Seoul Weather in January 2026: what to expect (4.2/10)

The month in detail

What to expect in January

Winter in Seoul is cool (2.0°F during the day). Days are short (5.5h of sunshine) but the city reveals a different side. Rain is virtually absent (10.0% of days) — ideal for planning without a backup.

January ranks 10 out of 12 months in Seoul. Compared to December: −2°F daytime, 5 pts fewer rainy days.

This month's conditions

What it's like in January

UV index

3 · low

no protection needed

Feels like

dry air

-11°

Sea

3°C

cold, for the brave

Daylight

9.7h of daylight

Air quality

fair

AQI 51

Compare

Is January the right month?

The best month in Seoul is June (8.1/10), 3.9 pts higher than January.

See June →See all 12 months →

Context

Our verdict

Seoul concentrates 50% of South Korea's population (25 million in the urban area). May and June are my favorite months (8.4-8.5/10): 54-81°F, 27-34% rain, end of spring with azaleas and roses at Changgyeonggung.

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.

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Stay

Hotels & rentals · Seoul

Expedia →

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Activities

Tours, tickets, experiences

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Flights

Multi-airline comparator

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🎟️ Activities & tours · Seoul

GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation

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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 · 56%

🏖️ Beach trip

📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept

🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée

Explore

Other destinations in January

If January doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.

Similar climate

BusanSouth Korea

QingdaoChina

SavannahUnited States

YongpyongSouth Korea

NagoyaJapan

Nearby

JejuSouth Korea454 km

Other top picks

← December February →

🗺️ See all 754 destinations on the map

Location

Where is Seoul ?

Global position + regional geographic context.

🌍 World

🔍 Geographic context

South Korea

Temperate oceanic climate with a 8.1 → 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 34.0% 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 7.6/10.

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 7.6/10.

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 January?

In January, the sea averages 38°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 January?

The average UV index reaches 3 in January in Seoul (low), with about 9.7h of daylight. No protection needed.