The climate of Sokcho
Situated on the coast of
South Korea,
Sokcho experiences a Dfa Köppen climate. This classification characterizes a humid continental climate, with no dry season and hot summers. Throughout the year, Sokcho sees variance in weather parameters including temperature, humidity, rainfall, sea temperature, sunshine hours, and UV index.
Typically, the highest temperatures occur in
July and
August, reaching up to 26°C (78.8°F) and 27°C (80.6°F) respectively, while the coldest months from
December to
February exhibit low temperatures from -4.1°C (24.6°F) and -2.4°C (27.7°F) to 1.5°C (34.7°F). Relative humidity ranges from a low 49.5% in December to a high of 82.6% in August, indicating significant atmospheric moisture throughout the year.
Rainfall in Sokcho varies largely within the year, with the maximum rainfall of 293mm (11.54") occurring in August and the least rainfall of 38mm (1.5") recorded during December. The number of rainfall days also sees an increase from 4.8 days in December to a peak of 15.6 days in July. Maximum sea temperatures of 23.8°C (74.8°F) are indicated in August, while lower sea temperatures surface in February, measuring 7.5°C (45.5°F). Fluctuation in daylight hours is also noted, from a minimum of 9.6 hours in December, stretching to a 14.8 hours peak in
June. Additionally, the UV index sees its peak value of 10 in July, compared to a low of 2 in December and
January.
Bringing these parameters together, the climate in Sokcho offers distinct and interesting patterns, with remarkably humid summers capped with high rainfall and sea temperatures, contrasting to relatively dry and cold winters.
The best time to visit Sokcho
The most appealing time to visit
Sokcho depends largely on the activities visitors are interested in. For beachgoers and water sport enthusiasts, the high sea temperatures from 19.3°C (66.7°F) to 23.8°C (74.8°F) and maximum daylight hours of 14.5 hours, from
June through
August, create ideal conditions for outdoor and water-based activities. August specifically promises a warm sea temperature of 23.8°C (74.8°F).
For tourists looking to explore the city and its surroundings, spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures.
April to June and
September to
November feature average high temperatures from 16°C (60.8°F) to 23.6°C (74.5°F) and low average rainfall days from 7.3 to 9 days, ensuring pleasant and less humid conditions for sightseeing or hiking.
The worst time to visit Sokcho
The months of
July and
August see the highest rainfall of 247mm (9.72") and 293mm (11.54") respectively, alongside a high average humidity over 82%. These conditions, coupled with a high UV index of 10 in July, might not be ideal for travellers, especially those sensitive to high humidity or sun exposure.
Similarly, the cold months from
December to
February, bearing low temperatures from -4.1°C (24.6°F) to 1.5°C (34.7°F) and reduced daylight hours from 9.6 to 10.8 hours, may not provide the most comfortable environment for travellers unaccustomed to colder climates.
Spring weather in Sokcho
Spring in
Sokcho, stretching from
March to
May, sees a gradual increase in temperature from 9.6°C (49.3°F) to 20.4°C (68.7°F). Concurrently, the sea temperature rises from 7.5°C (45.5°F) to 14.7°C (58.5°F), making the beach increasingly appealing as the season progresses. The region experiences rainfall ranging from 47mm (1.85") to 96mm (3.78"), with the number of rainfall days increasing from 6.7 days to 9 days. Humidity starts to rise from 60.8% in March, to reach 69% by May, along with an increase in daylight hours from 12 to 14.2 hours, providing longer periods for outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Sokcho
The summer months in
Sokcho, encompassing
June through
August, are marked by high temperatures ranging from high of 22.7°C (72.9°F) in June to 27°C (80.6°F) in August. Accompanied by high sea temperatures, peaking at 23.8°C (74.8°F) in August, this season provides conditions suitable for water-based activities. However, travelers should be aware of the high humidity, peaking at 82.6% in August. The region also experiences its highest rainfall during this period, ranging from 116mm (4.57") in June to 293mm (11.54") in August, implying a significant number of rainfall days.
Autumn weather in Sokcho
Lasting from
September to
November, autumn in
Sokcho is characterized by dropping temperatures, starting from a high of 23.6°C (74.5°F) in September to a cooler 12.8°C (55°F) in November. The sea temperature also drops during this period from 21.5°C (70.7°F) to 14.8°C (58.6°F). Rainfall reduces from 233mm (9.17") in September to 79mm (3.11") by November and humidity decreases from 77.5% to 55.8%. The reduction in these parameters provides comparatively drier and comfortable conditions for visitors.
Winter weather in Sokcho
Winter in
Sokcho, from
December to
February, is cold with average high temperature dropping from 6.9°C (44.4°F) in December to as low as 3.8°C (38.8°F) in
January. Similarly, the low temperature ranges from -1.2°C (29.8°F) in December down to the yearly lowest of -4.1°C (24.6°F) in January. Rainfall is minimized during these months, falling from 38mm (1.5") in December to 47mm (1.85") in February and the sea temperature dips from 10.7°C (51.3°F) to 7.5°C (45.5°F). Combined with shorter daylight hours ranging from 9.6 to 10.8 hours, these weather conditions make winter in Sokcho chilly and less conducive to outdoor activities.
Weather in January
January marks the beginning of the year in
Sokcho,
South Korea, with cold conditions. Temperature reaches a high of only 3.8°C (38.8°F) and tends to drop below freezing to -4.1°C (24.6°F), making it the coldest month. Comparatively, January is drier, with less rainfall compared to the upcoming months, contributing to the crisp winter weather.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
Sokcho,
South Korea carries on the winter spirit from
January, albeit with a slight rise in temperatures reaching up to 5.5°C (41.9°F). Despite being warmer than January, February experiences freezing nights as temperature dips to -2.4°C (27.7°F).
Weather in February » Weather in March
With the onset of Spring in
March,
Sokcho,
South Korea witnesses a noticeable rise in temperature, reaching as high as 9.6°C (49.3°F). This month hints at the transition from winter with distinctively milder nights and increased precipitation.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Sokcho,
South Korea is characterized by further warming, reaching highs of 16°C (60.8°F). The days are distinctly longer, contributing to warmer afternoons and the bloom of spring foliage. The elevation of temperature is accompanied by the highest increase in rainfall compared to previous months, at 64mm (2.52").
Weather in April » Weather in May
May signals the arrival of late spring in
Sokcho,
South Korea, and warmer temperatures become prevalent. The nights are no longer chilly, hinting at the approaching summer. While rainfall is elevated in May, it is not bothersome, offering gentle showers to cool down the daytime heat.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June marks the arrival of the summer season in
Sokcho,
South Korea, with a significant increase in temperature and humidity. Daylight hours peak during this month, reaching 14.8 hours. The warming trend is accompanied by an influx of rain, with a total precipitation of 116mm (4.57") marking the start of the monsoon season.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the height of summer in
Sokcho,
South Korea, with temperatures soaring to highs of 26°C (78.8°F). Pairing scorching daytime heat with warmer nights, this month stands as the hottest of the year. Alongside the temperature peak, July presents a surge in rainfall, culminating at a hefty 247mm (9.72").
Weather in July » Weather in August
August holds on to the heat in
Sokcho,
South Korea, although not as intensely as
July. Longer hours of sunshine, combined with the high day temperature, bring out the vibrant summer colors. Rainfall hits an annual peak during this month, registering a substantial 293mm (11.54").
Weather in August » Weather in September
Entering
September,
Sokcho,
South Korea starts to bid farewell to the daunting summer heat. Days of intense sunshine begin to reduce, indicating the arrival of autumn. Although high levels of rainfall persist, they recede when compared to the peak in
August.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings the full force of autumn to
Sokcho,
South Korea, and temperatures slip to more comfortable levels. As the foliage begins to change color, rainfall reduces significantly to 89mm (3.5"), marking a sudden shift from the preceding month's soaking rains.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The last month of the autumn,
November, is also a fresh month in
Sokcho,
South Korea, with an average temperature fluctuating between 4.5°C (40.1°F) and 12.8°C (55°F). With the onset of November, Sokcho's average high-temperature adjusts, receding from
October's comfortable 19.4°C (66.9°F) to a fresh 12.8°C (55°F).
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Sokcho,
South Korea is defined by much colder temperatures, heralding winter's approach. Daylight hours are at their lowest and the days are correspondingly shorter. Rainfall decreases once more, rendering Sokcho relatively dry and cold.
Weather in December » [Resources]