Best Times to Visit Seoul

With a temperate continental climate, Seoul is renowned for its biting winters and blistering summers. However, in between these extremes, visitors can enjoy long-awaited pockets of perfectly pleasant weather, arguably the best moments for a visit. Every season in South Korea’s capital offers unique experiences, making planning your trip a delightful challenge.

Traditionally, summer attracts the most international visitors to Seoul, leading to a bustling atmosphere. Nevertheless, recent years have seen spring and fall gaining popularity due to their stunning foliage and ideal weather, making them highly sought-after times to explore.

Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) – Ideal for Outdoor Activities

Spring and fall are undoubtedly the most agreeable seasons in Seoul, offering perfect weather for outdoor attractions. Visitors can immerse themselves in the city’s natural beauty, from its national parks to hidden traditional villages, vibrant temples, markets, and renowned street-food stalls. Notably, the Han River provides a picturesque setting where one can pedal around on swan boats or relish a delightful picnic of fried chicken and beer, locally known as chimaek.

• March features the Seoul Marathon, welcoming roughly 35,000 runners of all skill levels.
• April showcases stunning cherry blossoms, especially in popular locations such as Yeouido Park and Namsan Park, where visitors can stroll beneath blooming trees.
• In September, the Chuseok festival invites visitors to observe traditional rituals, such as the ceremonial Sajik Daeje procession.
• November’s cooler temperatures offer a more budget-friendly travel option, with the enchanting Seoul Lantern Festival lighting up Cheong-gye-cheon.

Summer (June to August) – Best for Indoor Activities

While June can be relatively pleasant, the months of July and August bring overwhelming heat and humidity, often coupled with heavy rains. Fortunately, Seoul provides ample opportunities to enjoy indoor activities. Visitors can explore museums, experience the city’s quirky café culture, or navigate Asia’s largest underground shopping mall, COEX, which also houses a library, an aquarium, a movie theater, and a casino.

Winter (December to February) – A Budget-Friendly Option

Despite its cold climate, with frigid winds that can be harsh on the skin, Seoul transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland. The lack of crowds during this season allows visitors to experience the city in a more intimate manner, surrounded by snow-dusted palaces and festive street vendors, enticing with roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes. Moreover, traveling during winter can be budget-friendly, as this season typically offers lower prices.

Winter sports enthusiasts can also find entertainment outside the city, partaking in skiing, snowboarding, or ice fishing. The lunar new year celebration, Seollal, generally occurs between late January and mid-February, presenting additional festive experiences at folk villages and historical sites throughout the city.