Weather Comparison
Seoul vs Budapest
Side-by-side weather comparison for January
January Weather: Seoul vs Budapest
| Metric | Seoul | Budapest | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 1°C (34°F) | 3°C (37°F)▲ | Budapest |
| Average LowHigher is milder | -7°C (19°F) | -3°C (27°F)▲ | Budapest |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 4 days▲ | 8 days | Seoul |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 19 mm▲ | 36 mm | Seoul |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 7h/day▲ | 5h/day | Seoul |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 1 | 1 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 15 km/h | 15 km/h | Tie |
Which City is Better in January?
Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Seoul edges ahead as the better destination in January. Seoul offers 7 hours of daily sunshine with only 4 rain days, while Budapest sees 5 sunshine hours and 8 rain days.
Seoul is on the cooler side at 1°C, requiring warmer clothing. Budapest is cooler at 3°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Seoul is the stronger choice in January. Seoul receives 2 more hours 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.
Budapest averages 3°C (37°F) for the high and -3°C (27°F) for the low, with a daily range of 6°C. The 2°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.
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.
Budapest sees 36 mm over 8 rain days. That makes Seoul the drier option by 4 rain days and 17 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.
What to Pack: Seoul vs Budapest
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 Budapest in January
Highs of 3°C, lows of -3°C, 8 rain days
- ✓heavy winter coat
- ✓thermal base layers
- ✓warm gloves and hat
- ✓insulated boots
- ✓a packable rain jacket
- ✓an umbrella
- ✓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 Budapest
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 | Seoul | Budapest | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 1°C | 4d | 3°C | 8d |
| Feb | 4°C | 4d | 6°C | 8d |
| Mar | 10°C | 6d | 11°C | 8d |
| Apr | 17°C | 7d | 17°C | 9d |
| May | 22°C | 8d | 21°C | 12d |
| Jun | 26°C | 9d | 25°C | 11d |
| Jul | 28°C | 17d | 27°C | 10d |
| Aug | 29°C | 16d | 27°C | 8d |
| Sep | 25°C | 8d | 21°C | 8d |
| Oct | 19°C | 5d | 16°C | 8d |
| Nov | 11°C | 7d | 9°C | 9d |
| Dec | 3°C | 5d | 4°C | 8d |
Seoul Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Budapest Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities