When you are planning a vacation or business trip to South Korea you need to know what the weather’s like. The climate in South Korea affects what you pack in your suitcase, the places you go, the activities you take part in – and even what time of the year you visit.
South Korea is a varied and interesting place. The weather and climate in Korea vary, as you would expect, throughout the year and across different parts of the country from Seoul in the north to the tropical islands down south. Find out more about the Korean climate and how you can make the most of your vacation right here.
South Korea Weather and Climate Overview
The climate in South Korea is moderate and there are four distinct seasons, any of which are good times for visiting the country. Korea is hottest during the months of July and August, and this is also the rainy season. The country is coldest during December, January, and February. At other times, the spring and the autumn (fall) seasons are milder and the weather is normally relatively dry. Korea is a good place to visit at any time of the year but you do need to pay attention to the weather and bring the right clothes – lightweight cotton clothing in the summer and heavier sweaters and coats in the winter. During the spring and fall, it is advisable to dress in layers to be prepared for colder days.
Within Korea, there are differentiations between locations. Northern cities have slightly cooler climates than southern parts, and there is an island that lies to the south of the country which is warm year-round – Jeju Island is popular with vacationers as it has mild winters and tropical summers.
South Korea: A Changeable Climate
One of the main things to remember about the weather in Korea is that nothing is set in stone. There can be extremes in any season, and it is wise to expect the unexpected. In the summer the high temperature can get up as far as 45C. But early in the winter, you could get an unexpectedly cold day or night with temperatures going down as far as sub-zero. The difference in the seasons is not usually so extreme, however, although it is a good idea to dress in layers if you are hiking and to take note of weather reports that will alert you to any weather warnings.
Is There Snow in Korea?
The coldest months of the year are between December and March. During this time there are regular falls of snow and it is not unusual to see snow if you visit at this time of year. There is an average temperature of 14F in January. The temperature and snowfall do vary throughout the country with the north of the country generally being colder with more snow.
Are Summers Hot in Korea?
The summer months from June to August can be hot. In general, the weather in summer is warm and humid. There is an average temperature of 88F in July, and the summer can have a lot of rain. It is therefore not the absolute best time to visit in terms of climate unless you like hot and humid weather.
Nights in summer in Korea can be very humid, which can make it difficult to sleep. It is a good idea to stay somewhere with air conditioning, and also to hire or buy a dehumidifier that will make it easier to relax.
Korea Extremes and Typhoons
In addition, during the summer you could experience extremes in weather, especially if you come in the later part of the summer. This is when the rainy season is in full swing. There are around 14 inches of rain in July, and this is the typhoon season so you could experience some severe weather and storms, with flooding. It is important to keep an eye on the weather channels during the rainy season, and also to keep your bug spray packed as the humid weather attracts a lot of mosquitos.
Sometimes in Korea, you will experience the yellow dust that comes from Mongolia and the Gobi Desert in China. This yellow dust is suspended in the air and it can be difficult to breathe and enjoy the outdoors when yellow dust is heavy. It is more likely in the spring or the autumn.
Despite all these seeming problems with the weather, Korea actually remains a very rewarding place to visit and the climate is simply as challenging as in a place like the US, or Thailand. You just need to be aware of the average temperatures and the weather in South Korea at the time you visit. Then you can pack the right clothes and know what to expect so that you can enjoy a Korean vacation with ease.
For more information on the climate in South Korea and more Korea travel tips, visit PhuketOn. Your destination for Asian travel – PhuketOn.
