Weather Comparison
Side-by-side weather comparison for December
| Metric | Seoul | Busan | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 3°C (37°F) | 8°C (46°F)▲ | Busan |
| Average LowHigher is milder | -5°C (23°F) | 2°C (36°F)▲ | Busan |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 5 days | 3 days▲ | Busan |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 23 mm▲ | 28 mm | Seoul |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 8h/day | 8h/day | Tie |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 1▲ | 2 | Seoul |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 15 km/h▲ | 18 km/h | Seoul |
Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Busan edges ahead as the better destination in December. Busan offers 8 hours of daily sunshine with only 3 rain days, while Seoul sees 8 sunshine hours and 5 rain days.
Seoul is on the cooler side at 3°C, requiring warmer clothing. Busan is cooler at 8°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Busan is the stronger choice in December.
Seoul reaches an average high of 3°C (37°F) and drops to -5°C (23°F) at night during December. The daily temperature range is 8°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.
Busan averages 8°C (46°F) for the high and 2°C (36°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 December.
Seoul receives approximately 23 mm of rainfall across 5 rain days during December. Rain is occasional, so a light rain jacket should suffice.
Busan sees 28 mm over 3 rain days. That makes Busan the drier option by 2 rain days and 5 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.
Highs of 3°C, lows of -5°C, 5 rain days
Highs of 8°C, lows of 2°C, 3 rain days
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 December.
The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month. December 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 December
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Busan Weather in December
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities