Korea has four clear seasons, and each one changes the trip: blossoms in spring, beaches and heat in summer, red hills in autumn and snow and ski slopes in winter. Here is the short answer, then a quick look at every month with a link to its full guide.
The short answer
- Best overall: spring (April to early June) and autumn (mid September to mid November). Comfortable, dry and beautiful.
- Cherry blossoms: late March in the south, early to mid April in Seoul.
- Autumn leaves: mid October in the mountains, late October to mid November in the cities.
- Beaches: July and August, if you can handle the heat.
- Skiing and winter festivals: late December to February.
- Lower prices and fewer crowds: March, June, November and January to February, avoiding the big holidays.
Month by month
- January: the coldest month. Dry, sunny and freezing; ice fishing festivals and skiing.
- February: still cold, with the Seollal holiday and the last of the ski season.
- March: winter turns to spring; first plum and cherry blossoms in the south.
- April: cherry blossom season and mild days; busy but beautiful.
- May: warm, green and sunny, with lantern festivals for Buddha's Birthday.
- June: early summer; pleasant at first, then humid as the rainy season starts.
- July: monsoon rain, then heat; beaches and summer festivals.
- August: the hottest and busiest holiday month; typhoons possible.
- September: the heat fades; the Chuseok harvest holiday.
- October: crisp, clear and colourful; many festivals.
- November: peak autumn leaves in the cities, then the first cold days.
- December: Christmas lights, winter markets and the first ski days.
Holidays to plan around
The two big family holidays, Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (the harvest festival), move with the lunar calendar. In 2027, Seollal is from 6 to 9 February and Chuseok from 14 to 16 September. Trains sell out, roads are jammed and some small shops close, though big cities are quieter than usual. Early October and the first days of May can also be busy because of holidays in Korea and neighbouring countries. See our festival calendar for events.
Weather at a glance
Summers are hot, humid and rainy, winters cold and dry, and spring and autumn short and lovely. Busan and Jeju are milder than Seoul; the mountains of Gangwon are the coldest. For temperatures and what to wear, see our seasons and weather guide and packing list.
Planning your trip
Once you have picked your month, our start here guide walks you through the basics, and our 7-day and 10-day itineraries show how to fit it all in. Our trip cost calculator helps with the budget.
FAQ
What is the best month to visit Korea?
April, May and October are the favourites: comfortable weather, clear skies and blossoms or autumn colours. Late September and early November are great too.
What is the cheapest time to visit Korea?
Usually January to early March (outside Seollal), June and late November, when demand is lower.
When should I avoid visiting Korea?
Not really any month, but plan around Seollal and Chuseok if you want to travel between cities, and expect heat and rain in July and August.
