Korea’s weather has been a little unpredictable lately, but September and October are still two of my favorite months to be in Seoul. The brutal summer heat starts to fade, the skies are usually clear, and you finally get those cool evenings that make walking around the city so much more enjoyable.
That said, fall in Seoul isn’t exactly the same throughout September and October.
The weather can change quickly, and what you’ll want to wear at the beginning of September can feel totally different by the end of October.
So, if you’re wondering what to pack, what to wear, or even which dates might be better to avoid because of holiday crowds, I’ve got you covered. Here’s what Seoul is really like in September and October—and what I’d bring if I were packing for the trip.
Seoul Weather in September vs. October
| September | October | |
| Overall | Warm, early fall | Cool, comfortable fall |
| Daytime | The sun can still feel pretty strong | Great weather for exploring Seoul |
| Morning & evening | Cooler than daytime | Noticeably cool |
| Rain | Possible | Usually less humid |
| Clothing | T-shirts + light layer | Long sleeves + light jacket |
| Outdoor activities | Good | Excellent for walking & hiking |
September can still feel a lot like summer during the day, with surprisingly strong sunshine.
But since the humidity has dropped, it’s much more comfortable to be out and about.
By October, even the daytime starts to feel cooler, making it a really nice time for exploring Seoul or heading out for a hike.
Is it going to rain a lot in autumn
The screenshot above shows what the weather was actually like in Seoul in September 2026,
so it should give you a pretty good idea of what to expect around this time of year.
| Month | Avg Low | Avg High | Vibe & Packing Tip |
| September | 18°C (65°F) | 27°C (81°F) | Summer chills, warm days. Pack T-shirts & a light jacket. |
| October | 13°C (56°F) | 20°C (69°F) | Crisp autumn air. Time for trench coats and sweaters! |
If you check a weather app before your trip, you might notice a few rain icons popping up in the fall. But honestly, I wouldn’t worry too much about them. Fall is one of the drier times of year in Korea, and October is especially nice for getting out and exploring.
There will be days when it rains, of course, but it usually won’t be enough to throw off your plans. Most of the time, the weather is pretty comfortable for walking around Seoul, checking out the palaces, or just wandering around the city.
What Are People Wearing in Seoul Right Now?
In September, you’ll still see plenty of people in Seoul wearing T-shirts, while others have already switched to lightweight long sleeves.
During the day, a T-shirt is usually comfortable, but it’s a good idea to bring a light jacket for those cooler mornings and evenings.
By October, things start to feel a little more fall-like.
A lightweight long-sleeve top usually works well during the day, but you’ll probably want something a bit warmer to throw on once the sun goes down.
What to Pack for Your Trip to Korea
| T-shirts | September can still feel warm during the day. |
| Light long-sleeve tops | useful for chilly mornings and evenings. |
| A light jacket or cardigan | Temperatures can drop after sunset, especially in late September and October. |
| Comfortable shoes | Seoul involves a lot of walking, so new shoes can leave you with painful blisters. Since you’ll sometimes need to take your shoes off in Korea, slip-on shoes are especially handy. |
| A small umbrella | Fall is generally comfortable, but rainy days still happen. |
| Sunglasses | September can still be surprisingly sunny. |
| Coin purse | you’ll need coins when topping up your transportation card with cash. |
| Travel adapter | Korea uses 220V outlets with two round pins. Bring an adapter if your plug is different. |
| Bring a power bank | you’ll use your phone a lot for maps and travel info |
Is Everything Closed During Chuseok 2026?
Not at all! Seoul doesn’t completely shut down during Chuseok.
In 2026, Chuseok falls on September 25, and the holiday runs from September 24 to 27.
Some businesses and attractions take a day or two off, but plenty of places are still open, including restaurants, cafes, shops, museums, and popular tourist spots.
For 2026, Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, and Deoksugung are open to visitors during the Chuseok holiday.
Deoksugung is even offering free admission from September 24 to 27.
The bottom line? You can absolutely visit Seoul during Chuseok.
Just keep in mind that some of Seoul’s popular spots can get pretty busy during Chuseok,
with both locals staying in the city and tourists out enjoying the holiday.
Enjoy Seoul’s Fall Weather on a Double-Decker Bus
If you’re in Seoul during the beautiful fall season, why not enjoy the weather from the top of a double-decker bus? The Seoul City Tour Bus is a fun way to take in some of the city’s major sights while enjoying the views along the way.
The Downtown, Palaces & Namsan course takes you to popular spots like Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Gyeongbokgung, Myeongdong, and N Seoul Tower. You can hop off at any stop, take your time exploring, and then catch the next bus when you’re ready to move on to the next stop.
It’s a relaxed way to see a few of Seoul’s highlights while making the most of the crisp fall weather.
👉 [Book the Seoul City Tour Bus]
Thinking About Visiting Seoul This Fall?
September and October are a great time to experience a different side of Seoul.
The weather starts to cool down, the city feels more comfortable to explore, and there’s still plenty going on even during the Chuseok holiday.
You might want a light layer in the morning and evening, but during the day, it’s usually comfortable enough to be outside without the summer heat.
And if you’re visiting during Chuseok, don’t worry too much about everything being closed.
Some places take a break, but plenty of popular spots are still open. You can spend the day exploring the palaces, checking out the city, or just enjoying Seoul from the top of a double-decker bus.
Honestly, fall is one of those times when Seoul is just really nice to wander around. Bring a light jacket, and you’re pretty much good to go.