Last updated: January 18, 2025
Busan, South Korea, exhibits a humid subtropical climate classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Cfa. Characterized by mild winters and hot summers, the city experiences a remarkable temperature range, with minimum winter temperatures plummeting to -11°C (13°F) in January and soaring to maximums of 36°C (98°F) during the sweltering month of August. The annual average temperature hovers around 15°C (60°F), reflecting the city's dynamic seasonal variations that shape its weather patterns and overall climate experience.
In Busan, South Korea, temperature patterns exhibit distinct seasonal trends characterized by cold winters and hot summers. January and February are the coldest months, with minimum temperatures dropping to -11°C (13°F) and -8°C (17°F), respectively, while averages remain below 7°C (45°F). As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise, peaking in April, which shows a more moderate climate with averages around 14°C (57°F) and maximums reaching 25°C (77°F). The transition to summer brings significant warmth, with May's temperatures escalating further, and July and August experience the peak heat with average temperatures soaring to around 27°C (80°F) and maximums hitting 36°C (98°F). As autumn arrives, temperatures begin to cool again, with September and October displaying comfortable averages of 23°C (74°F) and 18°C (65°F) before plunging into the chill of late fall, culminating in December's return to colder conditions, with minimums again nearing -8°C (18°F). This cyclical transition from harsh winters to warm summers defines Busan's unique climate profile.
In Busan, temperatures range from a frigid minimum of -7°C (20°F) in January to a warm maximum of 31°C (88°F) in August, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Busan. Nearby Gijang experiences slightly colder winter temperatures with a minimum of -9°C (17°F) in January and can reach up to 32°C (90°F) in August, according to the monthly temperatures in Gijang. Dongnae shows an even wider temperature variation, with its January minimum at -11°C (13°F) and maximum peak of 36°C (98°F) in August, as illustrated in the monthly temperatures in Dongnae.
Busan experiences a varied precipitation pattern throughout the year, with distinct wet and dry seasons. Winter months, particularly January and February, see relatively low rainfall, accumulating 37 mm (1.5 in) and 48 mm (1.9 in) respectively, alongside only a few days of precipitation. However, as spring progresses, the rainfall increases significantly, peaking in March with 100 mm (3.9 in) over approximately 7 days. April and May maintain this trend with substantial rainfall, measuring 113 mm (4.4 in) and 107 mm (4.2 in), indicating an uptick in moisture as the region transitions into the summer.
The onset of summer brings the highest rainfall totals, particularly in July, when Busan experiences an average of 258 mm (10.2 in) over 13 days. August follows closely with 171 mm (6.7 in), contributing to the region's humid conditions during the peak of the monsoon season. Early autumn sees a shift with September recording 246 mm (9.7 in) before precipitation drops significantly in the fall months, with October receiving 97 mm (3.8 in) and November only 27 mm (1.1 in). By December, rainfall returns to minimal levels, with just 26 mm (1.0 in), marking the year's dry end.
In Busan, South Korea, sunshine duration showcases a clear seasonal trend, with a notable increase from winter to summer. The year begins with January receiving only 197 hours of sunlight, gradually ascending through February and March, where hours climb to 240 and 268, respectively. By the time April arrives, daylight hours reach 281, signaling the approach of spring and a growing trend toward more glorious weather. As May ushers in warmer temperatures, sunshine peaks at an impressive 300 hours, representing the sunniest month of the year before the summer solstice.
During the summer months, sunlight remains abundant but slightly fluctuates. June, with 298 hours, continues the sunny streak, while July experiences a minor dip to 276 hours as occasional cloudy days from monsoon patterns may interrupt the sun's rays. However, August bounces back, offering 297 hours as summer transitions into early fall. As autumn settles in, there is a gradual decline in sunshine, with September and October providing 245 and 257 hours, respectively. Remarkably, the year closes with November and December, where the hours reduce to 239 and 244, indicating the return of shorter days. Overall, Busan’s climate reveals a strong seasonality in sunshine, enhancing its vibrant landscapes throughout the warmer months.
In Busan, South Korea, the UV Index exhibits a pronounced seasonal variation that highlights the increasing risks associated with sun exposure as the year progresses. During the winter months of January and February, the UV Index is relatively low at 4 and 5, categorized as moderate, with a burn time of 30 minutes. However, as spring unfolds, March sees a noticeable jump to 7, indicating high UV levels and a reduced safe burn time of 25 minutes. The peak of the UV Index occurs in late spring and summer, particularly in June and July, where values soar to 11 and 12, classified as extreme, with a minimal burn time of only 10 minutes.
As summer transitions to fall, the UV Index begins to decline but still maintains significant levels. August continues with an extreme rating of 12, while September sees a slight reduction to 10, classified as very high, again allowing a burn time of 15 minutes. Moving into October, the index further drops to 7, indicating a return to high levels, followed by November and December when it reduces to moderate values of 5 and 3. This seasonal fluctuation underscores the critical need for sun protection during the peak summer months while reminding residents and visitors that even lower indices still warrant caution during sun exposure.
UV Risk Categories
In Busan, South Korea, daylight duration varies significantly throughout the year, reflecting the typical seasonal changes. The year begins with January and February, where daylight lasts approximately 10 hours each day, providing relatively equal light in the depths of winter. As spring approaches in March, daylight starts to increase, rising to 11 hours and progressing into April with 13 hours as the days continue to lengthen. This trend reaches its zenith in May, when daylight extends to 14 hours, a hallmark of the pleasant spring weather that encourages outdoor activities.
As summer takes hold, daylight duration remains stable at 14 hours during June, July, and even into August, providing long, sunlit days. However, with the transition into autumn, days gradually shorten, starting with 13 hours in August, then tapering to 12 hours in September. The decrease continues into October at 11 hours before dipping below 10 hours in November, where daylight records 10 hours again. The year concludes in December with the shortest daylight duration of only 9 hours, marking the return to winter and the cyclical nature of daylight across the seasons in Busan.
Busan, South Korea experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Winter months (January to February) see temperatures ranging from -7°C to 18°C, while summers (July to August) are warmer, with highs reaching up to 31°C. Rainfall peaks during July and August, with average precipitation around 249 mm and 158 mm, respectively. The city enjoys significant sunshine throughout the year, particularly in May, which boasts around 295 hours. For more detailed information, visit Busan climate.
Dongnae, South Korea, experiences a varied climate throughout the year, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -11°C to 16°C and average precipitation of 31 mm, while July reaches highs of 34°C with significant rainfall of 257 mm. Spring and autumn enjoy mild temperatures and an abundance of sunshine, especially in May, which averages 295 hours of sunlight. The region experiences the highest precipitation from June to September, indicating a distinct wet season. For more detailed information, visit the Dongnae climate.
Gijang, South Korea, experiences a diverse climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. Winters can be chilly with January temperatures averaging around 5°C (40°F), while summers see highs reaching up to 32°C (90°F) in August. Rainfall is prevalent, peaking in July with 262 mm (10.3 in) of precipitation, and the region enjoys considerable sunshine, particularly in May with 303 hours. Overall, Gijang offers a blend of warm summers and cold winters, making it a unique destination for weather enthusiasts. For more details, visit Gijang climate.
Ilgwang, South Korea, experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and hot, humid summers. January temperatures can drop to a minimum of -9°C (17°F), while July peaks at 31°C (87°F). Precipitation is highest during summer months, particularly in July with 262 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while January sees the least rainfall at 39 mm (1.5 in). Sunshine is abundant in spring and summer, with May averaging 303 hours of sunshine. For more detailed information, visit Ilgwang climate.
Jangan, South Korea experiences a diverse climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. In January, temperatures can drop as low as -9°C (17°F) but rise to around 17°C (63°F) in the daytime. Precipitation peaks in July with 262 mm (10.3 in), while sunshine hours are highest in May and August with over 300 hours. The transition from winter to summer brings moderate temperatures and a range of rainfall. For more details, visit Jangan climate.
In conclusion, Busan, South Korea, showcases a diverse climatic profile characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours. From the cold winters with limited sunlight and moderate UV exposure to the sweltering summers marked by high UV levels and ample daylight, the city's climate significantly influences the lifestyle and activities of its residents. Understanding these climatic patterns allows both locals and visitors to better prepare for the weather, ensuring an enjoyable experience while promoting awareness of the necessary sun protection during peak exposure months. As such, Busan's climate not only enriches its natural beauty but also serves as a reminder of the dynamic relationship between environment and daily life.