Busan in December

In December, Busan averages 8°C (46°F) during the day and -1°C (30°F) at night, with only about 4 rainy days.

High season

Conditions are cold — pack winter layers. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.

December in Busan is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).

8°C
Avg high
-1°C
Avg low
4
Rain days
38 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Busan

11th
warmest month of the 12
12th
wettest month of the 12
2%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
9 h 48 min
daylight on the 15th

December is one of the coolest months in Busan (11th of 12) and one of the driest months (12th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 10°C below the annual average (18°C). December runs 7°C cooler than November (15°C) and cools 1°C in January (7°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Busan

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
7:24 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
5:12 PM
Day length
9 h 48 min

Times shown for Busan local time (Asia/Seoul), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Busan — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Busan's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
6:24 AM – 7:04 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
7:04 AM – 8:04 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
4:32 PM – 5:32 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
5:32 PM – 6:12 PM

📅 When to book — Busan in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (High season) and Busan's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-4 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
3-5 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Busan

High season

This is a busy month in Busan — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Busan

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
5.6
Moderate
Use SPF 15-30 for prolonged outdoor exposure; sunglasses recommended at peak hours.
🦟 Mosquito risk
○○○○○
None
Mosquitoes are essentially absent — cold weather keeps populations dormant.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

🌬 Frosty nights — Busan in December

Snow days (typical)
0
days/month
Avg low
-1°C
30°F
Avg day high
8°C
46°F

Gear: Cold nights, milder days. Light insulated jacket fine for daytime, real coat for after dark.

Busan in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 7°C / 44°F -2°C / 28°F 40 mm 4
February 9°C / 47°F 0°C / 31°F 46 mm 4
March 13°C / 56°F 4°C / 40°F 94 mm 8
April 17°C / 63°F 9°C / 48°F 126 mm 8
May 22°C / 72°F 14°C / 57°F 111 mm 9
June 25°C / 77°F 18°C / 65°F 182 mm 11
July 28°C / 82°F 23°C / 73°F 282 mm 16
August 29°C / 84°F 24°C / 74°F 247 mm 16
September 25°C / 77°F 19°C / 66°F 238 mm 13
October 20°C / 69°F 13°C / 55°F 72 mm 6
November 15°C / 59°F 6°C / 43°F 49 mm 5
December 8°C / 46°F -1°C / 30°F 38 mm 4

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Busan in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Busan in December?

In December, Busan averages a high of 8°C (46°F) and a low of -1°C (30°F) — generally cold.

Does it rain a lot in Busan in December?

December is generally dry in Busan, with about 4 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Busan?

December is cold and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Busan in December?

Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves. See the full December packing list for Busan for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Busan on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.