Spring in Seoul really shakes off the winter chill, bringing mild, comfortable days that feel like a breath of fresh air. You’ll see average high temperatures climb from the mid-40s°F in early March to the upper 70s°F by late May.
Nights warm up quickly too, so you can enjoy the city without shivering after sunset. Honestly, it’s one of the best seasons to get out and explore.
The weather doesn’t go to extremes—expect a good mix of clear and cloudy skies. Rain picks up a bit toward late spring, but it usually comes and goes pretty fast.
Humidity stays low most of the time, and the wind settles down as spring moves on. That makes for some calm, refreshing days.
Days stretch out longer each week, which means more time for outdoor adventures, sightseeing, or checking out seasonal festivals. With mild temperatures, more sunshine, and a comfortable atmosphere, spring really gives Seoul a special vibe.
Overview of Spring Weather in Seoul
Seoul’s spring means steady warming, longer days, and a move from dry air to more frequent rain. You’ll notice changing skies, moderate breezes, and weather that just feels more inviting than in the harsher winter or sticky summer.
Typical Climate Patterns
From March to May, daily highs rise from about 44°F (7°C) to 77°F (25°C). Nights don’t lag behind—they warm up from near freezing in early March to mild lows around 62°F (17°C) by late May.
Rain picks up as spring goes on. March brings about 1.2 inches (30 mm) of rain, but by May it’s closer to 3.4 inches (86 mm). Most of the time, it’s light or moderate rain, not heavy storms.
Cloud cover doesn’t change much—skies stay overcast or mostly cloudy about 44% of the time. March usually feels clearer than May, so you might catch more sunny days early in the season.
Winds slow down, averaging 9 mph in March and dropping to about 7 mph in May, usually from the west. Humidity stays low to moderate, so the air feels comfortable, not muggy.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Spring feels like a happy medium compared to Seoul’s winter and summer. Winter drags on with cold, dry days, and highs barely above freezing in January.
Summer? It’s hot, humid, and rainy, with highs over 86°F (30°C) and plenty of monsoon downpours.
Spring is wetter than autumn, though. Autumn skies clear up, and rainfall drops, especially in October. But spring brings warmth and blooming flowers, while autumn has crisp air and colorful leaves.
Daylight grows fast in spring. You get over 3 hours of extra sunlight between early March and late May. That makes it a lot easier to plan outdoor stuff compared to winter’s short days or summer’s exhausting heat.
Key Weather Influences
Seoul’s spring weather comes from its continental climate and the nearby seas. By March, cold Siberian air weakens, and warmer southern winds take over.
That’s why temperatures shoot up so quickly.
Moisture from the Yellow Sea and East China Sea starts to bring more rain by late spring. The summer monsoon hasn’t kicked in yet, but you’ll notice more wet days as May rolls around.
Seoul sits in a basin surrounded by mountains, which traps air and affects the wind. That’s why winds drop in spring and why temperatures can jump once the cold air moves out.
Average Air Temperature in Spring
Spring in Seoul means a steady climb in temperature, from chilly days in early March to warm afternoons by late May. You’ll notice big shifts between months, and even between day and night, with the occasional wild swing just to keep you on your toes.
Monthly Temperature Trends
March days usually top out in the mid-40s °F (about 7°C), and nights often hover near freezing. By April, highs reach the upper 50s to low 60s °F (14–17°C), and nights get less harsh, averaging in the low 40s °F (5–7°C).
May feels almost like summer. Highs hit the mid to upper 70s °F (24–25°C), and lows stay in the upper 50s to low 60s °F (15–17°C).
From March to May, both highs and lows jump by about 30°F (16°C). That’s a pretty dramatic change for just three months.
Average Monthly Highs and Lows (°F):
- March: 44 / 31
- April: 59 / 43
- May: 77 / 62
Day and Night Temperature Differences
In early spring, the difference between day and night is huge. March afternoons might warm up to the 40s °F, but nights drop near freezing.
So, you might wake up to winter and spend your afternoon in spring.
By April, the gap shrinks, but nights still get chilly enough for a jacket. Days reach the 60s °F, and nights linger in the 40s.
In May, day and night temps settle closer together. Highs in the upper 70s and lows in the upper 50s make evenings way more comfortable for being outside.
Temperature Extremes
Averages tell part of the story, but you could still hit some extremes. March sometimes dips below 25°F (-4°C) during cold snaps.
That’s rare, but not unheard of.
By April, nights rarely fall below 35°F (2°C), and you might get a day or two in the low 70s °F—an early taste of summer.
May brings the widest swings. Highs can break 84°F (29°C), while some nights still dip into the low 50s °F. It’s a quick jump from spring to the muggy summer.
Extreme heat isn’t common in spring, but you can get surprise warm spells, especially late in May. Pack layers so you can handle chilly mornings and warm afternoons.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
Spring in Seoul means moderate rain that ramps up from March to May. Expect more total precipitation and more rainy days as spring rolls on, with showers becoming more common and sometimes heavier by late May.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rain doesn’t spread evenly through spring. March is usually the driest, with about 47 mm of rain.
April jumps to 77 mm, and May often doubles that with 102 mm.
This steady increase marks the shift from dry winter to the wetter summer monsoon. By late May, heavier showers start to tease the rainy season.
It’s still nothing like July’s downpours, but you’ll definitely notice the change.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| March | ~47 mm |
| April | ~77 mm |
| May | ~102 mm |
These numbers can help you plan outdoor plans with a bit more confidence.
Number of Rainy Days
Rainy days get more frequent as spring goes on. March usually brings around 6 to 7 wet days.
April averages 8 to 9 days, and May clocks in at 9 to 10 days.
Unlike summer, when rain can drag on for days, spring showers are quick and usually don’t ruin your plans.
Most of the time, it’s light rain or drizzle, not all-day storms. May can bring longer wet spells as humidity rises.
Spring Showers and Storms
Spring showers tend to be fast, but they can pop up out of nowhere. April and May bring more sudden rain, thanks to warmer air and the occasional unstable front.
Thunderstorms aren’t as common as in summer, but you’ll get a few, especially late in May.
These storms can bring short bursts of heavy rain, gusty winds, and the occasional flash of lightning.
It’s smart to keep an umbrella or light rain jacket handy, since the weather can flip in a few hours. Most showers move on quickly, but they might mess with visibility or traffic, especially downtown.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Spring in Seoul brings moderate humidity and a steady breeze that shapes how it feels to be outside. You’ll notice changes as temperatures rise and the wind dies down compared to winter.
Typical Humidity Levels
Humidity in Seoul during spring usually sits between 54% and 65%. February is driest at about 54%, but by April and May, it rises to 60–65%.
This slow climb keeps things comfortable—nothing like the sticky summer.
April mornings can feel a bit dry after clear nights, but by May, the higher humidity and warmer air make things feel a bit heavier.
If you’re traveling, you’ll get pleasant weather for walking or hiking. Light clothes are fine, but a breathable layer helps if you’re out all day.
Average Wind Speed
Winds in spring average 2–4 meters per second (about 4–9 mph). That’s gentler than winter but enough to keep the air fresh.
March is breezier, with leftover gusts from the cold season. By late April and May, winds calm down, so days feel warmer even if the temperature doesn’t change much.
You might notice the wind more along the Han River, while city streets block most of it. A light jacket works in March, but by May, you probably won’t need it for wind.
Notable Wind Events
Most spring winds are mild, but some gusty days still show up. These usually come with passing weather fronts and bring a short burst of stronger wind.
Sometimes, yellow dust events blow in from northern China and Mongolia. These can make the air feel drier and bother folks with allergies.
They don’t happen every day, but it’s worth checking air quality if you plan to be outside. Masks or air quality apps help when dust rolls into the city.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
Spring in Seoul means longer days and more sun than winter. You’ll notice daylight and average daily sunshine both stretch out from March to May.
That gives you more time for sightseeing or just hanging out outside.
Average Daily Sunshine
In spring, Seoul gets about 5 to 7 hours of direct sunshine per day on average. March is closer to 5 hours, while May often hits 7.
That’s thanks to both longer days and fewer cloudy spells as spring goes on.
Cloud cover still hangs around, especially early in the season. Records show skies are overcast or mostly cloudy about 40–45% of the time in March and April.
By May, you’ll see more reliable sun.
So, March can feel dim even with more daylight, but May usually delivers plenty of sunshine. If you want to make the most of parks or outdoor markets, late April through May is your sweet spot.
Spring Day Length Changes
Spring in Seoul brings a quick jump in daylight. In March, you get about 11 to 12 hours of daylight. By May, the days stretch to nearly 14 hours. You’ll notice those extra hours of sunshine by the end of the season.
Evenings show the biggest change. Sunset in early March usually happens before 6:30 p.m. By late May, the sun doesn’t set until closer to 7:40 p.m. That later sunset gives you more time for evening walks along the Han River or maybe wandering through outdoor night markets.
Here’s a simple look at average daylight hours:
| Month | Approx. Daylight Hours |
|---|---|
| March | 11–12 hours |
| April | 12.5–13.5 hours |
| May | 13.5–14 hours |
Longer days and warmer weather make spring a great time for outdoor activities in Seoul.
Best Time to Visit Seoul in Spring
Spring in Seoul brings mild temperatures, longer days, and colorful scenery. You’ll notice cool mornings and comfy afternoons. As the season goes on, things warm up. Rain picks up toward late spring, but the weather usually stays good enough for exploring outside.
Ideal Months for Travel
The best months to visit Seoul in spring are April and May. Daytime highs usually go from the mid-50s °F (13°C) in early April to the mid-70s °F (24°C) by late May. Nights can still be chilly, so bring a light jacket.
March feels a bit colder, with highs around 44°F (7°C) at the start. May, on the other hand, feels warmer and sunnier, with longer days and more daylight. Rain picks up by late May, but it rarely ruins travel plans.
If you want the best weather balance, try mid-April through early May. This window skips the lingering chill of March and misses the heavier rain that creeps in closer to summer.
| Month | Avg High °F (°C) | Avg Low °F (°C) | Rainfall Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | 44–55 (7–13) | 31–41 (-0.5–5) | Low |
| April | 55–68 (13–20) | 41–52 (5–11) | Moderate |
| May | 68–77 (20–25) | 52–62 (11–17) | Increasing |
Cherry Blossom Viewing Periods
Cherry blossoms really steal the show in Seoul’s spring. The trees usually bloom in early April, although the timing can shift by a week, depending on that year’s weather. Peak bloom sticks around for about 7–10 days.
Locals and visitors both love places like Yeouido Hangang Park, Seokchon Lake, and the grounds around Gyeongbokgung Palace. These spots fill up fast, especially on weekends, so you might want to get there early.
If you arrive too late in April, you might see the petals already falling. Still, you can catch other spring flowers like azaleas and forsythia. They bloom a bit later and keep the city colorful.
Travel Tips for Spring Weather
Get ready for unpredictable spring weather. Early mornings often feel chilly, but afternoons can warm up fast.
I always toss a light jacket in my bag and wear layers. Comfortable walking shoes? Absolutely necessary.
By late April and May, rain likes to make more frequent appearances. I’d say a compact umbrella comes in handy. Humidity stays pretty low, so outdoor sightseeing feels way more pleasant than in the sticky summer months.
You’ll notice daylight stretches out by over three hours from March to May. That extra sunlight means more time to wander through places like Insadong or Bukchon Hanok Village.
I love how the longer evenings make night markets and outdoor dining a breeze.
As spring rolls on, the wind chills out a bit. Calmer days are perfect for walking tours, biking by the Han River, or hiking in the mountains near the city, like Bukhansan.