Seoul, South Korea: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Seoul, South Korea? If you're planning to go to Seoul, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Seoul
- Important essentials for Seoul
- Activities for Seoul
- Seoul in January: weather and what to pack
- Seoul in February: weather and what to pack
- Seoul in March: weather and what to pack
- Seoul in April: weather and what to pack
- Seoul in May: weather and what to pack
- Seoul in June: weather and what to pack
- Seoul in July: weather and what to pack
- Seoul in August: weather and what to pack
- Seoul in September: weather and what to pack
- Seoul in October: weather and what to pack
- Seoul in November: weather and what to pack
- Seoul 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 Seoul, South Korea
Based on the climate and weather in Seoul, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for Seoul, South Korea
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Seoul, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often get worn. An unreadable card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection you can have.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly option.
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to have an emergency water purifier like this one.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb choice.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types F. This one works in most places, but check with your hotel.
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Seoul. 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.
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For families with young children
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Money/passport pouch
Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.
-
Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Seoul, South Korea by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Seoul is frosty and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains once in a while and snows a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy jacket
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our choice: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Seoul, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a great option.
February
If you are traveling to Seoul in February, you will notice that it is brisk and somewhat hazy. Expect it to rain occasionally and snow occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Gloves
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Lip balm
Our choice: this
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy jacket
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Seoul, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential here. This one is an excellent option.
March
March is brisk and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this one
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Seoul, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a perfect choice.
April
In April, Seoul is relatively cool, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) and once in a while jump into the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Seoul, with several of the days of the month having rain. In April, humidity reaches as high as 50%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
May
If you are traveling to Seoul in May, you will notice that it is balmy, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
June
In June, Seoul is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (high 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Seoul, with several of the days of the month having rain. In June, humidity reaches as high as 60%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
July
If you vacation in Seoul during July, you are likely to find that it is extremely warm and very rainy. 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 (low 20s C). Humidity is generally around 70 during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
August
If you are traveling to Seoul in August, you will notice that it is hot and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
September
In September, Seoul is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (high 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Seoul, with several of the days of the month having rain. In September, humidity reaches as high as 60%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
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 suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
October
October in Seoul is chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 50s F (single digits C). It tends to rain a bit less than half of the time. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 40% to 50% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
November
In November, Seoul can be very chilly and somewhat hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Seoul, with a few of the days of the month having rain. In November, humidity reaches as high as 60%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
December
December in Seoul is brisk and somewhat hazy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain occasionally. It also snows occasionally. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sweaters
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy jacket
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: here
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Seoul, 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 an excellent choice.
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