Is November a good time to visit Seoul?

Yes, for many people. It is usually dry and crisp, early November often still has autumn colour downtown, and it is quieter than peak foliage weeks. Just pack for cold evenings.

Does it snow in Seoul in November?

Sometimes. KMA's normal date for Seoul's first snow is around 20 November, but it varies a lot by year, and early snow is usually light.

What should I wear in Seoul in November?

Layers. A sweater or fleece with a warm jacket works for most days; add a scarf, gloves and a hat for late November mornings and evenings.

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What is Seoul like in November?

November in Seoul is cool and crisp. Official KMA normals (1991–2020) give an average of 7.5°C, with highs near 11.9°C and lows near 3.5°C. Early November often still has autumn colour downtown; by late month it feels like early winter.

Updated 2026-10-15

Weather and what to pack

The Korea Meteorological Administration's 1991–2020 normals for Seoul give November an average temperature of 7.5°C, an average daily high of 11.9°C and an average low of 3.5°C. Average precipitation is about 51 mm for the whole month, so rain happens but is not constant. Sunny afternoons can feel pleasant, while mornings and evenings get cold, especially later in the month. Bring layers: a warm jacket, a sweater, and something windproof for evenings by the Han River.

When do autumn leaves peak?

Autumn colour reaches Seoul's mountains first and the city centre a little later. In its 2025 forecast, Seoul city expected the peak around Bukhansan near 25 October, and downtown from late October to early or mid November. The timing changes every year with the weather, so early November is a reasonable bet for golden ginkgo streets and palace gardens, not a guarantee. Check the latest foliage news close to your trip.

First frost and first snow

KMA's seasonal normals for Seoul put the first frost around 28 October, the first ice around 3 November and the first snow around 20 November. These are long-term averages, not forecasts, and some years see no snow until December. Still, the second half of November can bring freezing mornings, so gloves and a hat are worth packing if you are visiting late in the month.

What's on in November

November is a calm month between the autumn festival season and the winter lights. In recent years, Seoul's big winter events, such as the Seoul Lantern Festival on Cheonggyecheon and the Gwanghwamun Market, started in mid-December rather than November. For this year's concerts, exhibitions, pop-ups and festivals, use our November 2026 Seoul event radar, which we update as dates are announced.

Rainy or cold day? Go indoors

If the weather turns, Seoul has good indoor options. The National Museum of Korea's permanent galleries are free, and the museum stays open until 9 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Keep weekly closures in mind when you plan: Gyeongbokgung closes on Tuesdays, while Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung close on Mondays.

Sources we checked

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