What May feels like in Seoul
Late spring arrives in Seoul with May. The middle of the day is pleasantly mild. After sunset it cools off noticeably — nights are cool. Humidity is on the high side, but mild temperatures keep it comfortable.
Rain in Seoul in May
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 4, with dry spells in between. Rainy days are intense, averaging about 12.6 mm (0.5 in) — downpours rather than drizzle. That is close to Seoul's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 12.8 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in May
Mid-month, Seoul gets 14 h 10 min of daylight, from sunrise near 5:23 am to sunset near 7:33 pm. Days are getting longer: 1 h 2 min more daylight than in mid-April. Measured sunshine covers about 70% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
In Seoul's temperature order, May sits as the 5th warmest month. Against April, the average high is 5.6°C (10.1°F) higher, with 29 mm more rain. June continues the upward trend. By June, typical highs are 26.9°C (80.4°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — good conditions for sitting outside.
Tips for visiting Seoul in May
Versatile Layers
Mornings and evenings are cooler than midday, so dress in layers.
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Seoul in May?
Expect around 22.4°C (72.3°F) in the afternoon and 11.6°C (52.9°F) at night, which most visitors would call mild.
Does it rain a lot in Seoul in May?
It does: about 8 rainy days bring roughly 100 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Seoul in May?
The numbers point to versatile layers, rain protection and sunglasses. Bring something extra for the cooler evenings.
Is May or June better for visiting Seoul?
On our 12-month climate ranking, May comes out ahead (#2 of 12 vs #4). June is warmer and has more rainy days.