The Best Time to Visit Seoul (And When I’d Go Again) 2026
Figuring out the best time to visit Seoul can feel a little overwhelming, mostly because every season offers something different. Some people swear by cherry blossom season, others love fall foliage, and then there’s summer… which, I’ll be honest, gets HOT!.
I visited Seoul last fall, and it was honestly perfect. Walking around with the leaves changing, not sweating but also not freezing, it was incredible. For me, it was the ideal time to visit, but it also meant missing out on cherry blossoms in the spring and warm summer evenings by the river. Apparently, you can’t have it all!
Each season in Seoul has its own perks, and outside of your availability, it really comes down to what you’re most excited to see and do. In this guide, I’ll break down the best time to visit Seoul based on weather, crowds, and what kind of trip you’re hoping to have.
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The Best Time to Visit Seoul, South Korea – My Experience
As I mentioned, I had the opportunity to visit Korea in the fall, and honestly, I kind of just got lucky. I had already planned a trip to Japan, and after seeing how cheap the flight was to Seoul, I decided to extend my travels and add Korea to the itinerary. Thankfully, it was mid-November, and the timing couldn’t have been better. The trees were a bright yellow, the air was crisp but comfortable, and I lived in jeans and a sweater the entire time. It was seriously the perfect weather.
That said, if I were planning a trip specifically around Seoul and Korea, instead of tacking it on after Japan, I might have leaned toward spring. Cherry blossom season is hard to beat, and it would’ve lined up better with visiting Busan in the south. Since Busan is a beach city, going in the fall meant it was a bit too cold to really enjoy that side of it. While this guide focuses on Seoul, I wanted to give you a bigger picture if you’re planning to explore more of Korea beyond just the capital.
Personally, I think both spring and fall are excellent choices, but summer and winter deserve a mention too. A week after I left, Seoul got its first snowfall, and I won’t lie, I was a little jealous. The city looked like a winter wonderland, especially around the palaces. And in the summer, festivals are everywhere, picnics by the river are in full swing, and the city feels alive in a completely different way.
In short: Seoul is a great destination year-round. Fall and spring are the easiest for weather, summer is fun if you love festivals and long days, and winter is cold but magical. The best time to go really depends on what you want to see and how you like to travel. So lets dig into the nitty gritty of it!
Best Time to Visit Seoul South Korea Based on the Weather
Spring in Seoul (March–May)
Spring in Seoul is all about cherry blossoms, mild weather, and being outside again after winter. I didn’t visit in spring, but it’s easily the season I’d pick for a return trip if I planned around Seoul specifically. The city looks softer, parks fill up, and everyone suddenly wants to picnic by the river.
That said, spring is popular for a reason. Cherry blossom season brings crowds and higher prices, especially late March to mid-April. Still, the weather is comfortable, walking around is easy, and it feels like one of those times where the city just looks its best.
Summer in Seoul (June–August)
Summer in Seoul is hot, humid, and comes with the rainy season, known as jangma. From late June through July and into August, you can expect frequent heavy showers, thunderstorms, and peak humidity, with July usually being the wettest month.
That said, summer isn’t a total dealbreaker if you plan smart. This is a great time to lean into Seoul’s indoor experiences. There are loads of shopping complexes, massive museums, and air-conditioned escapes like Starfield Library, Lotte World, or the National Museum of Korea. I’d also use rainy days as an excuse to book spa treatments, skincare clinics, or jjimjilbangs, and just lean into the self-care side of Korea.
If you don’t mind heat and occasional downpours and are happy mixing sightseeing with indoor activities, summer can still work. Just expect sweat, umbrellas, and a slower pace.
Fall in Seoul (September–November)
Fall is when I visited Seoul, and honestly, it felt like I lucked out. Mid-November was ideal. Bright yellow trees, crisp air, and zero sweating. I wore jeans and a sweater most days and walked everywhere without feeling exhausted.
This season is perfect if you want to explore the South Korean neighborhoods, palaces, and cafes without extreme weather. It felt calm but not boring, and the city just had a really cozy rhythm. If I had to recommend one season without hesitation, fall would be it.
Winter in Seoul (December–February)
Winter in Seoul is cold, but it looks magical. I missed it by about a week, and I was slightly jealous when I saw photos of the first snowfall, especially at the palaces. Snow turns the city into a postcard, but temperatures can dip fast.
This season is best if you don’t mind bundling up and prefer fewer crowds. Cafes feel extra cozy, street food hits harder, and the city slows down a bit. The skies are usually blue, and there are also a bit of winter sports like ice skating and snow skiing on nearby mountains. It’s also the cheapest time to visit Seoul.
Best Time to Visit Seoul for Cherry Blossom Season
I’ll be honest, cherry blossom season in Seoul is one of the few things that almost made me rethink my fall trip. Seeing the city lined with soft pink blooms, especially around parks and along the river, just looks unreal.
Cherry blossoms in Seoul usually bloom in late March to early April, with peak season falling right around the last week of March and the first week of April. The timing shifts slightly every year depending on the weather, so there’s always a bit of guessing required. Some years they pop early, other years they hang on a little longer.
Keep in mind, they only last about 7-10 days and are at their peak for about 3.
It is a bit of a gamble, though. Blossom season depends heavily on temperatures leading up to spring, so exact dates are never guaranteed. Still, if cherry blossoms are the main goal, I’d aim for that late March to early April window and plan ahead. Hotels book up quickly and prices climb fast, so you’ll want to start planning and locking things in early. This is definitely the most popular time to visit Seoul.
Best Time to Visit Seoul in Autumn for Fall Foliage
Autumn in Seoul is honestly stunning, and it’s when I visited. Fall foliage usually runs from mid-October through early November, with peak color happening late October to early November, depending on the year. Streets turn golden, parks light up with reds and yellows, and walking around the city just feels extra nice.
That said, there is one downside people don’t always warn you about: the ginkgo trees. Seoul has a ton of them, and in early autumn, the female trees drop fruit that smell when they get stepped on. From what I’ve heard, it smells like rancid butter mixed with dog poop—ew! The city does its best with nets and constant cleanup, but in October, it can still be rough in certain areas.
When we arrived in late fall, most of the fruit had already dropped, so we didn’t really deal with the smell. We also caught the tail end of foliage season. Some trees outside the city were already bare, but parks and tree-lined streets were still glowing bright yellow and deep red. It was gorgeous, and absolutely worth timing it just right.
I also felt like it wasn’t super busy with tourists, but I would still recommend booking your stay early if you plan on coming to Seoul in the fall.
Worst Time to Visit Seoul
This one might be a little tough to hear, especially since it lines up with when a lot of people can actually take time off. But for most travelers, summer is hands down the worst time to visit the country. Between the heat, humidity, and rainy season, exploring the city can feel way more exhausting than enjoyable.
I love walking cities, and Seoul is made for that, but doing it in July or August means sweating through your clothes, dodging sudden downpours, and planning your day around air-conditioned escapes. Add in higher hotel prices and packed indoor attractions, and it’s just not the easiest version of Seoul to experience. If you are working around school holidays, try to come earlier in the summer, like early June.
My Honest Verdict: So, When Is the Best Time to Visit Seoul?
Taking everything into consideration, I truly think fall is the best time to visit Seoul. Yes, you’ll miss the cherry blossoms, but the fall foliage is seriously stunning, the weather is comfortable for long days of walking, and the city feels a bit less hectic. Hotel prices are usually slightly better, too, which never hurts.
That said, Seoul is one of those cities that works year-round. No matter when you go, you’ll find great food, cool neighborhoods, and plenty to explore. Your trip might just look a little different depending on the season, and honestly, that’s part of what makes Seoul such a fun place to return to.
FAQ: Best Time to Travel to Seoul and South Korea
What is the best time to travel to Korea?
The best time to travel to Korea is spring (March–May) and fall (September–November). These months have mild temperatures, clear skies, and are ideal for walking around cities like Seoul. Spring is famous for cherry blossoms, while fall brings crisp weather and colorful foliage.
What is the best month to visit Seoul?
If I had to pick just one month, October is hard to beat. The weather is comfortable, the fall colors are beautiful, and it feels less chaotic than peak spring. April is another great option if cherry blossoms are your priority.
What is the best time to visit Korea for cherry blossoms?
Cherry blossoms in Korea usually bloom from late March to early April, but the timing depends on where you are in the country. Blossoms appear earlier in the south, starting on Jeju Island, then gradually work their way north toward Busan and Seoul.
In Seoul, peak bloom is typically the last week of March or the first week of April, though it changes slightly every year depending on the weather.
What is the cheapest time to visit Korea?
The cheapest time to visit Korea is typically winter (January–February), excluding Lunar New Year. Flights and hotels are much more affordable, but expect cold temperatures. Summer (July–August) can also be cheaper, though heat and rain make it less ideal for sightseeing.
Which month is best to visit Korea overall?
Overall, October and April are the best months to visit Korea. October wins for weather and fewer crowds, while April is perfect if you want cherry blossoms and spring energy. If you want beach weather for Jeju island and Busan, I recommend May or September.
Check Out My Other Seoul Travel Guides
Is Seoul Worth Visiting? My Honest Review
The Best Time to Visit Seoul: My Weather in Seoul Guide
Seoul Travel Itinerary: How to Spend 3-5 Days in Seoul South Korea
Cafes in Seoul: My Favorite Cafes in Seoul
Things to Do in Seoul: My Top Activities in Seoul
