When to go to South Korea?

South Korea reads to the rhythm of its four distinct seasons. Two windows stand out clearly: autumn, from late September to mid-November, and the cherry blossom spring, from late March to April. In between, summer calls for patience and winter for warm clothes.

Autumn, from late September to mid-November

This is the prime window. The air turns dry, temperatures soften (15 to 22°C by day) and the foliage sets the country ablaze in red, orange and gold. The colors start at altitude, in the Seoraksan and Gangwon ranges from early October, then descend toward Seoul and the south through mid-November. It is the ideal time to combine palaces, temples, hikes and cities under a beautiful light. Book two to three months ahead for peak weekends.

Cherry blossom spring

From April to May, the country comes back to life. The cherry blossom bloom begins in late March in the south (Jeju, Busan) and reaches Seoul in early April. The Jinhae festival, near Busan, is one of the most spectacular, with its hundreds of thousands of trees in bloom. May extends the season with a mild, dry climate, perfect for exploring without the cherry-blossom crowds.

Summer: monsoon and typhoons

From late June the jangma sets in, the Korean monsoon, which concentrates most of the year’s rain through late July. Seoul can receive over 400 mm in July alone. August stays hot and heavy (up to 30°C), with a typhoon risk that runs into September, mostly on the South and Jeju Island. It is the hardest stretch for a first trip.

Winter, cold but dry

From December to February, the mercury drops to around -5°C in Seoul in January, with regular snowfall. The climate stays dry and often sunny. It is the season for skiing in the Gangwon resorts, snow-dusted palaces and winter markets. Busan, on the southeast coast, and Jeju, almost subtropical, stay much milder: good options to escape the deep cold of the center.