Winter in Seoul, South Korea, really flips the script compared to the city’s lively summers. You’ll step into a season with crisp air, plenty of sunshine, and temperatures that often dip below freezing.
Most winter days in Seoul are cold, with highs near 2°C (36°F) and lows around -6°C (21°F).
You’ll usually get dry conditions, though light snow shows up now and then. Skies often stay clear, but cold winds from Siberia can make things feel even chillier.
Despite the low temps, winter brings steady daylight and a surprising amount of sunshine compared to other East Asian cities.
If you’re planning to explore Seoul’s palaces dusted with snow or just want to know how to dress, it helps to understand these patterns. Let’s break down Seoul’s winter climate—from temperature swings and snowfall to wind, humidity, and some practical tips for your visit.
Overview of Seoul’s Winter Climate
Winter in Seoul brings cold, dry air from the Asian continent, frequent sunshine, and the occasional snow. Continental winds, local geography, and Seoul’s spot in Northeast Asia all come together to create a climate that’s both challenging and kind of unique.
Köppen Climate Classification
Seoul sits in the humid continental climate zone, specifically Dwb in the Köppen system. Winters are cold and dry, while summers turn hot and humid.
In real terms, January averages hover around -2°C (28°F), with nighttime lows often dropping below -6°C (21°F). Cold snaps can drag temperatures down to -15°C (5°F) or even lower.
Snow falls, but not all the time. You’ll usually see light snow scattered from December to February, with heavier snow possible if a strong cold front rolls in. Precipitation stays low, often under 30 mm per month.
Daylight is limited, averaging 9–10 hours in midwinter. Still, sunshine is surprisingly common. Many days are clear, giving you bright—if freezing—afternoons.
Distinct Seasonal Patterns
Winter is a sharp break from Seoul’s hot, wet summers. The dry season kicks in during late November and sticks around until early March, with rainfall at its lowest.
January stands out as the coldest month, while February brings a slight warm-up. By March, daytime highs get closer to 10°C (50°F), though nights are still cold.
Humidity in winter usually sits between 50–55%, making the air crisp instead of damp. Siberian winds often ramp up the chill, so you’ll feel a biting wind chill.
Sometimes, you’ll run into yellow dust in late winter or early spring. This fine dust comes from Mongolia and northern China, and it can make the air hazy and irritate your eyes or lungs.
Geographic and Topographic Influences
Seoul’s spot in the northwest of South Korea, close to the Yellow Sea and surrounded by mountains, really shapes its winter weather.
Mountains trap cold air over the city, keeping it colder than coastal places like Busan. The Yellow Sea sometimes brings in moisture, which helps fuel light snowfalls.
Since Seoul sits at about 28 meters above sea level, elevation doesn’t really moderate the chill. Instead, the city gets the full blast of Siberian air every winter.
These factors combine to make Seoul’s winters cold, dry, and often windy. Short, bright days really define the season in South Korea’s capital.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Seoul
Seoul’s winters bring in cold, dry air, and nighttime temps often drop below freezing. There’s a big gap between daytime highs and nighttime lows, and January is usually the coldest stretch.
Average Daily Highs and Lows
From December through February, daytime highs usually range from 2°C to 5°C (36°F–41°F). It gives you a brief window for milder weather during daylight.
At night, lows dip below freezing—typically between -7°C and -5°C (19°F–23°F). January’s average low sits near -7°C, so heading out after sunset without decent layers is rough.
Humidity stays moderate, often around 60–65%, so the cold air feels crisp, not damp. Winds average 15–18 km/h, which adds a sharp edge, especially in open spots. Honestly, you’ll want layers, gloves, and a scarf if you’re outside much.
Monthly Temperature Trends
Each winter month in Seoul has its own vibe.
- December: Highs average about 4°C, and lows drop to -5°C. The month feels transitional, with a few milder afternoons.
- January: This is the coldest part of winter, with highs near 2°C and lows around -7°C. Nights get long and seriously cold.
- February: Temperatures start to recover a bit, with highs near 5°C and lows around -5°C. The change is slow, but you might notice afternoons getting less brutal.
You’ll see the coldest weather in mid-winter, then a slow warming trend. The day-night difference is big, so pack for both if you’ll be outside a lot.
Coldest and Warmest Winter Days
On the coldest mornings, Seoul’s temperatures can drop well below average. It’s not rare to see the mercury hit -10°C (14°F) or lower during a strong cold snap. These cold waves usually last a few days and bring biting Siberian winds.
Warmer days do happen, especially in late February. Highs can reach 8°C–10°C (46°F–50°F) when mild air moves in. These warm spells don’t last long, so don’t count on them to change the overall chilly vibe.
The big swings between cold and warm days show how unpredictable Seoul’s winter can be. It’s smart to prep for both ends of the scale.
Precipitation and Snowfall Patterns
Seoul’s winter air is drier than during the summer monsoon, but you’ll still see some rain and snow. The city’s northwest location in South Korea means cold continental winds mix with the occasional wet system from the west, so precipitation varies through December, January, and February.
Rainfall Amounts and Frequency
Rainfall drops way off in winter. January is the driest month, with about 21 mm of precipitation. February and December are a bit wetter, but usually stay under 30 mm.
You’ll see precipitation on 5–8 days per month in winter. These events are usually light and don’t last long—nothing like the summer downpours. Rain might show up as drizzle or a quick shower, and it sometimes mixes with snow when it’s near freezing.
You don’t need to plan for long rainy spells. A compact umbrella or waterproof jacket should be enough for the occasional shower.
Snowfall Accumulation
Snow in Seoul isn’t heavy, but you’ll notice it. On average, the city gets 25–30 cm (10–12 inches) of snow each winter, spread out over several events. January sees the most, though December and February can bring some too.
Snow doesn’t pile up for long since daytime highs usually rise above freezing. Crews clear roads and sidewalks quickly in central areas, but snow can linger a few days in outer neighborhoods or on hills.
If you’re in town during a snowfall, expect light to moderate accumulation—not deep drifts. Ski resorts in nearby mountains get more snow, but in Seoul itself, things stay manageable for daily life.
Probability of Wet and Snowy Days
Most winter days stay dry. In January, you’ve got about a 20–25% chance of any given day being wet. December and February are similar, with mostly clear skies and the occasional light shower or snow.
Snowy days are even less common. Expect 2–4 snowy days per month, with the odds highest in January. Snow usually falls in short bursts, sometimes overnight, so you might wake up to a dusting.
You’re more likely to get crisp, dry air than soggy weather. Still, it’s always a good idea to check a Seoul weather forecast before heading out, just in case snow’s on the way.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine During Winter
Winter in Seoul usually brings more cloud cover, shorter days, and fewer sunny hours than other seasons. You’ll see skies that swing between partly cloudy and overcast, with sunshine coming in shorter bursts.
Cloudiness Trends
Cloud cover in Seoul increases during winter, especially compared to autumn. Data shows the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy about 34% of the time in early winter, rising to around 40% by late winter.
So, you’ll notice more gray skies as winter goes on. Not every day is gloomy, but January and February definitely lean cloudier.
Urban heat from dense buildings sometimes traps haze, making visibility feel worse. Snow falls in short spells, and skies usually stay cloudy before and after.
If you’re planning to be outside, expect a mix of cloudy and partly cloudy days. Clear skies are less common than in spring or fall.
Number of Sunny Days
Seoul gets fewer sunny hours in winter than at other times of the year. In December, you’ll see about 5 hours of sunshine per day. January brings closer to 6 hours, and by February it bumps up to over 6 hours daily.
The percentage of daylight that’s actually sunny runs from 55% to 61%, depending on the month. So, more than half your daylight hours still get direct sun, but it’s often broken up by clouds.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Avg. Sunshine Hours/Day | % of Sunny Daylight |
|---|---|---|
| December | ~5h 11m | 55% |
| January | ~5h 48m | 60% |
| February | ~6h 26m | 61% |
You’ll get sunshine in shorter bursts, usually between stretches of thin clouds.
Daylight Duration Changes
Seoul’s daylight hours hit their shortest in late December. The sun rises late and sets early, so you get less than 10 hours of daylight.
By January, the days start to stretch, and by February you’ll have almost 11 hours. This gradual increase continues into spring, but winter days always feel a bit short.
Just to give you an idea:
- Shortest day (late December): about 9h 36m of daylight
- Mid-January: around 9h 52m
- Late February: about 10h 44m
The sun sits low in the sky, too. In December, it only climbs to about 29° above the horizon at midday, compared to over 40° by February. Even when it’s sunny, winter light feels weaker.
If you’re planning sightseeing, it makes sense to schedule outdoorsy stuff around midday, when the daylight is strongest.
Humidity, Wind, and Atmospheric Conditions
Winter in Seoul brings dry air, steady winds, and lots of clear days. You’ll notice humidity levels are lower than in summer, winds blow stronger from the northwest, and higher air pressure often makes for sharp, clear views—but also makes the cold sting a bit more.
Average Winter Humidity Levels
Humidity in Seoul during winter usually sits between 55% and 65%, way lower than the sticky summer months. The air feels dry, especially indoors where heating sucks out even more moisture.
You might notice your skin, throat, or eyes drying out faster—many locals use humidifiers at home. Travelers should bring lip balm and lotion, just in case.
The dry air makes the cold feel crisp, not clammy. Fog or mist is rare, so you’ll get clearer views of the city and mountains on most winter days.
Prevailing Winds and Wind Speed
During winter, the Siberian High takes over much of the Korean Peninsula. Cold, dry air masses sweep southeast, bringing those frequent northwesterly winds right into Seoul.
In Seoul, average wind speeds usually fall between 7 and 12 km/h (4 to 7 mph). Gusts can get stronger, especially after a cold front rolls through.
These winds really drop the “feels-like” temperature, so it often feels colder than what the thermometer shows. Windchill changes how you experience the weather in Seoul, sometimes making a manageable -3°C day feel bitterly cold.
If you’re planning to be outside, it’s smart to dress in layers and grab windproof outerwear. Otherwise, you’ll probably regret it pretty quickly.
Air Pressure and Visibility
High-pressure systems usually shape Seoul’s winter climate. At sea level, pressure tends to hover around 1018–1025 hPa, which is higher than what you see in summer.
This stable pressure often means clear skies and great visibility. On many winter days, you can spot landmarks and even distant mountains without much trouble.
Sometimes, fine dust events drift in and ruin the view, especially when winds carry particulates from other regions. These hazy days don’t happen as often in winter as they do in spring, but they’re not unheard of.
Most of the time, though, you’ll get crisp air, bright sun, and good visibility. Honestly, winter can be a pretty solid season for outdoor sightseeing in Seoul.
Comparisons and Practical Information for Visitors
Winter in Seoul brings cold, dry air and plenty of subfreezing nights. Compared to other Asian cities, though, conditions can feel wildly different.
Reliable weather forecast tools make it much easier to plan, and a few practical tips help make your visit safer and a bit more comfortable.
How Seoul’s Winter Compares to Other Cities
Seoul’s winters run colder than what you’ll find in most major East Asian cities. For example, Tokyo usually sees average lows near 2 °C in January, but Seoul often drops to -7 °C. Snow falls more often in Seoul, though it’s usually moderate compared to the heavy snow in northern Japan.
If you stack Seoul up against Beijing, the temperatures are pretty similar, but Beijing stays drier and gets even stronger winds. Since Seoul sits closer to the Yellow Sea, it has a bit more humidity, which makes the cold sting a little more.
Compared to Hong Kong or Taipei, the contrast is huge. Both cities stay mild in winter, with average temperatures above 12 °C. If you’re used to that, Seoul’s winter can feel pretty harsh.
| City | Avg. January High | Avg. January Low | Snowfall Likelihood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul | 2 °C | -7 °C | Moderate |
| Tokyo | 9 °C | 2 °C | Rare |
| Beijing | 2 °C | -8 °C | Light, dry |
| Hong Kong | 18 °C | 12 °C | None |
Winter Weather Forecast Resources
You can check Seoul’s weather forecast through a bunch of reliable sources. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) posts detailed daily and weekly updates in both Korean and English.
International platforms like AccuWeather, Weather.com, and the BBC Weather Service all cover Seoul with hourly and 10-day forecasts.
Local mobile apps are everywhere in South Korea. Apps such as KMA Weather and Naver Weather give real-time updates, including air quality and wind chill.
These tools come in handy if you’re planning outdoor activities or day trips around Seoul.
When you check the forecast, keep an eye on wind speeds and “feels like” temperatures. Even if the thermometer says -3 °C, wind chill can easily make it feel closer to -10 °C.
That little bit of info really helps you dress properly and avoid feeling miserable.
Travel Tips for Winter in Seoul
Get ready for chilly mornings and evenings. I always find that a layered clothing system works best—think thermal base layers, sweaters, and a windproof winter coat.
Don’t forget gloves, scarves, and hats. They’re honestly a lifesaver, especially if you’re walking between subway stations or wandering around outdoor markets.
Footwear’s a big deal, too. Pick shoes with solid grip, since icy sidewalks can sneak up on you after even a light snowfall.
If you’re heading to palaces or parks where the paths get slushy, waterproof boots make a huge difference.
Most indoor places crank up the heat, so you might get pretty warm once you’re inside. Carrying a bag helps a lot, since you can stash your extra layers without any hassle.
Public transport usually runs smoothly in winter, but I’d still give yourself a bit of buffer time if snow’s in the forecast.
Thinking about a day trip outside Seoul? Make sure to check the local weather first.
Mountain spots like Bukhansan or Seoraksan get much colder and windier than the city center. Planning with up-to-date weather info really helps you stay comfortable and safe during your visit.