Weather in Seoul

About Seoul

Seoul is the most underrated major city in the world. Gyeongbokgung Palace and ancient architecture exist alongside the towering glass of Gangnam. The food — Korean BBQ, jjigae stews, the infinite varieties of banchan — is one of the great culinary cultures. The hiking inside city limits is extraordinary.

Country

South Korea

Best months to visit

May, June, September

Currency

KRW

Language

Korean

Things to do in Seoul

Gyeongbokgung Palace Korean BBQ Bukhansan hiking Myeongdong shopping DMZ tour Han River picnic

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

February

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

March

12C

Cool, with occasional showers.

April

18C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

Recommended

May

23C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

Recommended

June

27C

Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.

July

29C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

August

29C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

Recommended

September

25C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

October

19C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

November

11C

Cool, with occasional showers.

December

Cold, with occasional showers.

Seoul is a megacity that operates at a velocity all its own — palaces and Confucian shrines sit between glass towers and K-beauty flagship stores, the street food in the Dongdaemun area at midnight is some of the most exciting eating in Asia, and the Han River park culture of exercise, picnics, and cycling at all hours reveals a city that has figured out urban living in ways most capitals are still theorising about. It's K-pop and kimchi, ancient royal ceremonies and hypermodern design, and endlessly, genuinely thrilling.

Best areas to stay in Seoul

Gyeongbokgung & Bukchon

Seoul's regal heart — the Joseon dynasty's primary palace, the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village of preserved courtyard houses, and the charming Insadong art and antiques street.

Myeongdong & Dongdaemun

The shopping and beauty culture epicentre — K-beauty flagship stores, street food stalls, and the extraordinary 24-hour Dongdaemun Design Plaza fashion complex.

Hongdae

The youthful university district known for its live music scene, independent cafés, street performance culture, and the best vintage and independent fashion shopping in Seoul.

Itaewon & Hanam-dong

Seoul's international district with the city's most diverse restaurant scene — and increasingly fashionable Hanam-dong with its luxury boutiques and architecture.

Getting to Seoul

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Flights

Incheon International Airport (ICN) consistently rated among the world's best — served from London Heathrow by Korean Air and Asiana Airlines (direct), plus Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and others via hub connections.

⏱

From London

~11 hours direct from London

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Getting around

The AREX (Airport Railroad Express) runs from Incheon to Seoul Station in 43 minutes. The T-money card covers all metro, bus, and some taxi journeys — essential for any Seoul visit.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Seoul?

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–November) are the finest seasons — cherry blossoms along Yeouido in April and fiery autumn foliage in November are spectacular. Summers are hot and humid; winters can be very cold with heavy snow but also a distinctive beauty.

Do UK citizens need a visa for South Korea?

No — UK passport holders can visit South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.

How do I get around Seoul?

Seoul's metro system is one of the world's finest — extensive, cheap, punctual, and with excellent English signage. The T-money card (available at any convenience store) works on metro, buses, and even some taxis. Kakao T is the local taxi app.

What should I eat in Seoul?

Korean BBQ (galbi and samgyeopsal cooked at your table), bibimbap (rice with vegetables and gochujang), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) from street stalls, and Korean fried chicken with beer ('chimaek') are the essential Seoul eating experiences. Gwangjang Market is a landmark street food destination.

Is Seoul expensive?

Seoul is very good value for a major world city — accommodation, food (especially at local restaurants), and transport are all significantly cheaper than comparable Western capitals. Designer K-beauty products are also notably cheaper here than anywhere else.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Seoul during cherry blossom season was magical — Yeouido in full bloom with thousands of Koreans picnicking under the trees on a sunny Sunday was one of the most joyful scenes I've ever witnessed. The Korean BBQ we discovered in Mapo-gu was the best meal of the trip.

Mia K. · April 2024

★★★★★

The autumn foliage at Bukhansan National Park (inside the city!) was extraordinary — hiking from Gupabal to the Baegundae peak with Seoul sprawling below under maple-coloured hills was genuinely surreal. Gwangjang Market that evening was brilliant.

Jason P. · October 2023

★★★★☆

Seoul is endlessly energising — we barely slept and didn't need to. The Dongdaemun district at 2am with the street food carts, the fashion wholesale market, and the DDP glowing blue in the dark is a completely unique experience.

Naomi L. · June 2024