Weather Comparison
Seoul vs Busan
Side-by-side weather comparison for May
May Weather: Seoul vs Busan
| Metric | Seoul | Busan | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 22°C (72°F)▲ | 21°C (70°F) | Seoul |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 12°C (54°F) | 14°C (57°F)▲ | Busan |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 8 days | 8 days | Tie |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 95 mm▲ | 117 mm | Seoul |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 10h/day | 10h/day | Tie |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 9 | 9 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 16 km/h▲ | 18 km/h | Seoul |
Which City is Better in May?
Seoul and Busan are closely matched in May. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.
Seoul sits in the comfortable travel range at 22°C. Busan is also comfortable at 21°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, both cities are equally dry in May.
Temperature Comparison in May
Seoul reaches an average high of 22°C (72°F) and drops to 12°C (54°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 10°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.
Busan averages 21°C (70°F) for the high and 14°C (57°F) for the low, with a daily range of 7°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.
Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in May.
Rainfall Comparison in May
Seoul receives approximately 95 mm of rainfall across 8 rain days during May. You can expect rain roughly every other day.
Busan sees 117 mm over 8 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 May
Highs of 22°C, lows of 12°C, 8 rain days
- ✓light layers
- ✓a light jacket for evenings
- ✓sunscreen
- ✓a packable rain jacket
- ✓an umbrella
Packing for Busan in May
Highs of 21°C, lows of 14°C, 8 rain days
- ✓light layers
- ✓a light jacket for evenings
- ✓sunscreen
- ✓a packable rain jacket
- ✓an umbrella
Pack for both: light layers, a light jacket for evenings, sunscreen, a packable rain jacket, an umbrella. These items are useful in either destination during May.
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.May is highlighted for quick reference.
| Month | Seoul | Busan | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 1°C | 4d | 6°C | 4d |
| Feb | 4°C | 4d | 8°C | 5d |
| Mar | 10°C | 6d | 12°C | 8d |
| Apr | 17°C | 7d | 16°C | 8d |
| May | 22°C | 8d | 21°C | 8d |
| Jun | 26°C | 9d | 24°C | 10d |
| Jul | 28°C | 17d | 27°C | 14d |
| Aug | 29°C | 16d | 28°C | 14d |
| Sep | 25°C | 8d | 25°C | 10d |
| Oct | 19°C | 5d | 20°C | 5d |
| Nov | 11°C | 7d | 14°C | 5d |
| Dec | 3°C | 5d | 8°C | 3d |
Seoul Weather in May
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Busan Weather in May
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities