🌸 Korea Spring Weather: What to Expect in March & April Before You Pack

 

A cheerful digital illustration of Seoul's spring skyline with blooming cherry blossoms, people in light jackets, and a sunny-but-breezy atmosphere with temperature markers.
A cheerful digital illustration of Seoul's spring skyline with blooming cherry blossoms, people in light jackets, and a sunny-but-breezy atmosphere with temperature markers.

Planning a trip to Korea this spring?

If you’re arriving in March or April, you’ll find yourself between two seasons: late winter chill and early spring bloom. Packing correctly and understanding the regional temperature differences will save you from freezing mornings and sweaty afternoons.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about Korea’s spring weather in March and April — from average temperatures to rainfall, sunshine hours, and what to expect in Seoul vs. Busan vs. Gangneung.


❄️ March Weather in Korea (Early Spring)

  • Overall vibe: Cold mornings, brisk afternoons, and occasional wind

  • Average temperatures:

    • Seoul: 2°C ~ 13°C (36°F ~ 55°F)

    • Busan: 6°C ~ 14°C (43°F ~ 57°F)

    • Gangneung: 3°C ~ 12°C (37°F ~ 53°F)

  • Rainfall: Light — bring a compact umbrella just in case

  • Daylight: Longer than winter but sunset still around 6:30 PM

Tip: Layer up! Think inner heat-tech layer, hoodie/sweater, and a light padded coat.


🌼 April Weather in Korea (Mid Spring)

  • Overall vibe: Warmer days, cool evenings, and flowers in full bloom

  • Average temperatures:

    • Seoul: 8°C ~ 20°C (46°F ~ 68°F)

    • Busan: 11°C ~ 19°C (52°F ~ 66°F)

    • Gangneung: 9°C ~ 17°C (48°F ~ 63°F)

  • Rainfall: Moderate chance of spring rain showers

  • Sunlight: Daylight stretches to 13+ hours — sunsets around 7 PM

Tip: Swap padded coats for cardigans, trench coats, or bomber jackets. Sunglasses & light scarves are great accessories!


☁️ Sunshine, Rain & Air Quality

  • Rain: March tends to be drier, but April showers are common (especially in mid-April)

  • Fine dust & yellow dust (hwangsa): You may experience poor air quality on some days

    • Download the app "AirVisual" or check "Kakao Weather" daily

    • Keep KF80/KF94 masks handy


πŸ›️ What to Pack for Korea in March & April

March Essentials:

  • Thermal innerwear

  • Medium-weight coat or puffer jacket

  • Beanie or scarf

  • Sneakers or boots

April Essentials:

  • Layers: tee + cardigan/light jacket

  • Sunglasses, SPF, light scarf

  • Umbrella

  • Allergy meds (if you're pollen-sensitive)


πŸ’‘ Local Tip: Don't Trust the Calendar, Trust the Vibe

Korea’s seasons don’t switch overnight. You may get a sudden cold snap in late March or a 25°C sunny day in early April. Locals always check the weather daily and adjust. You should too.


πŸ“… Monthly Highlights

  • March: End of winter sales, first spring festivals, sparse cherry blossoms (south first)

  • April: Cherry blossom peak (Seoul: ~first week), spring picnic season, cafΓ© patios open


πŸ“ Regional Vibes: Where You Are Matters

  • Seoul: Spring hits gradually. Cold in March, warm mid-April. Big contrast between day and night.

  • Busan: Milder and windier due to the ocean. Less extreme temperature swings.

  • Gangneung: Chillier in March, but perfect for spring beach walks in April.


πŸ‘‰ CTA: Planning a spring trip to Korea? Bookmark this weather guide so you know exactly what to pack — and what to leave behind!



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