Seoul February — Lunar New Year celebrations at Gyeongbokgung

Seoul · South Korea

February

Still cold — Lunar New Year celebrations are the highlight if timing allows.

Strong option

#8 of 12 months

There are better months for Seoul — see the full ranking below.

See when to go instead →

Climate

High

4°C

Low

-3.2°C

Rain

27mm

Sun

7hrs/day

30-year climate normals · Open Meteo ERA5

How February scores in Seoul

Weather
Below average
Value
Excellent
Crowds
Excellent
Events
Above average
Atmosphere
Very good

What you gain in February

  • Lunar New Year (Seollal, usually January or February): Gyeongbokgung Palace opens for traditional games and hanbok
  • Winter sales season: Myeongdong and Dongdaemun shopping at annual discount levels
  • Ski season at its peak — best snow conditions for Gangwon day trips

What you sacrifice

  • Still −3°C overnight: full winter gear essential
  • Lunar New Year week sees domestic travel surge and some closures
  • Cold limits outdoor time between attractions

How February compares to October (best month)

FactorFebruaryOctober
Weather
3
9
Value
8
5
Crowds
8
4

February in other destinations

Climate data: 30-year normals (1991–2020) from Open Meteo ERA5 reanalysis. Scores compare months within Seoul, not across destinations. Methodology →