Weather Comparison
Seoul vs Busan
Side-by-side weather comparison for December
December Weather: Seoul vs Busan
| 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 | 7h/day | 8h/day▲ | Busan |
| 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 |
Which City is Better in December?
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 7 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. Busan receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Temperature Comparison 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.
Rainfall Comparison 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%.
What to Pack: Seoul vs Busan
Packing for Seoul in December
Highs of 3°C, lows of -5°C, 5 rain days
- ✓heavy winter coat
- ✓thermal base layers
- ✓warm gloves and hat
- ✓insulated boots
- ✓a packable rain jacket
- ✓an umbrella
- ✓a warm scarf
Packing for Busan in December
Highs of 8°C, lows of 2°C, 3 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 December.
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.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