Korea has four distinct seasons, and the dramatic temperature swings often surprise students. Some are amazed by how hot the summer gets, while others are shocked by the bitter cold of winter. Understanding the weather is essential for planning trips and making the most of outdoor activities in Korea.

The Four Seasons

Starting around March, spring is pleasant, with fresh air, blooming cherry blossoms, and mild temperatures ranging from 8°C to 19°C. However, spring also brings yellow dust storms that originate in the Gobi Desert. This yellow dust reduces visibility and causes respiratory problems, sometimes deterring outside activity.

After two to three months of spring, summer arrives. Summers in Korea are hot, humid, and rainy, with temperatures often reaching 30°C to 35°C. About 55% of the country’s annual rainfall occurs during the summer monsoon season, which typically begins in June and lasts for about a month. Typhoons occasionally affect the peninsula during this period, and the humidity makes the heat feel even more intense.

Autumn is widely considered one of the best times to visit Korea, with clear skies, and mild temperatures ranging from 8°C to 22°C. The mild weather conditions enable outdoor activities and travel. However, the large temperature difference between the day and night is something to be aware of.

Lastly, after autumn comes the coldest season of the year—winter. Winters in Korea are cold and dry, with temperatures often dropping below 0°C and sometimes reaching as low as -10°C. The days are short, making it less appealing to travel and have fun.

Since each season lasts about three months, it’s essential to prepare for all four seasons, ensuring you can make the most of everything Korea’s unique climate has to offer.

Global Warming’s Impact on Korea

Global warming is affecting the entire world and Korea is no exception. Average temperatures have risen by 1.5°C over the past century. Since the 1990s, winters have shortened by 22 days, while summers have lengthened by 20 days. Days with temperatures over 35°C have surged from 21 (2004–2013) to 51 (2014–2023).

Precipitation is also affected by global warming. According to the International Energy Agency, if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise unabated, average precipitation in Korea could increase by 172.5 mm during 2071–2100 compared to 1981–2010. In addition to the increased amount of rainfall, its intensity has also risen, with nearly a tenfold rise in heavy rainfall events—those with more than 100mm per day—between 1961 and 2020.

In early spring 2025, more than 20 wildfires broke out simultaneously across Korea, with climate change playing a key role in their severity. From March 22 to 26, high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds made the fires difficult to control. According to a study by World Weather Attribution, atmospheric warming caused the hot, dry, and windy conditions that doubled the risk of the fires and made them 15% more intense.

2025 Summer Forecast

With spring seeing temperatures of up to 30°C, this summer is becoming a daunting prospect. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), the probability of a hotter summer is 60%.

Alongside the temperature increase, precipitation is expected to increase as well. June is likely to be rainier than usual, with the probability outlook as follows: below normal 20%, near normal 40%, and above normal 40%. Rainfall has increased recently with the 2024 rainy season’s precipitation rising 32.5% to 474.8 mm compared to the average year. This year, even more precipitation is forecast, with an additional 300 to 650 mm expected.

In the past, July was regarded as the rainy season. However, more recently, intensive rain has been continuous throughout the summer. This shift means the traditional rainy season could disappear, with torrential downpours likely at any time during the summer as a whole.

Informed Is Prepared

The weather in Korea is getting harder to predict. Accurate predictions are essential for enjoying life in Korea. From short-term to long-term forecasts, reliable information about Korea’s weather can be found on KMA’s English website. The SeoulTech suggests looking at the KMA forecasts before planning trips and other outdoor activities.

Reporter

Jinpyo Hong

undohere@seoultech.ac.kr

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• e-mail : undohere@seoultech.ac.kr