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.
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
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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→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 a ten-year climate record.
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.
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 ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
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 the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
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.