Best Time to Visit South Korea: Seasons & Weather

Planning a trip to Korea? Discover the best time to visit South Korea, from cherry blossoms and autumn colors to beaches, skiing, and festivals.

When people ask me about the best time to visit South Korea, I always say it depends on what you’re looking for.

Korea changes completely with the seasons, and each one has something special. I put this guide together to help you figure out the right time for your trip.

I’ll quickly run through the seasons, then share the best months for things like beaches and hiking, and even budget travel. That way, you can plan your trip around what matters most to you.

Seasons in South Korea at a Glance

I like to think of Korea as a true four-season destination. Each season has a very different feel, and the temperatures swing a lot throughout the year:

• Spring (March–May): Mild and pleasant, with cherry blossoms in early April. Temperatures usually sit between 5–20°C (41–68°F).
• Summer (June–August): Hot, humid, and rainy during the monsoon. Expect highs of 22–32°C (72–90°F).
• Autumn (September–November): Clear skies, crisp air, and colorful foliage. Temperatures range from 10–22°C (50–72°F).
• Winter (December–February): Cold and dry inland, with snow in the mountains. It often drops to -10–5°C (14–41°F).

That’s the big picture. Below, I’ll walk you through the best time to go depending on what you want to do in Korea.

When to Visit Korea

If you just want the simplest answer, I’d say late spring (April–May) or autumn (September–November). These months are when the weather feels the most comfortable, the skies are clear, and the scenery is at its best.

Spring is when you’ll see cherry blossoms and lively festivals, while autumn is perfect for hiking and fall colors.

The only thing to watch out for is that these seasons are also popular with both tourists and locals, so prices are higher and hotels book up fast.

Worst Time to Visit South Korea

When to avoid visiting South Korea? There isn’t really a bad time to visit Korea, but there are a few periods that can be more challenging.

• Monsoon season (mid-June to late July): Heavy rain and high humidity can make outdoor sightseeing difficult. Ferries to islands may be canceled, and you will need to be flexible with plans.
• Typhoon season (July to September): Strong storms occasionally hit the peninsula. They mostly affect flights and coastal trips, so keep an eye on the weather forecast.
• Peak holidays (Seollal in Jan/Feb and Chuseok in Sep/Oct): Trains, buses, and flights sell out quickly as millions of Koreans travel home. Tourist attractions in big cities can be quiet, but transport is a headache if you need to move around.
• Deep winter (late December to February) if you dislike cold: Inland cities like Seoul can drop below -10°C (14°F). It is great for skiing, but tough if you prefer mild weather.

If you are flexible, I would avoid mid-June to late July for sightseeing. Otherwise, every season has something worth experiencing.

Best Time to Visit South Korea for Cherry Blossoms and Flowers

If cherry blossoms are on your list, aim for late March to mid-April. Blossoms start in Jeju around the last week of March and usually reach Seoul and the north by early April. The season only lasts about a week in each region, so timing is everything.

It’s not just cherry trees though. April and May bring wisteria, azaleas, and peonies. In May, you’ll also see temples decorated with colorful lanterns for Buddha’s Birthday. The famous Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul ends with a stunning night parade.

Travel tip: You should book hotels early. Cherry blossom spots like Jinhae and central Seoul get crowded and prices rise quickly.

Best Time to Visit Korea on a Budget

If your main goal is to save money, then I’d look at late winter or the monsoon season.

• Late January to early March: After Lunar New Year ends, flights and hotels often drop in price. It’s cold, but you’ll find plenty of deals in Seoul and Busan. Ski resorts sometimes lower prices in March too.
• Late June to early July: The rainy season keeps many tourists away, which means cheaper hotels and more availability. You’ll need to pack a rain jacket and stay flexible, but the savings can be worth it.

I wouldn’t call these the most comfortable times to visit, but if budget is your top priority, they’re the best windows to aim for.

Best Time to Visit South Korea for Autumn Colors and Hiking

If you want to see Korea at its most stunning, come in late October to early November. Korea autumn foliage is incredible, with mountains and parks turning into a sea of red, orange, and yellow.

Some of the best places for fall colors are:
• Seoraksan National Park in Gangwon-do with its dramatic peaks and bright foliage
• Naejangsan National Park in Jeollanam-do, famous for maple trees and temples framed by fiery leaves
• Bukhansan National Park near Seoul, offering easy hikes and sweeping views of the city in autumn
• Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul, where the Secret Garden glows in October

The weather is crisp but not too cold, with daytime temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F). It is one of the busiest travel times in Korea, so I recommend booking hotels and transport in advance.

Best Time to Visit South Korea for Beaches and Islands

If you’re dreaming of beaches, I’d plan for July or August. The water is warm, the beaches are lively!

You’ve got plenty of choice, from Busan’s famous Haeundae and Gwangalli Beaches to the quieter east coast around Sokcho, or the turquoise waters of Jeju Island.

The only catch is the monsoon season, which runs from mid-June to late July. Expect sudden downpours and sticky humidity.

Koreans often say the best cure is eating pajeon pancakes with a glass of makgeolli when it rains.

If you want the beaches without the huge summer crowds, I’d recommend early September. The sea is still warm, but schools are back in session and it’s a lot calmer.

Best Time to Visit South Korea for Hiking

Korea is a hiker’s paradise, and while the trails are open year-round, the most comfortable months for hiking are September to November and April to May.

• In autumn, the air is cool, the skies are clear, and the mountains are full of color.
• In spring, flowers bloom and the weather is mild, which makes the trails especially enjoyable.

Hiking in summer can still be beautiful, especially in shaded valleys or near waterfalls, but the heat and humidity can be tough. Winter hikes are possible and the snow-covered trails look stunning, but you need proper gear and preparation.

If I had to choose just one season for hiking, I would pick autumn. The combination of cool weather and colorful landscapes makes it unforgettable.

Best Time to Visit South Korea for Winter Sports

If skiing or snowboarding is your thing, I’d aim for December through early March, when the ski resorts are open and the snow is reliable.

The mountains in Gangwon-do province are where you’ll find the best slopes, including Yongpyong, Alpensia, and Phoenix Park. These are venues from the 2018 Winter Olympics.

It’s cold, with daytime temperatures often below freezing, but that’s part of the charm.

Even if you don’t ski, winter in Korea has plenty of appeal. I love the outdoor ice rinks in Seoul, the festive lights, and especially warming up in a jjimjilbang (Korean sauna) after being out in the cold.

Best Time to Visit Korea for Festivals

Korea has festivals throughout the year, so the “best time” depends on what you want to experience.

• Spring (March–May): This is festival season for flowers and traditions. You can catch cherry blossom events across the country and the Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul for Buddha’s Birthday in May.
• Summer (June–August): Summer brings fun and quirky events. The most famous is the Boryeong Mud Festival in July, where thousands of people cover themselves in mud by the beach. There are also music and cultural festivals along the coast.
• Autumn (September–November): This is the season for big cultural events. Chuseok (the harvest holiday) usually falls in September or October, and there are unique celebrations like the Andong Mask Dance Festival and the Busan International Film Festival in October.
• Winter (December–February): Winter festivals are all about lights, snow, and traditions. In Seoul you will see lantern and light displays, and in the countryside you can find ice fishing festivals and snow celebrations.

If you want the most variety, I would suggest spring or autumn. They offer a mix of cultural traditions, outdoor events, and great weather.

Best Time to Visit Jeju Island

Jeju has a slightly different climate from the mainland, so the timing matters.

• Spring (March–May): Yellow canola flowers cover the fields, and cherry blossoms bloom earlier than Seoul.
• Summer (June–August): This is the season for beaches and waterfalls, but it is also the busiest and most humid time.
• Autumn (September–November): November is one of the best times for Jeju. The weather is mild, the winds are calmer, and the island hosts the Jeju Olle Trail Walking Festival. You will also see silver grass swaying on the volcanic cones and taste fresh tangerines.
• Winter (December–February): Winters are milder than the mainland, which makes it a quieter and more peaceful escape.

How to Choose the Right Time

When people ask me when they should go to South Korea, I always say it depends on their priorities. Here are a few tips to make the choice easier:

• For general sightseeing, stick to spring or autumn for the best balance of weather and scenery.
• If you are on a budget, late winter or monsoon season can save you money on flights and hotels.
• If you love culture, check the dates for Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok and be prepared for busy travel days.
• Always pack for the season. Bring layers in spring and autumn, waterproofs in summer, and proper winter gear if you are visiting from December to February.

Final Thoughts

Korea has something special in every season, so the best time to visit really comes down to what you want most from your trip. Whether it’s cherry blossoms, beaches, autumn colors, or skiing, you’ll find a season that matches your style.

To help you plan even better, here are a few guides you might find useful:

• South Korea Travel Tips – everything you need to know before you go
• K-ETA Guide – check if you need it and how to apply
• T-Money Card Guide – the easiest way to use buses and subways
• Korea SIM vs eSIM – how to stay connected from day one
• KTX and Korail Pass – getting around Korea by train