South Korea Seoul Weather in December — Climate Guide
December in Seoul is Average
December is Average for Seoul.
December is Seoul's quieter month between October's peak and the spring rush. Hotel prices return to 25-35% below peak — central Seoul 4-star hotels at $80-130/night.
Christmas in Seoul has its own character — Korean Christmas is more of a couples-date holiday than family-focused (Korean New Year/Chuseok is the family holiday). Major dating spots like Lotte World Tower's Seoul Sky, N Seoul Tower 'love locks' fence, and Cheonggyecheon Stream see couples in heavy numbers.
Travel score
Seoul December Weather Stats
Avg High
4°C
Avg Low
-4°C
Rainy Days
5
22mm total
Sunshine
5h
Daily avg
Humidity
65%
Dry
UV Index
2
Low
Wind
13 km/h
Gusts 26
Snow Days
3
Monthly avg
Crowds
Moderate
At attractions
December Sunrise & Sunset
Expect about 3 snow days this month. Bring slip-resistant shoes and warm gear.
Air Quality
PM2.5
32 μg/m³
PM10
50 μg/m³
Status
Moderate
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
1°C
Nighttime
-8°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
13 km/h
Max gust 26 km/h
Activities Recommended for December
December Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Christmas market and lights season
- K-Pop end-of-year award shows
- Hotel prices off-peak (25-35% below peak)
Cons
- Bitterly cold (-4 to 5°C / 25-41°F)
- Daylight short (sunset 5:15 PM)
- Late month sees New Year hotel surge
December Events & Festivals
- Christmas decorations across Myeongdong, Hongdae, Lotte World Tower
- Christmas markets at Myeongdong, COEX, IFC Mall
- K-Pop Christmas releases and end-of-year award shows
- Year-end party season
Seoul in December — Full Picture
December is Seoul's quieter month between October's peak and the spring rush. Hotel prices return to 25-35% below peak — central Seoul 4-star hotels at $80-130/night.
Christmas in Seoul has its own character — Korean Christmas is more of a couples-date holiday than family-focused (Korean New Year/Chuseok is the family holiday). Major dating spots like Lotte World Tower's Seoul Sky, N Seoul Tower 'love locks' fence, and Cheonggyecheon Stream see couples in heavy numbers.
Myeongdong becomes lit for Christmas — major Korean cosmetic chains compete on light displays. Olive Young flagship store has the most spectacular display. COEX Mall's Starfield Library decorates with massive Christmas trees and illumination.
Korean K-Pop end-of-year award shows (MAMA, MBC, KBS) happen mid-to-late December. Many fans come specifically for these. Tickets very limited, but live broadcasts at Korean cafés and bars become event watch parties.
Korean year-end party (송년회, songnyeonhoe) season runs late November through December — Korean coworkers and friend groups dine at Korean BBQ restaurants for elaborate end-of-year dinners. Restaurants like Magal BBQ and Mapo Galmaegisal book up evenings.
Weather is bitterly cold (highs 4°C / 39°F, lows -4°C / 25°F) but generally clear and dry. Snow happens 2-3 days but doesn't always stick.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Heavy down coat, scarf, gloves, hat. Layered with thermal base. Snow boots advisable. Daytime 4°C / 39°F, evenings drop to -4°C / 25°F.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
17.3°C
7°C
8/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
29.7°C
20.7°C
13.3/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
19°C
9.3°C
7.3/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current3.7°C
-4.7°C
5.3/mo
Seoul Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2° | -6° | 6d·21mm | 5.5h | 60% | 2 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 5° | -4° | 5d·23mm | 6h | 58% | 3 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 11° | 1° | 7d·49mm | 7h | 58% | 4 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| April (Best) | 18° | 7° | 8d·70mm | 7.5h | 60% | 6 | Very busy | Peak |
| May (Best) | 23° | 13° | 9d·105mm | 8h | 64% | 8 | Busy | Peak |
| 28° | 18° | 10d·130mm | 7.5h | 70% | 9 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 30° | 22° | 16d·405mm | 4.5h | 78% | 9 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 31° | 22° | 14d·290mm | 5.5h | 75% | 9 | Busy | Peak | |
| 27° | 17° | 10d·165mm | 6.5h | 72% | 7 | Busy | Peak | |
| October (Best) | 19° | 9° | 6d·50mm | 7h | 65% | 5 | Very busy | Peak |
| 11° | 2° | 6d·50mm | 6h | 65% | 3 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 4° | -4° | 5d·22mm | 5h | 65% | 2 | Moderate | Shoulder |
View Other Months
Seoul December Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Seoul?
Seoul in December is Average. Tourist crowds are moderate and flight/hotel prices are shoulder.
What's the average temperature in Seoul in December?
Seoul December averages a high of 4°C and a low of -4°C.
Does it rain much in Seoul in December?
Seoul December averages 22mm of rainfall over about 5 rainy days.
What should I wear in Seoul in December?
Heavy down coat, scarf, gloves, hat. Layered with thermal base. Snow boots advisable. Daytime 4°C / 39°F, evenings drop to -4°C / 25°F.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Seoul in December?
Seoul December sunrise is 07:35 and sunset is 17:15, with 9h 40m of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Seoul in December?
Seoul December air quality (AQI) averages 75, rated Moderate. PM2.5 averages 32μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Seoul in December?
In December, Seoul is great for Christmas markets and lights, K-Pop award shows, Christmas Eve at N Seoul Tower.
Is December peak season in Seoul?
Seoul December crowds are moderate and prices are shoulder. You can travel relatively comfortably without long queues.
Best Months to Visit Seoul
View Other Months
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.