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Weather Comparison

Seoul vs Busan

Side-by-side weather comparison for January

Seoul: 1°CBusan: 6°C325 km apart

January Weather: Seoul vs Busan

MetricSeoulBusanBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer1°C (34°F)6°C (43°F)Busan
Average LowHigher is milder-7°C (19°F)0°C (32°F)Busan
Rain DaysFewer is drier4 days4 daysTie
PrecipitationLess is drier19 mm32 mmSeoul
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier7h/day8h/dayBusan
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer12Seoul
Wind SpeedCalmer is better15 km/h19 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.

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

Seoul reaches an average high of 1°C (34°F) and drops to -7°C (19°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 8°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.

Busan averages 6°C (43°F) for the high and 0°C (32°F) for the low, with a daily range of 6°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

Seoul receives approximately 19 mm of rainfall across 4 rain days during January. Rain is occasional, so a light rain jacket should suffice.

Busan sees 32 mm over 4 rain days. Both cities are equally rainy this month.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: Seoul vs Busan

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

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

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: Seoul vs Busan

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.

MonthSeoulBusan
HighRainHighRain
Jan1°C4d6°C4d
Feb4°C4d8°C5d
Mar10°C6d12°C8d
Apr17°C7d16°C8d
May22°C8d21°C8d
Jun26°C9d24°C10d
Jul28°C17d27°C14d
Aug29°C16d28°C14d
Sep25°C8d25°C10d
Oct19°C5d20°C5d
Nov11°C7d14°C5d
Dec3°C5d8°C3d
1°

Seoul Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

6°

Busan Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seoul warmer than Busan in January?
No. 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, Seoul or Busan?
Both cities average 4 rain days in January with similar precipitation levels.
Is it better to visit Seoul or Busan in January?
It depends on your preferences. Seoul averages 1°C and 7 hours of daily sunshine with 4 rain days. Busan averages 6°C with 8 sunshine hours and 4 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Busan. For fewer rain days, both are equal.
How far apart are Seoul and Busan?
Seoul and Busan are approximately 325 km (202 miles) apart. Seoul is located in South Korea (Asia) while Busan is in South Korea (Asia).
What is the best month to visit Seoul and Busan?
For Seoul, May tends to be the best month with 10 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 22°C. For Busan, April is typically ideal with 10 sunshine hours and 16°C highs.

Compare Seoul and Busan 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.

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