Korea has four distinct seasons, and each brings different weather to watch for: yellow dust and pollen in spring, heat waves and monsoon rain in summer, wide temperature swings in autumn, and cold snaps and heavy snow in winter. Here's what defines each season and what to bring when you head out.
In spring, yellow dust and fine dust blowing in from China and Mongolia push concentrations sharply higher. Check the fine-dust grade before going out, and carry a KF mask when it's "Bad" or worse.
Mornings and evenings are chilly while afternoons are warm, so the daily range can exceed 10°C. Layering thin clothes you can add or remove is the easiest way to stay comfortable.
If you have allergies, take extra care on clear, windy days when pollen is high. The dry air also raises wildfire risk during this period.
When the midday feels-like temperature tops 33°C, the risk of heat illness climbs. On tropical nights, when the low stays at or above 25°C, drink plenty of water and avoid midday outdoor activity.
During the late-June to July monsoon, concentrated downpours and sudden showers are common. Check the precipitation probability and any alerts, and be especially cautious in flood-prone areas.
Summer UV often reaches "Very high" or above. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, and cut exposure between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
High pressure brings many clear, dry days, making it the best season for being outdoors. Still, early autumn can bring lingering heat and late autumn the first cold, so prepare for the daily swing.
On dawns and mornings when temperatures drop sharply, fog often forms and shortens visibility. Take care when driving or hiking early in the day.
On windy days the feels-like temperature drops well below the actual reading. Don't go by air temperature alone — check the feels-like value and dress warmly.
When a heavy-snow alert is in effect, icy roads raise the risk of slips and accidents. Yeongdong in Gangwon and the west coast see frequent heavy snow, so check the snowfall forecast before going out.
Winter air is very dry, raising the risk of dry skin, static electricity, and wildfires. Dry-weather advisories are common in this season.
sanCheck combines all of these indicators — feels-like temperature, precipitation, wind, UV, fine dust, and alerts — into a single at-a-glance score. If there's a condition you care about most in a given season, try building your own rule around it.