South Korea (Seoul) · May
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
Still off-season — flights and hotels significantly cheaper than in June.
May is an acceptable travel month for South Korea (Seoul) — conditions are fine, though June, July, August, and September offer even better weather.
Daytime highs average 24°C (75°F), cooling to 13°C (55°F) at night (daily average: 19°C (66°F)). Peaks reach around 30°C (86°F), the coldest nights around 7°C (45°F). The sun shines an average of 9 hours per day; there are 6 rain days with 122 mm (4.8 in) total.
A jacket for cool evenings should not be left behind. Sightseeing and excursions can be enjoyed comfortably at this time of year.
Spring arrives quickly: March thaws, in April cherry blossom turns the streets and parks pink, and in May it is mild and green. The weather is pleasant, the days are often sunny and the city is full of strollers. Occasionally fine dust from the west clouds the air.
Events & Festivals
- Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeondeunghoe)variable (April/May, before Buddha's Birthday)
Around 50,000 participants carry glowing lanterns in an evening parade along Jongno to Jogyesa Temple. The next day brings hands-on activities around the temple and a second lantern procession to close.
Packing list for South Korea (Seoul) in May
- T-shirts and shorts
- Light jacket for cool evenings
- SPF 50 sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Small umbrella (occasional showers possible)
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is May a good time to visit South Korea (Seoul)?
- May is not an optimal month for South Korea (Seoul) (Score: 77/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider June, July, August, and September.
- How warm is it in South Korea (Seoul) in May?
- In May, South Korea (Seoul) sees daily highs of 24°C (75°F). Nights cool to 13°C (55°F), with a daily average of 19°C (66°F). Peaks reach around 30°C (86°F), the coldest nights around 7°C (45°F).
- How much rain falls in South Korea (Seoul) in May?
- In May, South Korea (Seoul) receives an average of 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain over 6 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does South Korea (Seoul) get in May?
- South Korea (Seoul) averages 9 sunshine hours per day in May — above the annual average.
