Climate and Seasonal Weather in Korea
Korea is geographically situated in a temperate climate zone at medium latitude. As a result, it has four distinct seasons. In the winter season, it can be bitterly cold and dry due to the influx of cold Siberian air. In summer, with the influence of the North Pacific anticyclone, it is very hot and humid. During spring and fall, the weather is quite clear and crisp due to the influence of migratory anticyclone.
Temperature
The average annual temperature is 10~15℃. The hottest month of August can be as hot as 23~26℃. In the coldest month of January, the temperature can drop as low as –6~3℃.
Rainfall
Seasonally, 50-60% of annual precipitation is recorded during summer.
Humidity
Humidity range is 60-75% nationwide year-round. In July and August, humidity is about 70~85%. In March and April, humidity records about 50~70%.
The rainy season
Rainy season begins near the end of June, starting from the Jeju Island region, and reaches Seoul area by the end of June. The rainy season lasts for more or less 30 days.
Typhoon
About 3 typhoons directly and indirectly have an influence over Korean peninsula, generally during August and September.
Seoul Regional climate characteristics
The annual average temperature of Seoul is 12.5℃. The coldest month of January can record as low as -10℃. The hottest month of August can be as hot as 33℃. Annual temperature difference can be as high as 28.1℃.
There is a very high percentage of rainfall during the summer season – a total of 61% of rainfall out of the whole annual precipitation. On the other hand, in winter (December, January, February) we have only about 5% of rain.
The average annual relative humidity degree of Seoul is 64%, with April as the driest month (56%) and July as the most humid month(78%). The relative humidity degree in summer is very high (74%) and it is relatively dry in spring and winter with relative humidity of 60%.
