Last updated: January 18, 2025
Seoul, South Korea, experiences a humid subtropical climate classified as Cwa under the Köppen-Geiger system. This climate is characterized by distinct seasonal variations, with temperatures plunging to a minimum of -18°C (1°F) in January, while peaking at a scorching 38°C (101°F) in August. The city's annual average temperature hovers around 13°C (55°F), reflecting the dynamic interplay between its humid conditions and seasonal extremes. Such climatic conditions profoundly influence the lifestyle, agriculture, and urban planning of this vibrant metropolis.
In Seoul, South Korea, temperature patterns exhibit a marked seasonal shift, showcasing distinct variations throughout the year. Winter months, particularly January and February, are characterized by harsh cold, with lows plummeting to -18°C (1°F) and -14°C (7°F), respectively. As spring unfolds in March and April, temperatures gradually rise, reaching an average of 7°C (44°F) in March and peaking at 12°C (54°F) in April, paving the way for warmer conditions. The onset of summer, marked by June, brings a significant increase, with averages climbing to 22°C (72°F) and maximums soaring to 35°C (94°F) by July. August remains the hottest month, with peak temperatures of 38°C (101°F). As autumn approaches, temperatures begin to decline, with September still warm at 21°C (70°F) before dipping into the cooler averages of October and November, where lows approach freezing again. The year concludes with December's chill, bringing average temperatures down to -1°C (31°F) as the city transitions back into winter.
Yongsan-dong, Seoul, and Paripark all experience a similar climate, with winter temperatures plummeting to a minimum of -18°C (1°F) in January and summer highs reaching up to 38°C (101°F) in August. For more detailed information, visit the monthly temperatures in Yongsan-dong here, in Seoul here, and in Paripark here.
Seoul experiences a dynamic precipitation pattern throughout the year, with rainfall increasingly prevalent during the warmer months. In the winter months of January and February, the city receives minimal precipitation, with 19 mm (0.8 in) and 22 mm (0.9 in), respectively, often falling over just a few days. As spring arrives, March and April witness a rise in rainfall, accumulating 46 mm (1.8 in) and 55 mm (2.2 in), driven by a growing number of rainy days that set the stage for the wetter months ahead.
The peak of the monsoon season occurs in July and August, where rainfall soars to 252 mm (9.9 in) and 269 mm (10.6 in), respectively, often distributed over numerous wet days — 15 and 16 days, respectively. This heavy precipitation significantly influences Seoul's climate, contributing to high humidity and lush landscapes during summer. Following the monsoon, September maintains a substantial 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while the fall months of October and November experience a notable decrease, with 63 mm (2.5 in) and 54 mm (2.1 in), characterized by shorter rainy spells, as the city transitions back into its drier winter season.
In Seoul, South Korea, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing from winter into summer. The year begins with 199 hours of sunshine in January, gradually climbing as spring approaches. By March, the city enjoys 282 hours of bright days, peaking in May at 311 hours as the days grow longer and warmer. June continues this upward trajectory, reaching 317 hours, marking it as one of the sunniest months of the year. This period of abundant sunlight not only enhances the city's vibrancy but also supports outdoor activities and tourism.
As summer gives way to autumn, sunshine hours begin to decline, with July and August experiencing slightly lower hours at 294 and 289 respectively, as the heat and humidity rise. The transition into fall sees September dropping to 262 hours and October further declining to 263 hours, highlighting the gradual shift toward winter. Despite this decrease, November and December maintain a respectable 231 and 235 hours of sunshine, offering some brightness during the colder months. Overall, the annual sunshine pattern emphasizes a prominent peak during late spring and early summer, ideal for enjoying Seoul's dynamic landscape.
The UV Index in Seoul, South Korea, exhibits significant seasonal variability, reflecting the influence of changing weather patterns throughout the year. During the winter months of January and February, the UV Index remains relatively low, recorded at 3 and 4, respectively, indicating moderate exposure levels with a burn time of 30 minutes. As spring arrives, the index escalates, reaching 6 in March and climbing to 8 in April, which denotes a transition into higher exposure risks. May continues this upward trend with an index of 9, paving the way for the summer months when precautions against UV exposure become increasingly essential.
June marks the peak of UV intensity, reaching an extreme index of 10, and both July and August maintain this alarming level of 11, resulting in a reduced burn time of just 10 minutes. Even as September arrives, the index remains high at 9, suggesting that UV risks persist well into the fall. As temperatures begin to drop, October sees a decrease to 6, returning to a high exposure category, followed by a gradual decline in November and December, where the index returns to 4 and 3, respectively. This cyclical fluctuation underscores the importance of sun protection measures, particularly during the intense summer months when UV exposure is at its highest.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Seoul, South Korea, reflects a clear seasonal pattern, characterized by an increase in hours of sunlight as the year progresses from winter into summer. In January, the city experiences about 9 hours of daylight, gradually rising to 10 hours in February. This upward trajectory continues through the spring months, with notable increases to 11 hours in March and 13 hours in April, culminating in 14 hours of daylight in both May and June. These extended daylight hours during late spring and early summer encourage outdoor activities and cultural events, enhancing the vibrancy of the city.
As summer transitions into fall, daylight duration begins to decline slightly but remains relatively ample, with 14 hours in July and 13 hours in August. However, September marks a noticeable dip to 12 hours, and as the year progresses into October, daylight hours decrease further to 11 hours. By November and December, the city experiences the shortest days of the year, returning to 10 hours and 9 hours of daylight, respectively. This rhythmic variation in daylight hours significantly impacts daily life, ranging from social activities to energy usage, while also highlighting the natural cycle of seasons in this dynamic urban environment.
Paripark, South Korea experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Winters (January to February) are cold, with temperatures ranging from -18°C to 0°C, while summers (June to August) can be hot and humid, with highs reaching up to 38°C. Precipitation peaks in July and August, totaling over 250 mm, indicating significant rainfall during these months. Sunshine duration varies throughout the year, with May and June receiving the most hours, around 311 and 317, respectively. For more detailed information, visit Paripark climate.
Seoul experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with January averaging -2°C (28°F) and July peaking at 26°C (79°F). Precipitation is heaviest in July and August, reaching 252 mm (9.9 in) and 269 mm (10.6 in), respectively, while the total sunshine hours are highest in June at 317 hours. Winters can be harsh, with temperatures dropping as low as -18°C (1°F), while summers are hot and humid. For more detailed information, visit Seoul climate.
Yongsan-dong experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, with hot summers and cold winters. January temperatures can drop to a minimum of -18°C (1°F), while July often sees highs reaching 36°C (97°F). Precipitation is highest in the summer months, particularly July and August, accumulating 252 mm (9.9 in) and 269 mm (10.6 in), respectively. Despite the rain, Yongsan-dong enjoys ample sunshine, peaking at 317 hours in June. For more details, visit Yongsan-dong climate.
In conclusion, Seoul, South Korea, showcases a striking diversity in its climate, temperature patterns, precipitation, UV index, and daylight duration throughout the year. The city experiences marked seasonal changes, with stark contrasts between hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. These fluctuations profoundly influence daily life, outdoor activities, and urban planning. As residents and visitors navigate the changing weather and daylight hours, an awareness of environmental factors—such as UV exposure and precipitation patterns—remains essential for health and safety. Ultimately, understanding Seoul's climatic attributes allows for a deeper appreciation of its unique character and fosters a better connection with the city's natural rhythms.