Seoul weather in December
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 5 rainy days across the month, on average.
December in Seoul is cold and crisp, with average highs of 3.1°C (37.6°F) and lows dropping to -5.4°C (22.3°F). You'll experience about 26mm of precipitation across roughly 5 rainy days, so snow is possible but not guaranteed. Sunshine averages 7.2 hours daily, giving you decent daylight for sightseeing despite the chill.
This is peak winter season in Seoul, creating a magical festive atmosphere. Christmas decorations light up Myeongdong and Gangnam, while holiday markets pop up across the city. Tourist crowds are moderate to high around Christmas week, but quieter earlier in December. The Han River freezes over some years, and winter illuminations transform parks into wonderlands.
December 2026 is ideal for travelers who love cold-weather exploration and festive vibes. Bundle up warmly and you'll enjoy crisp walks through palaces, cozy temple stays, and Seoul's world-class winter dining scene. Book accommodations early if visiting around Christmas holidays.
The city is split by the Han River and the neighborhoods have deep rivalries — Gangnam is nouveau-money, Gangbuk (Jongno, Ikseon-dong) is old-money and old-Seoul. Naver Maps works, Google Maps doesn't (Korean law blocks foreign mapping). Order at pojangmacha street tents late night in Jongno for sundae blood sausage and soju. The escalator etiquette is stand right, walk left, but on Seoul subway it's stand both sides — a Busan person will get annoyed.
What to pack for Seoul in December
Seoul's December requires serious winter layering. Temperatures hover around freezing with occasional snow, so prioritize insulation and wind protection. Waterproof outer layers are essential for those rainy days.
- Insulated winter parka or down jacket
- Thermal base layers and wool sweaters
- Insulated waterproof boots with good grip
- Wool beanie, gloves, and scarf
- Waterproof winter coat or rain jacket
What to pack for Seoul in December
- →Merino wool base layerAmazon · shop this
- →Insulated puffer jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Thermal glovesAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
- →Compression packing cubesAmazon · shop this
- →Anti-theft crossbody bagAmazon · shop this
We may earn a small commission on any purchase — it doesn't change the price you pay.
Where to stay in Seoul
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in Seoul across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated December trip to Seoul
Peak season prices — book early or shift by 2–3 weeks to save. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no cost to you. Estimates use rule-based averages; check partner sites for live pricing.
Delayed flight to Seoul?
Flights to Seoul in December can be delayed by storms. Claim up to €600 if yours is 3+ hours late. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
Check compensation eligibility →Free check · Only pay if you get paid · Powered by Compensair.
Plan your Seoul trip
Handpicked services from partners we trust. One tab for everything you'll need after the flight is booked.
Compare rooms in Seoul on Booking.com.
Skip-the-line tickets, day trips, food walks and guided tours.
Compare fares with cashback on every booking.
Instant data on arrival — no roaming charges, no SIM swap.
Flexible monthly coverage for trips of any length.
Compare 900+ rental brands with free cancellation.
Book a driver in advance — fixed price, no queue.
We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no cost to you.
Things worth doing
Ice skating at Seoul Plaza, temple stays in snowy mountains, Christmas markets at Myeongdong, Han River winter walks and hot spring visits in nearby areas.
December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Seoul. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Seoul
While December has its own character in Seoul, the data-backed best months to visit Seoul are April, October. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across an 11-year climate record (2015–2025).
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for SeoulOther places with a similar climate right now
Seoul in December — FAQ
Q01Is December a good time to visit Seoul?
Is December a good time to visit Seoul?
It is a challenging month — you may want to consider another time of year. In December, Seoul averages a high of 3°C (38°F) and a low of -5°C (22°F), with 26mm of rainfall across roughly 5 rainy days. Mid-April cherry blossoms line the Yeouido Yunjungno road and the Han River picnic season officially opens with chimaek (chicken and beer) delivery from tents.
Q02What is the average temperature in Seoul in December?
What is the average temperature in Seoul in December?
The average high temperature in Seoul during December is 3°C (38°F), with an average low of -5°C (22°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). January drops to -10C with 'sam-han-sa-on' cycle (three cold, four mild days); locals huddle at ondol-heated jjimjilbangs like Dragon Hill for overnight sauna stays.
Q03How many rainy days does Seoul have in December?
How many rainy days does Seoul have in December?
Seoul averages approximately 5 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 26mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Seoul in December?
What should I pack for Seoul in December?
For Seoul in December, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. A folding fan (buchae) — locals of all ages carry one in summer and consider hand-fanning strangers a small kindness on packed subways.
Q05How crowded is Seoul in December?
How crowded is Seoul in December?
Tourist crowds in Seoul during December are typically low — winter is off-season, meaning quiet streets and better hotel deals. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. The city is split by the Han River and the neighborhoods have deep rivalries — Gangnam is nouveau-money, Gangbuk (Jongno, Ikseon-dong) is old-money and old-Seoul. Naver Maps works, Google Maps doesn't (Korean law blocks foreign mapping). Order at pojangmacha street tents late night in Jongno for sundae blood sausage and soju. The escalator etiquette is stand right, walk left, but on Seoul subway it's stand both sides — a Busan person will get annoyed.