then. Additionally, the temperatures are very high with lots of humidity. This is one of the worst months to visit.

Visiting South Korea in August

August is very hot and sunny, making it the best time to visit the beaches. However, restaurants, shops and popular sites will be crowded. South Korean schools are on break and there is a surge in domestic travel.

Visiting South Korea in September

The crowds dwindle a little as the schools head back into session. The weather is still very hot, and South Korea can sometimes be hit by typhoons, which deliver rainfall for a couple of days at a time. Chuseok often falls this time of year, so it’s best to avoid that week.

Visiting South Korea in October

This is one of the best months to visit — the weather is comfortably warm, making it pleasant for outdoor activities. Toward the end of the month, mountain ranges in the north start to show signs of autumnal hues as the leaves begin to change.

Events & Festivals

• Busan Fireworks Festival (October): Fireworks light up the sky and a laser light show dances among the stars at Gwangalli Beach.

Visiting South Korea in November

Temperatures this month are generally pleasant, though they start to get chilly toward the end of the month. It’s the best time to see the bright autumn leaves, particularly at the beginning and middle of the month.

Events & Festivals

• Seoul Lantern Festival (November): Large, bright lanterns are set in the Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul.

Visiting South Korea in December

We wouldn’t recommend December for a visit, as the temperatures can be quite cold. The weather isn’t as icy as January, but Seoul in particular can be frigid later in the month.

Events & Festivals

• Seongsan Sunrise Festival (New Year’s Eve): Concerts, fireworks, campfires and other festivities kick off the celebration as festivalgoers await the first sunrise of the New Year on Jeju Island.