When to go · Seoul
Seoul in May
Great month. Warm and dry; a good month.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Great
- Temperature
- 24° / 13°
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 10
- Crowds
- High
- South Korea overall
- Prices
- High
- South Korea overall
Verdict
Warm and dry; a good month.
Weather in May
- SeoulHighs around 24 °C, lows around 13 °C, rain on about 10 days
- Seoul and north-west, South Korea · Seoul, Incheon, Suwon, the DMZbest weather
Continental: dry winters down to −15 °C on cold snaps, hot humid summers. Fine dust (yellow dust and pollution) peaks Mar–Apr; the monsoon runs late Jun – Jul.
Spring season
Cherry blossoms in early April, azaleas on the hills, the Lotus Lantern parade.
Watch: Fine and yellow dust days; blossom-week crowds and hotel prices.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Fine and yellow dust season
March to May · Whole city
Some days the air quality index is unhealthy: move outdoor plans and wear a KF94 mask.
Royal Culture Festival check
Spring (and some autumn events) · The five palaces and Jongmyo
Re-enactments, concerts and night openings; some events need online booking.
Lotus Lantern Festival check
The weekend before Buddha's Birthday · Dongdaemun to Jogyesa along Jongno
Evening lantern parade on the Saturday; street festival by Jogyesa on the Sunday.
Buddha's Birthday check
8th day of the 4th lunar month; 13 May in 2027 · Temples citywide
Lanterns over Jogyesa and Bongeunsa; free temple meals at some.
Children's Day
5 May · Parks, zoos, Lotte World
Family crowds everywhere; palaces often free for children.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · South Korea overall
- High
- Prices · South Korea overall
- High
South Korea overall: Warm and dry; Buddha's Birthday lanterns and Children's Day crowds.
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
What to pack
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast