Seoul in May
In May, Seoul averages 23°C (73°F) during the day and 13°C (55°F) at night, with around 10 days of rain (105 mm total).
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
May offers comfortable temperatures in Seoul, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Seoul
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Seoul (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 6°C above the annual average (17°C). May runs 6°C warmer than April (17°C) and warms a further 4°C into June (27°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Seoul
Times shown for Seoul local time (Asia/Seoul), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Seoul — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Seoul's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Seoul in May
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 May's tier (High season) and Seoul's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Seoul
This is a busy month in Seoul — 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: excellent tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Seoul
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.
Seoul in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2°C / 36°F | -6°C / 21°F | 20 mm | 7 | 3 |
| February | 4°C / 39°F | -3°C / 27°F | 25 mm | 7 | 2 |
| March | 10°C / 50°F | 1°C / 34°F | 45 mm | 8 | — |
| April | 17°C / 63°F | 7°C / 45°F | 75 mm | 9 | — |
| May | 23°C / 73°F | 13°C / 55°F | 105 mm | 10 | — |
| June | 27°C / 81°F | 18°C / 64°F | 130 mm | 11 | — |
| July | 29°C / 84°F | 22°C / 72°F | 395 mm | 16 | — |
| August | 30°C / 86°F | 22°C / 72°F | 365 mm | 14 | — |
| September | 26°C / 79°F | 17°C / 63°F | 170 mm | 9 | — |
| October | 19°C / 66°F | 10°C / 50°F | 55 mm | 6 | — |
| November | 11°C / 52°F | 3°C / 37°F | 55 mm | 8 | 1 |
| December | 4°C / 39°F | -3°C / 27°F | 20 mm | 7 | 3 |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Seoul in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Seoul in May?
In May, Seoul averages a high of 23°C (73°F) and a low of 13°C (55°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Seoul in May?
May can be fairly wet in Seoul, with about 10 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Seoul?
May is mild and pleasant. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Seoul in May?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Seoul for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.