South Korea (Seoul) · December
Low seasonSouth Korea · Asia
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 3° (37°)-5– (23–)9 (48) | 6° (43°)-4– (25–)13 (55) | 12° (54°)2– (36–)20 (68) | 18° (64°)10– (50–)27 (81) | 24° (75°)15– (59–)30 (86) | 28° (82°)21– (70–)33 (91) | 30° (86°)24– (75–)33 (91) | 31° (88°)24– (75–)35 (95) | 27° (81°)20– (68–)31 (88) | 21° (70°)12– (54–)27 (81) | 13° (55°)2– (36–)20 (68) | 4° (39°)-6– (21–)12 (54) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | -7° (19°)-14– (7–)1 (34) | -4° (25°)-12– (10–)3 (37) | 1° (34°)-6– (21–)7 (45) | 8° (46°)1– (34–)13 (55) | 13° (55°)7– (45–)18 (64) | 19° (66°)13– (55–)23 (73) | 23° (73°)18– (64–)26 (79) | 24° (75°)17– (63–)27 (81) | 18° (64°)12– (54–)22 (72) | 10° (50°)1– (34–)17 (63) | 3° (37°)-6– (21–)11 (52) | -5° (23°)-13– (9–)4 (39) |
☀️Sunshine | 7h UV 5 | 8h UV 6 | 9h UV 7 | 8h UV 7 | 9h UV 8 | 8h UV 8 | 6h UV 6 | 6h UV 6 | 7h UV 6 | 7h UV 6 | 6h UV 5 | 6h UV 4 |
🌧Rain Days | 3d42mm (1.6") | 3d36mm (1.4") | 4d65mm (2.6") | 6d87mm (3.4") | 6d122mm (4.8") | 7d154mm (6.0") | 12d475mm (18.7") | 12d365mm (14.4") | 7d178mm (7.0") | 5d83mm (3.3") | 6d75mm (3.0") | 3d31mm (1.2") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Off-season — lowest travel prices with still acceptable climate.
December in South Korea (Seoul) is on the cool side — with highs around 4°C (39°F) it's less suited for a beach holiday, but good for sightseeing away from the high season.
Temperatures reach a maximum of 4°C (39°F) during the day and drop to -5°C (23°F) at night — warm layers recommended. Peaks reach around 12°C (54°F), the coldest nights around -13°C (9°F) — frost does occur. With 6 sunshine hours per day and 3 rain days (31 mm (1.2 in)), this is one of the cloudier months.
Pack warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Cool temperatures make hiking and cultural trips enjoyable — beaches are off the agenda.
Harsh, dry winter: highs only a little above freezing, nights drop to around -7°C (19°F), and the sun often shines in crisp cold. Heated floors, steaming broths and warm hotteok from street stalls make the cold bearable. The palaces lie quiet under snow, and the ski resorts in the surrounding hills are open.
Events & Festivals
- Seoul Lantern Festivalvariable (winter, between November and January depending on the year, evenings)
Light sculptures made of traditional hanji paper and media art line the Cheonggyecheon stream in the city centre and the Ui stream. Open in the evenings, admission is free.
Packing list for South Korea (Seoul) in December
- Winter coat
- Thermal clothing and warm layers
- Hat, scarf and gloves
- Warm, waterproof shoes
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Small umbrella (occasional showers possible)
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is December a good time to visit South Korea (Seoul)?
- December is not an optimal month for South Korea (Seoul) (Score: 50/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider June, July, August, and September.
- How warm is it in South Korea (Seoul) in December?
- In December, South Korea (Seoul) sees daily highs of 4°C (39°F). Nights cool to -5°C (23°F), with a daily average of 0°C (32°F). Peaks reach around 12°C (54°F), the coldest nights around -13°C (9°F) — frost does occur.
- How much rain falls in South Korea (Seoul) in December?
- In December, South Korea (Seoul) receives an average of 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain over 3 rain days. That is comparatively dry.
- How many sunshine hours does South Korea (Seoul) get in December?
- South Korea (Seoul) averages 6 sunshine hours per day in December — below the annual average.
