Weather Comparison
Busan vs Seoul
Side-by-side weather comparison for January
January Weather: Busan vs Seoul
| Metric | Busan | Seoul | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 6°C (43°F)▲ | 1°C (34°F) | Busan |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 0°C (32°F)▲ | -7°C (19°F) | Busan |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 4 days | 4 days | Tie |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 32 mm | 19 mm▲ | Seoul |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 8h/day▲ | 7h/day | Busan |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 2 | 1▲ | Seoul |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 19 km/h | 15 km/h▲ | Seoul |
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.
| Month | Busan | Seoul | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 6°C | 4d | 1°C | 4d |
| Feb | 8°C | 5d | 4°C | 4d |
| Mar | 12°C | 8d | 10°C | 6d |
| Apr | 16°C | 8d | 17°C | 7d |
| May | 21°C | 8d | 22°C | 8d |
| Jun | 24°C | 10d | 26°C | 9d |
| Jul | 27°C | 14d | 28°C | 17d |
| Aug | 28°C | 14d | 29°C | 16d |
| Sep | 25°C | 10d | 25°C | 8d |
| Oct | 20°C | 5d | 19°C | 5d |
| Nov | 14°C | 5d | 11°C | 7d |
| Dec | 8°C | 3d | 3°C | 5d |
Busan Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Seoul Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities