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Busan, South Korea · Temperate oceanic

Busan in May: go or not?

Good time. Busan in May gets 7.9/10.

📅 Updated August 2026 🛰️ ERA5 · 10 years 📍 35.18°N · 129.08°E
⚡ This month's verdict
Go for it
Busan · May
7.9
13–22°
Temperature
28%
Rain
7h
Sun
🌊 Seaside☀️ Bright🍴 Gastronomy
Photo : Philip Jang via Unsplash
The month in detail

What to expect in May

Spring marks the start of the good season in Busan. Temperatures rise (22.0°C) and tourists have not yet arrived en masse. Expect rain on 28.0% of days — a light raincoat in the bag is recommended. A good balance between weather and crowds, even if May (7.9/10) remains theoretically better.

May is the best month of the year in Busan. Compared to April: +4°C daytime.

This month's conditions

What it's like in May

UV index
7 · high
sunscreen and hat advised
Feels like
comfortable
12°
Sea
17°C
cold, for the brave
Daylight
13.9h of daylight
Air quality
fair
AQI 46
Compare

Is May the right month?

May is actually the best month of the year in Busan. Good timing.

See all 12 months →
Context

Our verdict

Busan is Korea's 2nd city and the country's largest port: 3.4 million inhabitants, 7 beaches, 4 fish markets. May-June are my favourite months (8.2/10): 13-26°C, 28-38% rain, good temperature for Haeundae beach without the summer crowds.

Read Gilles' full review →

Book

Plan your trip

Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.

🎟️ Activities & tours · Busan

GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation

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Affiliate link · GetYourGuide
Practical info

What you need to know before you go

Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach holiday.

Country · South Korea

🗣️LanguageKorean
💶CurrencySouth Korean Won (₩)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety Very safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living Moderate · 3/5

🌡️ Climate

🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend Stable
🔥Hottest monthAugust · 30°C
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 7°C
🌧️Rainiest month July · 53%

🏖️ Beach holiday

📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) Modérée
Location

Where is Busan ?

Global position + regional geographic context.

🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
South Korea
Temperate oceanic climate with a 7.9 → 4.3 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
35.18°N · 129.08°E
Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Busan?
May is the best month with 22.0°C highs, 13.0°C lows, 7.4h of sunshine and 28.0% rainy days. The months of May & June offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Busan get in May?
Busan averages 7.4 sunshine hours per day in May. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.4/10.
What is the rainiest month in Busan?
January is the most unfavourable month with January has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Busan in May?
In May, overnight lows reach 13.0°C, while afternoon highs average 22.0°C.
Is Busan good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Busan scores 4.1/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains May with a score of 7.4/10.
When should you avoid Busan?
January is the most difficult month to visit Busan, with January has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Busan in May?
In May, the sea averages 17°C in Busan: cold, for the brave. Best left to hardened swimmers or those with a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Busan in May?
The average UV index reaches 7 in May in Busan (high), with about 13.9h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.