DMZ, South Korea: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to DMZ, South Korea? If you're planning to go to DMZ, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to DMZ
- Important essentials for DMZ
- Activities for DMZ
- DMZ in January: weather and what to pack
- DMZ in February: weather and what to pack
- DMZ in March: weather and what to pack
- DMZ in April: weather and what to pack
- DMZ in May: weather and what to pack
- DMZ in June: weather and what to pack
- DMZ in July: weather and what to pack
- DMZ in August: weather and what to pack
- DMZ in September: weather and what to pack
- DMZ in October: weather and what to pack
- DMZ in November: weather and what to pack
- DMZ in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to DMZ, South Korea
Based on the climate and weather in DMZ, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for DMZ, South Korea
Here are some general tips on what to wear in DMZ, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection available.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly option.
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often wear out. An unreadable card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
Other health necessities
Emergency water purifier
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to bring an emergency water purifier like this one.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent kit.
Emergency rapid COVID-19 test
U.S. residents can get them free here. Otherwise, you can buy them here.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
Airplane or car necessities
For families with young children
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in DMZ. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types F. This one is sufficent for most locations, but check with your hotel.
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Activities for DMZ, South Korea
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for DMZ.
If you visit Maritime Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Comfy walking shoes
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
We also recommend these top tours in and around DMZ.
What to wear/what to pack for DMZ, South Korea by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in DMZ can be extremely cold and very hazy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C). It snows a bit less than half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
Insulated ice boots
We use:
Pajamas
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Fleece inner layer
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
Extreme cold weather gloves
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
Heavy sweaters
Lip balm
The best is: here
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to DMZ (Korea), a great option is these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A wind resistant umbrella
This is important here. This one is an excellent option.
February
Traveling to DMZ in February, you will notice that it is brisk and very hazy. Expect it to snow once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Warm pants or jeans
Heavy jacket
Gloves
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
Lip balm
Our choice: this
Heavy socks
Such as:
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to DMZ (Korea), we suggest these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A umbrella
This is essential here. This one is an excellent option.
March
March in DMZ is brisk and very hazy. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light gloves or mittens
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to DMZ (Korea), we suggest these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect choice.
April
If you go to DMZ in April, you will notice that it is chilly and very hazy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
Light and heavy skirts
Pants or jeans
Extra socks
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
May
If you vacation in DMZ during May, you will probably see that it is a perfect temperature and very hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light skirts
Sunscreen lotion
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Bug repellent
Extra socks
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sandals
Short pants or heavy shorts
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
June
If you visit DMZ during June, you will probably notice that it is extremely warm, somewhat rainy and very hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Light skirts
Bug repellent
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Extra socks
Sunscreen lotion
Breathable footwear or sandals
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
July
In July, DMZ is hot, somewhat rainy and very hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 80s F (high 20s C) and regularly jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for DMZ, with several of the days of the month having rain. In July, humidity reaches as high as 70%.
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunglasses
Loose-fit shorts
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
Bug repellent
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Waterproof sandals
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
Skirts
If you're going to the beach
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
August
Traveling to DMZ in August, you will notice that it is consistently hot, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Bug repellent
Skirts
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
Waterproof sandals
Sunglasses
Loose-fit shorts
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
If you're going to the beach
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
September
September in DMZ is a perfect temperature and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Short pants or heavy shorts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light skirts
Sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Extra socks
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
October
If you visit DMZ during October, you are likely to find that it is mild and very hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
Extra socks
Pants or jeans
Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
November
If you are traveling to DMZ in November, you will notice that it can be brisk and somewhat hazy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this
Light gloves or mittens
Fleece
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting DMZ (Korea), we suggest these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect choice.
December
December can be brisk and very hazy. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains once in a while and snows sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
Heavy socks
Such as:
Sweaters
Warm pants or jeans
Lip balm
Our pick is: this
Gloves
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
Heavy jacket
-
Cold weather footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting DMZ (Korea), a great option is these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A wind resistant umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a perfect choice.
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