South Korea

Climate in South Korea

The climate in Korea is temperate, with four very distinct seasons. South Korea has a continental climate characterised by very cold, dry winters and very hot, humid summers. Spring and autumn are relatively short and temperatures are mild and generally quite pleasant, making these the most comfortable seasons to visit South Korea.

Spring is generally quite short and occurs in late March and early April. South Korean summers arrive suddenly in late April and are warmed by moist prevailing winds from the Pacific Ocean. Typhoon season is from June to September, and while South Korea doesn't experience typhoons such as those in Southeast Asia, the southern parts of the peninsula do experience a lot of rain. In fact, most of the rain falls in summer during a monsoon season known as jangma.

Autumn passes through the peninsula from late September through October, with winter setting in sooner in northern areas such as Seoul, and autumn lasting longer for the southern cities, such as Busan.

South Korean winters are harsh with temperatures dropping below freezing and icy winds blowing in from Siberia. Mountainous areas as well as the northern areas of the country experience some snowfall but the southern parts and coastal regions experience little to no winter snowfall.