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Climate in South Korea


Average weather, temperature, rainfall, sunshine

Flag - South Korea

Map - South Korea

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In much of South Korea (Republic of Korea), the climate is continental, cold but often sunny in winter, and hot and sultry, with abundant rainfall, in summer. Along the southern and eastern coast, where the winter is milder, and the average January temperature exceeds the freezing mark, the climate can be defined as temperate. Spring and autumn are quite short but pleasant.
The latitude of the country is not high: the border with North Korea is located on the 38th parallel, but winter is cold because of the prevailing winds from Siberia.

In the following map, we can see the climate zones in South Korea.

Climate zones in South Korea

South Korea is affected by the Asian monsoon regime: in winter, cold air masses from the Asian continent prevail, while in summer, the country is reached by warm and moist air masses of tropical origin. For this reason, the precipitation pattern is opposite to that of the Mediterranean climate: the driest season is winter, while the rainiest one is summer. Moreover, in summer and early autumn, South Korea can be affected by typhoons (see below).

Total annual precipitation is significant, spanning generally from 1,200 to 1,500 millimeters (47 to 60 inches), with the exception of both the southern coast, where it is higher and can reach 1,700 mm (67 in), and the northernmost inland regions, where it is lower and can go down to 1,000 mm (40 in), in addition to some particularly sheltered valleys like that of Daegu (or Taegu), where it does not exceed 1,000 mm (40 in) per year.

The climate in detail


  • The seasons
  • Center-north - Pyeongchang, Seoul, Incheon
  • South - Mokpo, Busan, Jeju
  • Typhoons
  • When to go
  • What to pack
  • Climate data

The seasons



Winter, from late November to mid-March, is freezing in the north and in the interior, while it’s milder, but still with night frosts, along the southern coast. The sun often shines. Snowfalls are relatively rare and not abundant. A cold, dry wind often blows from the continent, at times full of dust.
Because of the greater exposure to cold winds of Siberian origin, at a given latitude, winter is colder on the west coast than on the east coast. The average January temperature exceeds 0 degrees Celsius (32 °F) in the south, on the coast and in the plains, while on the east coast, it's around freezing even in the north. The interior is obviously colder than the coastal areas, in fact, in the north-central inland area (see Chuncheon) the average temperature in January is around -3.5 °C (25 °F).
In the capital, Seoul, located near the coast but in the north-west, which, as we mentioned, is the region most exposed to cold winds, the average temperature in January is -2 °C (28 °F).
In the southernmost cities, such as Mokpo and Busan (or Pusan), the climate is much milder, and the average temperature in January goes up to around 3 °C (37.5 °F).
However, during cold spells, the temperature can drop to -20 °C (-4 °F) in Seoul and in northern inland areas and to around -10 °C (14 °F) in the south, while it only drops a few degrees below freezing on the island of Jeju.

The north-east is mountainous, and in addition to being freezing, it is also quite snowy. This is the region (called Gangwon-do) where there is the largest number of ski lifts, which, given the low temperatures, are also found at quite low altitudes, below 1,000 meters (3,300 feet). The highest mountain in the area is Seorak, 1,708 meters (5,604 feet), protected in a national park.
In winter, not only the mountains, but also the northeast coast is a bit wetter (although it is milder): in this season, the average monthly precipitation along the north-east coast is about 45/60 mm (1.8/2.4 in), while in Seoul, it is about 20/25 mm (0.8/1 in). The southwest coast (where Mokpo is located) and Jeju Island are a bit more rainy and less sunny as well.
The least snowy area is the south-east coast because of the higher temperature, but also because in periods of bad weather the wind blows from the south. There are, on average, 25 days with snowfall per year (maybe light) in Seoul (as mentioned, located in the northwest), 22 days in Incheon (near Seoul but on the coast), 27 in Mokpo (on the south-west coast, which is a milder but also more humid area), 12 in Daegu (in the south-eastern inland areas), and only 5 in Busan, on the southeast coast.

Konjiam, ski lift near Seoul

Spring, from mid-March to May, is initially cool, and gradually becomes milder, but the rains become more frequent because of the formation of low pressure systems.
In winter, and especially in spring (March to May, which is called yellow dust season), South Korea (but especially the Seoul area) can be reached by the yellow dust (HwangSa in Korean) coming from the desert of Mongolia and from China; the dust forms a characteristic haze and can cause breathing problems and eye irritation.

Summer, from June to August, is hot, humid, and rainy. High humidity makes the heat sweltering, especially in July and August. Rainfall can be heavy especially in July and August. Two thirds of the annual rainfall occur in summer. However, between periods of bad weather, there can also be sunny days, which may be very hot. On the hottest days the temperature can reach 36/38 °C (97/100 °F).
Especially between late June and early August, an almost stationary front (called Changma) moves over Korea, which can cause heavy rainfall (sometimes associated with floods) but also fog, low clouds and drizzle. In the second part of summer, it goes a bit better, and the amount of sunshine increases, although typhoons can add more rain.
Being characterized by different periods of bad weather, summer is the least sunny season, at least if you consider the length of the day.

Autumn, from September to late November, is a pleasant season, especially in the month of October, when the maximum temperatures are around 20/22 °C (68/72 °F). In addition, it usually rains less than in spring.

Center-north



In the center-north, winter is very cold, in fact, the average January temperature is equal to or lower than 0 °C (32 °F). As mentioned, the coldest areas are those of the interior. On the other hand, summer is hot and muggy.

Pyeongchang

Climate chart - Pyeongchang
For example, in Pyeongchang, at 300 meters (985 feet) above sea level, where the 2018 Winter Olympics were held, the average temperature ranges from -4.5 °C (24 °F) in January to 24 °C (75 °F) in August.
On average, 1,255 mm (49 in) of rain (or snow) fall per year.

Seoul

Climate chart - Seoul
As mentioned, winter in Seoul is very cold, although it is quite sunny. On the other hand, summer is hot and muggy, with an average of 26.3 °C (79 °F) in August.
Precipitation amounts to 1,400 mm (55 in) per year. The summer is clearly the rainiest season, and also the least sunny season because of the monsoon.

Seoul

Near Seoul, in Incheon, the Yellow Sea is very cold in winter, but it warms up a lot in summer, reaching 25.5 °C (78 °F) in August, when the water temperature is sufficient for swimming.
Off the east coast, in the East Sea (or Sea of Japan), we find the island of Ulleung.

The south



In the south (see Gwangju, Daegu, Busan), winter is not as cold as in the center-north, and as mentioned, the average temperature slightly exceeds freezing even in January. Summer is hot and muggy here as well.

Busan

Climate chart - Busan
In Busan, located on the southeastern coast, which in winter is the warmest area of the country, the average temperature ranges from 2.5 °C (36.5 °F) in January to 27 °C (80.5 °F) in August.
Precipitation in Busan amounts to 1,575 mm (62 in) per year. Here too, the summer is the rainiest season.
Near Busan, and along the southern coast, the sea is much less cold in winter, while in summer, it gets a bit warmer than in Seoul, reaching 26 °C (79 °F) in August.

Busan from above

The southern island of Jeju (or Cheju) is even milder, so much so that the climate can be defined as subtropical: here, the average temperature in January is about 6/7 °C (43/45 °F). On the other hand, the winds coming from the continent pick up moisture from the sea before reaching the island, so the winter here is often windy and rainy.

Typhoons



As mentioned, South Korea can be hit by typhoons. Typhoon is the name given to tropical cyclones in East Asia. Typhoons are accompanied with large amounts of rainfall and strong winds, and usually produce the greatest damage on the south coast and Jeju Island.
Typically, typhoons affect Korea from July to early October, with a higher probability in the first half of September. Sometimes, they also arrive in the second half of June, when they are generally less strong and only affect the extreme south.

When to go



Considering both the cold winter and the hot and rainy summer, the best times to visit South Korea are spring and autumn, especially the months of May and October. The latter can be preferred because it's less rainy (and it's outside the so-called yellow dust season). Moreover, in autumn, you can admire the fall foliage in national parks.
As mentioned above, the sea is warm enough for swimming from July to September, especially in the center-south.

What to pack



In winter: for Seoul and the center-north, bring warm clothes, such as a down jacket, gloves, a scarf, and a hat. For the extreme south, Mokpo and Busan, warm clothes, such as a sweater and a jacket; a scarf, gloves and a hat for the evening, and possibly a raincoat or umbrella.
In summer: bring light clothes of natural fibers, a light raincoat or umbrella, a scarf for the wind, and a light sweatshirt for air-conditioned places.
It is customary to remove shoes before entering homes and temples, so it can be useful to bring shoes without laces, or that are at least easy to take off.

Climate data - South Korea


Temperatures: °C, Precipitation: mm
Busan
Busan, location on the map
Busan, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.-3-1491419232419125-1
Max temp.7101419232629302722169
Precip.355090140155190325265160805035
Prec. days568991014129565
Humidity53%54%59%61%66%72%79%75%72%65%61%55%
Day length10110912013114014514213412411310398
Sun hours777776666777
Sea temp141313141720232624221917

Cheongju
Cheongju, location on the map
Cheongju, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.-6-417131822231793-4
Max temp.361220252830312621135
Precip.2030457585140295275140604525
Prec. days76888916149699
Sun hours567787566755

Cheorwon
Cheorwon, location on the map
Cheorwon, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.-12-9-3310162020146-1-9
Max temp.141018232728292519103
Precip.20253070100120400345120505020
Prec. days667891117148788
Day length9910812013214314814513612411210196
Sun hours666777556655

Chuncheon
Chuncheon, location on the map
Chuncheon, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.-9-7-15111721211580-7
Max temp.251219242829302620114
Precip.20303570100125400320130505025
Prec. days667891016148688
Sun hours566777556655

Daegu
Daegu, location on the map
Daegu, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.-4-2281318222317104-2
Max temp.691420262831312722158
Precip.2025507080130225245140503020
Prec. days45789914139554
Humidity50%48%48%49%53%62%71%71%69%62%58%52%
Day length10010912013114114614313512411210398
Sun hours677786555766

Daegwallyeong (845 meters)
Daegwallyeong, location on the map
Daegwallyeong, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.-12-10-517121716104-3-9
Max temp.-2161318212324191580
Precip.555075951101653353702501007035
Prec. days99111011131818139108
Sun hours677786545666

Daejeon
Daejeon, location on the map
Daejeon, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.-6-417131822221793-3
Max temp.471319242830302621146
Precip.2535508090165305300155605030
Prec. days878881016159689
Sun hours567787566755

Gangneung
Gangneung, location on the map
Gangneung, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.-3-13813182222171260
Max temp.571218232528292520148
Precip.50506580801202502952301158035
Prec. days6699911161612875
Sun hours676776555666

Gwangju
Gwangju, location on the map
Gwangju, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.-3-2281319232318115-1
Max temp.681420252830312722158
Precip.3545608590155295325145605035
Prec. days108999101515107910
Sun hours566776556765

Incheon
Incheon, location on the map
Incheon, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.-5-3281318222318114-3
Max temp.251016222628292620124
Precip.1525356595105340275130505020
Prec. days656881015128698
Day length9910812013214214714413512411210296
Sun hours677787567766
Sea temp75681218232523191410

Jeju City
Jeju City, location on the map
Jeju City, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.44711151924252116106
Max temp.91013182225293026221611
Precip.7055909095170210270230957055
Prec. days1210109101212131171012
Day length102110120130139143141133123113104100
Sun hours245775665643
Sea temp141312141620242725221916

Jeonju
Jeonju, location on the map
Jeonju, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.-4-3171318232317104-2
Max temp.581320252831312722147
Precip.2535558085160305290130555035
Prec. days879991016159799
Sun hours566776456655

Mokpo
Mokpo, location on the map
Mokpo, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.-1-13814182324191371
Max temp.681218222628302622158
Precip.3035658090150220210140605035
Prec. days11999910131296911
Day length10111012013114014514213412411310399
Sun hours566776566765
Sea temp121111121520242725211815

Pyeongchang (300 meters)
Pyeongchang, location on the map
Pyeongchang, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.-11-8-2410151920146-1-8
Max temp.251118232728292519114
Precip.2525407080140310255135503520
Prec. days44788914148564

Seogwipo
Seogwipo, location on the map
Seogwipo, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.45812162024252216116
Max temp.111215192225283027241813
Precip.60801301852252702753152101008555
Prec. days101010101113141411689
Day length102110120130139143141133123113104100
Sun hours566775566765
Sea temp141312141620242725221916

Seoul
Seoul, location on the map
Seoul, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.-6-4171318222317103-4
Max temp.251118242829302620124
Precip.15303575105130415350140505025
Prec. days667891016159698
Humidity55%53%53%53%58%64%75%73%65%60%59%56%
Day length9910812013214214714413512411210196
Sun hours566776456755

Sokcho
Sokcho, location on the map
Sokcho, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.-4-2271216212116115-2
Max temp.461116212427282420137
Precip.4545507590120265300200909040
Prec. days6689912161512785
Sun hours666776556666
Sea temp86691318222422181511

Suwon
Suwon, location on the map
Suwon, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.-7-416121822231792-4
Max temp.361118242829302620125
Precip.2030407095125385295135555025
Prec. days767891015149698
Sun hours667776456755

Ulleungdo
Ulleungdo, location on the map
Ulleungdo, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.003813162022181382
Max temp.561015202226272319137
Precip.11580708010511517017017085105115
Prec. days19151289912121091217
Sun hours345776555643
Sea temp121010121519222422201612

Ulsan
Ulsan, location on the map
Ulsan, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.-204813182223181260
Max temp.71014192426293026221610
Precip.40407095105155235235170754530
Prec. days6689910141310664
Sun hours676776565666
Sea temp141313141720232624221917

Witse Oreum (1.670 meters)
Witse Oreum, location on the map
Witse Oreum, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.-9-8-516101514114-1-7
Max temp.-2131015182021181370
Precip.4513030042565565074083552512516565

Wonju
Wonju, location on the map
Wonju, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.-8-606121721221681-6
Max temp.261219242830302620124
Precip.2030457585135360290145554025
Prec. days768991017159688
Sun hours566776456655

Yeosu
Yeosu, location on the map
Yeosu, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.0151015192224201482
Max temp.781217222427292621159
Precip.254585125145195275265150654525
Prec. days5689101014129565
Sun hours677776566766
Sea temp131212131620232624211816



See also the temperatures month by month

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 See also (cities or regions):
 Busan
 Daegu
 Incheon
 Jeju
 Seoul
 Ulleungdo

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