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Weather Comparison

Busan vs Seoul

Side-by-side weather comparison for January

Busan: 6°CSeoul: 1°C325 km apart

January Weather: Busan vs Seoul

MetricBusanSeoulBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer6°C (43°F)1°C (34°F)Busan
Average LowHigher is milder0°C (32°F)-7°C (19°F)Busan
Rain DaysFewer is drier4 days4 daysTie
PrecipitationLess is drier32 mm19 mmSeoul
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier8h/day7h/dayBusan
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer21Seoul
Wind SpeedCalmer is better19 km/h15 km/hSeoul

Which City is Better in January?

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Busan edges ahead as the better destination in January. Busan offers 8 hours of daily sunshine with only 4 rain days, while Seoul sees 7 sunshine hours and 4 rain days.

Busan is on the cooler side at 6°C, requiring warmer clothing. Seoul is cooler at 1°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, both cities are equally dry in January. Busan receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Temperature Comparison in January

Busan reaches an average high of 6°C (43°F) and drops to 0°C (32°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 6°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Seoul averages 1°C (34°F) for the high and -7°C (19°F) for the low, with a daily range of 8°C. There is a notable 5°C gap between the two cities, so expect a very different feel.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in January.

Rainfall Comparison in January

Busan receives approximately 32 mm of rainfall across 4 rain days during January. Rain is occasional, so a light rain jacket should suffice.

Seoul sees 19 mm over 4 rain days. Both cities are equally rainy this month.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: Busan vs Seoul

Packing for Busan in January

Highs of 6°C, lows of 0°C, 4 rain days

  • heavy winter coat
  • thermal base layers
  • warm gloves and hat
  • insulated boots
  • a warm scarf

Packing for Seoul in January

Highs of 1°C, lows of -7°C, 4 rain days

  • heavy winter coat
  • thermal base layers
  • warm gloves and hat
  • insulated boots
  • a warm scarf

Pack for both: heavy winter coat, thermal base layers, warm gloves and hat, insulated boots, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during January.

Year-Round Comparison: Busan vs Seoul

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.January is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthBusanSeoul
HighRainHighRain
Jan6°C4d1°C4d
Feb8°C5d4°C4d
Mar12°C8d10°C6d
Apr16°C8d17°C7d
May21°C8d22°C8d
Jun24°C10d26°C9d
Jul27°C14d28°C17d
Aug28°C14d29°C16d
Sep25°C10d25°C8d
Oct20°C5d19°C5d
Nov14°C5d11°C7d
Dec8°C3d3°C5d
6°

Busan Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

1°

Seoul Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Busan warmer than Seoul in January?
Yes. In January, Busan is warmer with an average high of 6°C (43°F) compared to Seoul at 1°C (34°F), a difference of 5°C.
Which city gets more rain in January, Busan or Seoul?
Both cities average 4 rain days in January with similar precipitation levels.
Is it better to visit Busan or Seoul in January?
It depends on your preferences. Busan averages 6°C and 8 hours of daily sunshine with 4 rain days. Seoul averages 1°C with 7 sunshine hours and 4 rain days. If you prefer warmer weather, choose Busan. For fewer rain days, both are equal.
How far apart are Busan and Seoul?
Busan and Seoul are approximately 325 km (202 miles) apart. Busan is located in South Korea (Asia) while Seoul is in South Korea (Asia).
What is the best month to visit Busan and Seoul?
For Busan, April tends to be the best month with 10 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 16°C. For Seoul, May is typically ideal with 10 sunshine hours and 22°C highs.

Compare Busan and Seoul in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Busan coordinates: 35.18°N, 129.08°E | Seoul coordinates: 37.57°N, 126.98°E