Climate and monthly weather forecast
Seoul, South Korea

Seoul has a humid continental type of climate (Köppen climate classification Dwa) that borders on the humid tropical type (Cwa), with hot, humid and wet summers, and cold and dry winters. Seoul, the capital of South Korea, lies in the northwest part of the country on the shores of the Han River that bisects the city in north and south parts. The city lies in the temperate latitudes to the east of the Yellow Sea, and the East Asian Monsoon has a significant effect on the climate.

Seoul has an average altitude of 38 meters above sea level. The topography consists of eight mountains surrounding the city, numerous hills, and the large Han River plain, among other features. The strong Siberian winds bring occasional snow and regular frost during the cold season. Typhoons sporadically pass over the region in the storm season from June to September.

Summers are hot and humid in Seoul with the average high temperatures in the 26.7°C (80.1°F) to 29.4°C (84.9°F). The monsoon is prominent during the summer and brings 80% of the annual rainfall. The summer season is also a period of storms, typhoons, and floods. Winters are cold and dry with the average low temperatures in the -6.1°C (21°F) to -2.8°C (27°F) range, and often dropping to -17.8°C (-0°F). The spring and autumn seasons are warm and dry with calm weather.

The annual sunshine is 2066 hours, while the average humidity is 65% during the year. The annual precipitation is abundant to the tune of 1448mm (57.01"), the majority of which occurs during the rainy period of summer. The peak of the monsoon brings heavy rainfall in July and August. Snowfall is sporadic during the peak of winter, while frost is more common in the cold months.

The highest temperature on record for Seoul is 39.6°C (103.3°F), while the record lowest temperature is -23.1°C (-9.6°F).

The best times to visit Seoul are from April to May during the spring and September to October during the autumn, when the temperatures are relatively mild, and the weather is agreeable. The average temperatures drop below the high levels of summer, and it is comfortably warmer than the winter. The spring and autumn are relatively dry, with pleasant weather and bright skies. The seas are calm, and there is less possibility of storms.

The worst times to visit Seoul are in July and August during the peak monsoon, and from December to February in the cold winter. The East Asian Monsoon lashes the region with severe rainfall during the summer months, and a single day can receive over 102mm (4.02") of rain. July and August also tend to have stormy weather. The Siberian winds blow forcefully over the Korean Peninsula and bring frost, snow, and severe cold during the winter.

Seoul is vulnerable to thunderstorms, typhoons, and floods, mainly during the rainy period from June to September. Thunderstorms are common in the region with lightning and heavy rain during the monsoon season. Torrential rains cause flooding during the wet season as the city is at a low elevation, and the downpour may last for days. Typhoons from the East and South China Seas from the west and the Sea of Japan from the east occasionally pass over Seoul.

January, like December, in Seoul, South Korea, is a wintry winter month, with temperature in the range of an average high of 1.5°C (34.7°F) and an average low of -5.9°C (21.4°F). With an average high-temperature of 1.5°C (34.7°F) and an average low-temperature of -5.9°C (21.4°F), January is the coldest month. Weather in January »

The last month of the winter, February, is another cold month in Seoul, South Korea, with an average temperature fluctuating between 4.7°C (40.5°F) and -3.4°C (25.9°F). In Seoul, the average high-temperature in February marginally rises from 1.5°C (34.7°F) in January to a still cold 4.7°C (40.5°F). Weather in February »

The first month of the spring, March, is a fresh month in Seoul, South Korea, with an average temperature varying between 1.6°C (34.9°F) and 10.4°C (50.7°F). In March, the average high-temperature rises from a wintry 4.7°C (40.5°F) in February to a cool 10.4°C (50.7°F). Weather in March »

April is an enjoyable spring month in Seoul, South Korea, with an average temperature ranging between max 17.8°C (64°F) and min 7.8°C (46°F). In Seoul, the average high-temperature in April rises from a cool 10.4°C (50.7°F) in March to a comfortable 17.8°C (64°F). Weather in April »

May, the last month of the spring in Seoul, is a moderately hot month, with an average temperature varying between 13.2°C (55.8°F) and 23°C (73.4°F). In Seoul, the average high-temperature in May increases from a comfortable 17.8°C (64°F) in April to a moderately hot 23°C (73.4°F). Weather in May »

The first month of the summer, June, is still a warm month in Seoul, South Korea, with an average temperature varying between 27.1°C (80.8°F) and 18.2°C (64.8°F). In June, the average high-temperature slightly increases from 23°C (73.4°F) in May to a still moderately hot 27.1°C (80.8°F). Weather in June »

July, like June, in Seoul, South Korea, is a moderately hot summer month, with temperature in the range of an average low of 21.9°C (71.4°F) and an average high of 28.6°C (83.5°F). In Seoul, the average high-temperature in July is essentially the same as in June - a still warm 28.6°C (83.5°F). Weather in July »

August, the last month of the summer in Seoul, is another warm month, with temperature in the range of an average high of 29.6°C (85.3°F) and an average low of 22.4°C (72.3°F). August is the warmest month, with an average high-temperature of 29.6°C (85.3°F) and an average low-temperature of 22.4°C (72.3°F). In August, the average heat index is evaluated at a sweltering 35°C (95°F). Weather in August »

September, the first month of the autumn in Seoul, is still a warm month, with an average temperature ranging between max 25.8°C (78.4°F) and min 17.2°C (63°F). In Seoul, the average high-temperature in September marginally drops from a moderately hot 29.6°C (85.3°F) in August to a still warm 25.8°C (78.4°F). Weather in September »

October, the same as September, is another comfortable autumn month in Seoul, South Korea, with an average temperature fluctuating between 10.3°C (50.5°F) and 19.8°C (67.6°F). In Seoul, the average high-temperature in October drops from a moderately hot 25.8°C (78.4°F) in September to a comfortable 19.8°C (67.6°F). Weather in October »

The last month of the autumn, November, is also a fresh month in Seoul, South Korea, with an average temperature fluctuating between 11.6°C (52.9°F) and 3.2°C (37.8°F). In November, the average high-temperature significantly decreases from a comfortable 19.8°C (67.6°F) in October to a cool 11.6°C (52.9°F). Weather in November »

December, the first month of the winter in Seoul, is still a cold month, with an average temperature ranging between max 4.3°C (39.7°F) and min -3.2°C (26.2°F). In Seoul, the average high-temperature in December decreases from a fresh 11.6°C (52.9°F) in November to a wintry 4.3°C (39.7°F). Weather in December »