The month in detail
What to expect in December
Winter in Seoul is cool (37°F during the day). Days are short (5.3h of sunshine) but the city reveals a different side. Rain risk remains low (14% of days), leaving good room for outdoor activities.
December ranks 12 out of 12 months in Seoul. Compared to November: −16°F daytime, 7 pts fewer rainy days.
This month's conditions
What it's like in December
UV index
3 · low
no protection needed
Feels like
dry air
-8°
Sea
7°C
cold, for the brave
Daylight
9.4h of daylight
Air quality
fair
AQI 48
Compare
Is December the right month?
The best month in Seoul is June (8.3/10), 4.2 pts higher than December.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Seoul
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Seoul
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
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 trip.
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 · 86°F
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 36°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘJuly · 43%
🏖️ Beach trip
📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
Explore
Other destinations in December
If December doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Seoul ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
South KoreaTemperate oceanic climate with a 8.3 → 4.1 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
37.57°N · 126.98°E
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Seoul?
June is the best month with 81°F highs, 64°F lows, 6.3h of sunshine and 25.0% rainy days. The months of June & May offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Seoul get in June?
Seoul averages 6.3 sunshine hours per day in June. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.8/10.
What is the rainiest month in Seoul?
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 Seoul in June?
In June, overnight lows reach 64°F, while afternoon highs average 81°F.
Is Seoul good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Seoul scores 4.0/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains June with a score of 7.8/10.
When should you avoid Seoul?
January is the most difficult month to visit Seoul, 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 Seoul in December?
In December, the sea averages 45°F in Seoul: cold, for the brave. Best left to hardened swimmers or those with a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Seoul in December?
The average UV index reaches 3 in December in Seoul (low), with about 9.4h of daylight. No protection needed.