When to go to Seoul? My answer (2025)
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Do you dream of discovering Seoul, this fascinating metropolis where tradition and modernity blend harmoniously? The South Korean capital offers a unique experience whatever the season, but some periods are better than others for making the most of your stay.
The question "When to go to Seoul? deserves special attention, as climate, seasonal events and even airfares can greatly influence your experience. But what if I told you there was an ideal time to visit this Asian megalopolis?
Seoul has four distinct seasons, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Spring brings the magic of cherry blossom, summer a humid heat conducive to festivals, autumn flamboyant colors, and winter a fairytale atmosphere under the snow.
But when is the best time to visit Seoul? Spoiler alert: the spring is often the most popular with travellers, but your ideal season will depend on your personal preferences and budget.
My personal ranking of the best seasons to visit Seoul.
| Rank | Season | Period | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spring | March to May | Ideal temperatures (10-20°C), cherry blossoms, affordable prices, sunset around 7pm |
| 2 | Autumn | September to November | Pleasant temperatures, autumn colors, culinary festivals, moderate crowds |
| 3 | Summer | June to August | Many festivals, intense humid heat, higher prices |
| 4 | Winter | December to February | Lower prices, fewer tourists, snow-covered landscapes, very cold temperatures (-15°C to 5°C) |
Spring in Seoul: the ideal season for your trip
Why is spring considered the best time to visit Seoul? Simply because it combines mild temperatures, beautiful scenery and still reasonable prices.
From late March to May, Seoul is decked out in its finest finery. Visit cherry blossoms (or beotkkot in Korean) transform the city into an enchanting spectacle, particularly in places like Yeouido Park and Changdeokgung Palace. This natural phenomenon, which only lasts a few weeks, attracts visitors from all over the world.
Spring temperatures generally fluctuate between 10°C and 20°C, providing an ideal climate for exploring the city on foot without suffering from summer heat or winter cold. The days get progressively longer, with sunset around 7pm, allowing you to make the most of your day.
Another major advantage of spring is its value for money. Airline tickets to Seoul in spring are generally mid-priced, unlike the price peaks of summer. You can expect to find Paris-Seoul flights between 600 and 800 on average during this period.
The only disadvantage of traveling to Seoul at this time of year is the pollution. If you are sensitive, I recommend that you avoid traveling to South Korea at this time of year..
The Cherry Blossom Festival, usually held in early April, is just one example of the many cultural events that bring the city to life in spring. It's also an opportunity to discover traditions such as the Hwacheon Maehwa Festival or the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival on the outskirts of Seoul.
Summer in Seoul: between colorful festivals and humid heat
Summer in Seoul, from June to August, is characterized by high temperatures and sometimes overwhelming humidity. The thermometer can easily exceed 35°Cwith humidity approaching 80%. Is this a bad time to visit the Korean capital?
Not necessarily, because the Korean summer also has its advantages. It's the season for festivals of all kinds, such as the Seoul Water Gun Festival or the Sinchon Water Gun Festivalwhere locals and tourists come together for refreshing water fights. Seoul's summer nights are also renowned for their electric atmosphere, with numerous outdoor events and lively night markets.
However, summer is the peak tourist season, which means a significant increase in flight prices. Expect to pay between €800 and €1,000 for a return flight from France. Accommodation is also more expensive, and books up quickly.
A word of advice if you're planning a summer trip to Seoul: pack light, breathable clothing and effective sun protection, and plan air-conditioned breaks into your itinerary. Shopping malls, museums and cafés are excellent places to escape the heat.
Autumn in Seoul: a festival of colors and flavors
From September to November, Seoul is transformed into a palette of warm colors. Korea's autumn, particularly popular with photographers, offers breathtaking scenery with its red, orange and golden foliage.
Autumn temperatures are mild, generally between 10°C and 20°C, ideal for long walks in the city's many parks. Bukhansan National Park and Mount Namsan are particularly spectacular at this time of year.
Autumn is also the harvest season in South Korea, which translates into a particularly rich and varied gastronomy. It's an opportunity to discover culinary festivals such as the Seoul Kimchi Festival or sample seasonal specialities at traditional markets.
In terms of budget, autumn is comparable to spring, with moderate airfares ranging from €600 to €800 for a return flight from Europe. Tourist numbers are also balanced, allowing you to enjoy the attractions without the summer crowds.
If you choose autumn for your trip to Seoul, don't forget to pack some warm clothes for the evenings, which can be chilly, especially in November.
Winter in Seoul: snow magic and bargains
Snow-covered Seoul is an enchanting sight that few visitors have the chance to admire. From December to February, the South Korean capital is covered in a blanket of white, transforming sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and the traditional village of Bukchon into veritable winter postcards.
Winter temperatures are downright cold, generally fluctuating between -15°C and 5°C. The cold wind from Siberia can accentuate this chilly feeling. But is this a reason to forego a winter trip to Seoul?
Maybe, but winter offers several significant advantages. Firstly, it's the low tourist season, which means more attractive prices both for flights (between €500 and €700 from Europe) and accommodation. Tourist attractions are also less crowded, allowing you to visit in more pleasant conditions.
Winter is also the season for illuminations in Seoul, with impressive light shows like the Seoul Lantern Festival. It's also an opportunity to discover typical winter activities, such as open-air ice skating at Seoul Plaza or Olympic Park.
A word of advice if you're planning a winter trip: pack plenty of warm clothes and layers, and don't hesitate to do as the locals do by investing in disposable hand warmers, available in every convenience stores.
Air ticket prices to Seoul by season
The cost of your trip to Seoul can vary considerably depending on the period you choose. Here's an overview of average return fares from Paris:
| Season | Period | Average price | Affulence level |
| Spring | March-May | 600€-800€ | Medium to high |
| summer | June-August | 800-1000€ | Very high |
| Autumn | September-November | 600€-800€ | Medium |
| Winter | December-February | 500-700€ | Low |
These prices are indicative and may vary according to airline, booking date and other factors. A general rule: the earlier you book, the better your chances of obtaining a lower fare.
How to find the best prices for Seoul? Use flight comparators, activate price alerts, and try to be flexible about your travel dates. Flights with stopovers are generally cheaper than direct flights, but take into account the extra transit time.
When to go to Seoul: My final verdict
After reviewing the pros and cons of each season, what's the best time to visit Seoul?
Visit spring is clearly the ideal time to discover the South Korean capital. Mild temperatures, cherry blossoms, longer days and still reasonable prices make it an optimal choice for most travelers.
Autumn comes second, offering conditions similar to spring, with the added bonus of spectacular colors and seasonal gourmet specialties.
Despite the heat and humidity, summer remains a festive and lively time, ideal if you can stand the high temperatures and if your budget allows you to cope with rising prices.
Winter, meanwhile, is perfect for budget travelers and those who want to discover a more authentic, less touristy side of Seoul, provided they are well prepared for the cold.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Seoul will depend on your personal preferences, your tolerance of different weather conditions and your budget. Whatever the season, South Korea's capital will provide you with an unforgettable experience, blending age-old tradition and hypermodernity in a fascinating cocktail.
Don't forget that the world's climate varies, and it's always a good idea to check weather forecasts and local events before finalizing your trip. Enjoy your stay in Seoul!
