Best Time to Visit South Korea: Month by Month Guide [2026]
When to visit South Korea for cherry blossoms, fall foliage, K-pop festivals, and skiing
Photo by 정규송 Nui MALAMA on Pexels
Where
Best time to visit South Korea is April for cherry blossoms, May through June for warm spring weather, or October for spectacular fall foliage. These months deliver comfortable temperatures (15-25C / 59-77F), clear skies, and South Korea's most photogenic landscapes.
South Korea has four distinct seasons with dramatic visual changes. Summer (July-August) brings a monsoon called jangma with heavy rain, high humidity, and temperatures above 30C. Winter (December-February) is cold and dry with temperatures dropping to -10C in Seoul, but offers excellent skiing and festive markets. Spring and autumn are universally considered the best seasons.
Seasonal Overview
| Season | Months | Temperature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Mar-May | 8-23C (46-73F) | Cherry blossoms (Apr), hiking, temple visits |
| Summer | Jun-Aug | 23-33C (73-91F) | Beaches, festivals, monsoon rains Jul-Aug |
| Autumn | Sep-Nov | 8-25C (46-77F) | Fall foliage (Oct), harvest festivals, hiking |
| Winter | Dec-Feb | -8 to 5C (18-41F) | Skiing, Christmas lights, hot springs, K-pop events |
Best Months to Visit South Korea
April is magical as cherry blossoms (beotkkot) sweep across the country from south to north. They appear on Jeju Island in late March, reach Seoul by mid-April, and arrive in the northern mountains by late April. The Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival along the Han River in Seoul attracts millions. Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival near Busan is considered the most beautiful in the country with over 350,000 trees.
October rivals April in beauty and is many locals' favorite month. Mountainsides across Seoraksan National Park, Naejangsan National Park, and Bukhansan National Park near Seoul blaze with red, orange, and gold maple and ginkgo leaves. Temperatures are crisp and comfortable (10-20C / 50-68F), rain is rare, and the air is clear. Korean harvest festivals and food events add cultural depth.
May and June offer warm weather (18-28C / 64-82F) before the monsoon arrives in late June. This is peak season for temple stays (templestay programs at Buddhist temples), DMZ tours, and exploring Seoul's vibrant neighborhoods like Hongdae (indie music and nightlife), Gangnam (modern culture and shopping), and Insadong (traditional arts and tea houses).
Winter (December-February) appeals to skiers heading to Pyeongchang, Yongpyong, or Vivaldi Park resorts, all within 2-3 hours of Seoul. Seoul's Christmas lights along Cheonggyecheon Stream and holiday markets at Myeongdong are festive. K-pop award shows and concerts cluster in December-January.
South Korea Weather and Seasons Overview
South Korea has four distinct seasons with dramatic visual changes. Spring (March–May) starts cool and dry, then warms into ideal sightseeing weather with cherry blossoms and fresh greenery. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid, with a monsoon period from late June through July bringing heavy rain and occasional typhoons.
Autumn (September–November) is widely considered the most pleasant season, with crisp air, blue skies, and brilliant foliage peaking in October. Winter (December–February) is cold and dry, especially in the north and inland, but offers reliable snow in the mountains, excellent ski resorts, and atmospheric winter illuminations in Seoul and Busan.
Best Months to Visit by Experience
For cherry blossoms, aim for late March to mid-April, adjusting your route from south to north: Jeju Island first, then Busan and Jinhae, and finally Seoul and the northern regions. For fall foliage, mid-October to early November is ideal, with national parks like Seoraksan, Naejangsan, and Bukhansan offering some of the country’s best color.
If you want warm, mostly dry weather without extreme heat, May and early June are excellent. These months are perfect for temple stays, DMZ tours, and exploring Seoul’s neighborhoods such as Hongdae, Gangnam, and Insadong. For skiing and winter festivals, visit between late December and February, when resorts near Pyeongchang and Vivaldi Park are in full swing.
Costs, Transport, and Money-Saving Tips
South Korea is moderately priced compared with other East Asian destinations. Street food and market meals typically cost $3–7, convenience store meals run about $2–4, and Korean BBQ usually ranges from $10–20 per person. Long-distance travel is efficient: the KTX high-speed train connects Seoul and Busan in about 2.5 hours for roughly $50.
To save on local transport, buy a T-money card, which works on subways and buses in Seoul and other major cities and brings most rides to around $1.30. Many museums and cultural sites are free or low-cost, and hiking in national parks is usually free aside from transport. For accommodation, consider guesthouses or hanok stays in the $30–60 per night range instead of international hotel chains.
When to Avoid Visiting South Korea
If you want comfortable sightseeing weather and minimal disruptions, avoid the peak monsoon period from late June through late July, when heavy rain, high humidity, and occasional storms can affect outdoor plans. Late July and August are also school holiday periods, so popular beaches and attractions can be crowded and more expensive.
Major national holidays such as Lunar New Year (Seollal) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) see large-scale domestic travel, higher prices, and some business closures. While these holidays offer cultural interest, they can complicate transport and accommodation, so book well ahead if you plan to travel during these times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
April and October are the best months to visit South Korea. April offers cherry blossoms and mild spring weather, while October brings peak fall foliage, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures around 10-20C (50-68F).
Cherry blossom season in South Korea typically runs from late March to mid-April. Blossoms reach Jeju Island in late March, southern cities like Busan and Jinhae in early April, and Seoul and central regions by mid-April, with northern mountain areas blooming in late April.
The rainy season, called jangma, usually falls from late June through late July. Expect high humidity, frequent showers, and occasional heavy downpours, especially in July. If you want mostly dry weather, avoid late June to late July.
Yes, winter (December to February) is great if you enjoy skiing, snow, and festive city lights. Temperatures can drop to -10C in Seoul, but ski resorts like Pyeongchang, Yongpyong, and Vivaldi Park offer excellent conditions, and Seoul has Christmas markets and winter illuminations.
Plan at least 7–10 days for a first trip to South Korea. This gives you time for 4–5 days in Seoul, a 2–3 day side trip to Busan or Jeju Island, and a day trip such as the DMZ or a nearby national park.
US citizens can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism. You will need a valid K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before travel, which costs about $10 and is approved within 24-72 hours.
South Korea is moderately priced. Street food costs $3-7, Korean BBQ $10-20 per person, and budget hotels $30-60 per night. Seoul and Busan are pricier than rural areas. Overall, it is cheaper than Japan but more expensive than Southeast Asia.
The KTX high-speed train connects Seoul and Busan in 2.5 hours ($50). Seoul's subway system is excellent and cheap ($1.30 per ride with T-money). Domestic flights serve Jeju Island (1 hour from Seoul). Intercity buses are comprehensive and affordable.
South Korea is one of the safest countries in Asia for tourists. Violent crime is extremely rare, public transport runs safely late at night, and Seoul consistently ranks among the world's safest major cities.
Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere in South Korea, including convenience stores, street food vendors, and public transit (via T-money). Cash is rarely needed but useful for traditional markets and very small shops.