Updated November 11, 2026
Seoul in December: weather and what to wear
Seoul in December weather is cold and dry: the average high is 4.2°C (40°F) and the average low is −3.4°C (26°F), so most mornings start below freezing. Snow falls on about 6 days in a normal December, usually light. The sun sets early, around 17:15–17:30. Pack a warm padded coat, not just a jacket.
December weather in numbers
| Average high | 4.2°C (39.6°F) |
|---|---|
| Average low | −3.4°C (25.9°F) |
| Daily mean | 0.2°C (32.4°F) |
| Coldest morning of the month | about −11°C (12°F) on average |
| Rain or snow | 22.6 mm (0.9 in) for the whole month |
| Days with snow | about 6.4 |
| Days with any precipitation | about 4 to 8 (sources differ) |
| Sunset | around 17:15–17:30 |
Temperatures and rainfall are the Korea Meteorological Administration's 1991–2020 normals for the Seoul station, also shown on the World Meteorological Organization's city page. The two count "days with precipitation" with different cut-offs, so the numbers differ. Sunset from the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute's tables (17:18 on December 22, 2026). Normals are averages, not a forecast: check the forecast the week you go.
Early, mid and late December
December gets colder as it goes. The first week often still feels like late autumn in the afternoon. By Christmas, below-zero days are normal, and January is colder still (average low −5.5°C).
Snow is possible all month. Seoul's first snow usually comes around November 20, so by December you've likely missed "the first one". Heavy snow that stays on the ground is less common than a light dusting. The air is dry, and the wind on bridges and wide roads makes it feel colder than the number says.
My tip: Watch the "feels like" number, not the temperature. A 2°C afternoon is fine. A 2°C afternoon with wind along the Han River is not. That's the day for the long padded coat.
What to wear in Seoul in December
- A padded coat. Seoul people wear long puffer coats, the kind locals call long padding (롱패딩). A knee-length one is the easiest single fix for the cold.
- Thin warm layers underneath. Shops, subways and cafes are heated, so you'll be taking the coat on and off. Thin thermal tops beat one thick sweater.
- Hat, scarf and gloves. Small, but they matter most on cold mornings and after sunset.
- Warm shoes with grip. Sidewalks and palace stone can get icy after snow. Sneakers are fine on dry days; on snowy ones, something with a better sole.
- Hand warmers. Disposable heat packs (핫팩, "hot pack") are sold at convenience stores. Korean convenience stores
- Lip balm and hand cream. The air is dry, and heated rooms make it drier.
Wearing hanbok in December
You can rent hanbok in December, and snowy palaces make good photos. It just takes a bit more planning.
Layer under it
The hanbok goes over your own clothes. Wear thin thermal layers and leggings underneath, and keep your warm shoes if the shop allows it.
Ask about winter extras
Ask the shop whether it has a shawl or a winter outer layer to go with the hanbok. Not every shop does, so ask before you book. Hanbok rental near Gyeongbokgung
Start earlier
Gyeongbokgung keeps winter hours in December: 09:00–17:00, last entry 16:00, closed Tuesdays. With sunset around 17:20, your light runs out early. Free palace entry in hanbok
What's on in December
The Seoul Lantern Festival is listed for December 11, 2026 to January 31, 2027 on Cheonggyecheon Stream, 18:00–23:00. Go after dinner, dress for standing outside at night, and expect the coldest part of your day. Seoul events and lantern festival dates
Questions
What is the weather like in Seoul in December?
Seoul in December weather is cold and dry, with an average high of 4.2°C (39.6°F) and an average low of −3.4°C (25.9°F), based on the Korea Meteorological Administration's 1991–2020 normals. The month gets about 22.6 mm of rain or snow in total.
Does Seoul get snow in December?
Yes, Seoul in December snow is normal: there are about 6.4 days with snow in an average December. It is usually light, and snow that stays on the ground for days is less common.
What to wear in Seoul in December?
For Seoul in December, wear a warm padded coat, thin thermal layers, a hat, scarf and gloves, and shoes with good grip. Most mornings are below freezing, and indoor spaces are heated, so layers work best.
Can I wear hanbok in Seoul in December?
Yes. Wear thin warm layers under the hanbok and ask the rental shop whether it has a shawl or winter outer layer. Gyeongbokgung is open 09:00–17:00 in December, with last entry at 16:00.