Gyeongju has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, featuring hot, humid, and rainy summers and cold, dry winters. Summer highs reach 29–31°C, while winter lows can dip below freezing. Rain peaks in July and August, while spring and autumn offer mild temperatures, clear skies, and vibrant scenery – making Gyeongju a year-round destination.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Gyeongju’s climate is shaped by its southeastern inland location, resulting in marked seasonal contrasts. Summers (June–August) are hot, humid, and wet, with average highs of 29–31°C and lows around 21°C. July and August are the rainiest months, each receiving 180–210 mm of rain over 10–12 days, often in the form of heavy showers or thunderstorms. Humidity is high, and the UV index is extreme, but sunshine is still abundant, with 6–7 hours per day. The lush landscapes and vibrant festivals make summer lively, though heat and rain can be intense.
Winters (December–February) are cold and dry, with average highs of 7–9°C and lows of -3°C or lower. Snow is possible but not frequent, and rainfall is minimal, with only 20–30 mm per month. Days are short, with 6 hours of sunshine and 10 hours of daylight. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the most pleasant seasons, offering mild temperatures (15–25°C), lower humidity, and clear skies. Cherry blossoms bloom in April, and autumn foliage peaks in October and November, making these periods ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Annual precipitation is about 1,160 mm, with most rain falling in summer. Winds are generally light to moderate, but can be brisk during winter and spring cold fronts.
| Average climate data for Gyeongju, South Korea | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 4 | 6 | 11 | 16 | 21 | 25 | 27 | 29 | 24 | 19 | 13 | 6 | 29 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | -3 | -1 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 16 | 21 | 22 | 17 | 12 | 5 | -1 | -3 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 20 | 21 | 23 | 42 | 26 | 55 | 99 | 84 | 65 | 45 | 15 | 16 | 510 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 11 | 17 | 15 | 13 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 113 |
| Average snowfall (mm) | 7 | 31 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 47 |
| Average snowfall days (days) | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 60 | 63 | 65 | 67 | 71 | 79 | 84 | 81 | 81 | 73 | 68 | 64 | 71 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 12 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 6 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 26 | 32 | 35 | 35 | 31 | 36 | 46 | 39 | 40 | 30 | 30 | 24 | 34 |
| Average UV index | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
The best time to visit Gyeongju is in spring (April–May) and autumn (September–November), when temperatures are mild (15–25°C), skies are clear, and rainfall is low. These seasons offer blooming cherry blossoms or colourful foliage, comfortable weather for sightseeing, and vibrant local festivals, making them ideal for outdoor exploration and photography.
The least favourable time to visit is from July to August, when the monsoon brings high heat, humidity, and frequent heavy rain. Outdoor activities can be disrupted by downpours, and the UV index is extreme. Winters (December–February) are also less appealing for those averse to cold, as temperatures drop below freezing and days are short.
Gyeongju has hot, humid, rainy summers (highs 29–31°C) and cold, dry winters (highs 7–9°C, lows below freezing). Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, with clear skies and vibrant scenery.
The rainiest season is summer, especially July and August, when the city receives over 180 mm of rain per month. Heavy showers and thunderstorms are common, but mornings can still be sunny.
Snow is possible in Gyeongju during winter (December–February), but it is not frequent or heavy. Most winter precipitation falls as rain, and snow usually melts quickly.
Cherry blossoms typically bloom in early to mid-April. This is one of the most popular times to visit, as the city is covered in pink and white blossoms, and festivals celebrate the spring season.
Summer daytime highs reach 29–31°C, with high humidity and a strong UV index. Nights are warm, and rain is frequent. Light, breathable clothing and sun protection are essential.
Bring layers for spring and autumn, light clothes and sunblock for summer, and a warm coat, gloves, and scarf for winter. An umbrella or rain jacket is useful year-round, especially in summer.
Yes, especially in spring and autumn, when weather is mild and skies are clear. Summer is lively but hot and wet, while winter is cold but often sunny—plan accordingly for your preferred activities.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is August (28.6 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (3.7 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 16.7 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is August (22.1 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (-3.4 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 9.2 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is July (98.9 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is November (15.1 mm). Over the whole year there are 510.3 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is July (16.7 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is January (4.5 days). Over the whole year there are 112.6 days of rain on average.
The month with the most snowfall is February (30.7 mm). The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0 mm). Over the whole year there are 46.6 mm of snowfall on average.
The month with the most days of snowfall is February (2.5 days). The months with the fewest days of snowfall are May, June, September and October (0 days). Over the whole year there are 5.9 days of snowfall on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is July (84.2 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is January (59.8 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 71.4 %.
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is January (15.3 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is June (9.2 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 12.3 km/h.
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is July (46.4 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is December (23.8 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 33.8 %.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 14 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 9.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.9 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is May (Average sunshine: 9.2 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is October (Average sunshine: 5.9 h). Over the whole year there are 7.5 h of sunlight per day on average.
The month with the highest average UV index is July (UV index: 7). The months with the lowest average UV index are January, November and December (UV index: 2). Over the whole year the average UV index is 4.1.
