The South

Pusan   Average temperature     Average rainfall   Spring March - May 8 - 13oC 114mm Summer June - August 21 - 28oC 209mm Autumn September - November 12 - 21oC 96mm Winter December - February -1 - 7oC 37mm

The North

Seoul   Average temperature     Average rainfall   Spring March - May 5 - 16oC 65mm Summer June - August 20 - 29oC 258mm Autumn September - November 7 - 19oC 68mm Winter December - February -7 - 2oC 25mm

Korea enjoys a temperate climate which can be divided into four seasons - spring, summer, autumn and winter.

The temperatures vary slightly across the landmass but it is only when altitude exceeds 1,700m that real changes are felt - especially in winter when snowfall is common and skiing is possible.

Spring - warmer, milder weather edges its way from the south and slowly spreads across the rest of the country. Lightweight clothing is required, although some warmer layers are recommended as the wind can be cool and temperatures do fall away at night.

Summer - is fairly hot, humid and wet. Lightweight clothes are a necessity and an umbrella is useful for those frequent downpours.

Autumn - skies tend to be clear. Again, lightweight clothing is required along with a few layers for those cooler days and for the night-time.

Winter - snow blows down from Siberia in December and winter can be bleak and harsh away from the coastal areas. The south coast and islands rarely see snow and even if they do, it tends to be only slight. At higher altitudes, along the northeast coast and the central mountainous region, snowfall can be high and South Korea becomes a popular ski destination.

Best time to visit: Mid-spring and early autumn are pleasantly mild with light rains. Winter months bring snow to higher ground and are the time to visit for skiing.

Carry a lightweight jumper as it can be chillingly cold inside air-conditioned buildings during summer.