Your complete guide to Seoul's weather from February 8–14, 2026 — daily forecasts, winter survival tips, and the best things to do in South Korea's vibrant capital.
Seoul in February is not for the unprepared. South Korea's capital experiences some of its coldest temperatures of the year during this month, with daytime highs barely reaching above freezing and nighttime lows plunging to -5°C or below. But here's the thing: Seoul doesn't slow down for winter. The city's world-class heated infrastructure, incredible indoor attractions, steaming street food, and cozy culture of jjimjilbangs (Korean saunas) make it a surprisingly rewarding winter destination — provided you pack correctly and plan strategically.
This week in mid-February 2026, Seoul is in the grip of typical late-winter conditions. Expect highs of 1–5°C (34–41°F) and lows around -5 to -7°C (23–19°F), with a mix of dry, clear days and occasional snow flurries. The good news? Seoul's winter is overwhelmingly dry — February averages only about 25mm of precipitation — and the clear, cold days offer crisp blue skies perfect for photography. Here's your day-by-day breakdown.
Seoul Weather Overview: February 8–14, 2026
Seoul's climate is classified as humid continental, heavily influenced by the Siberian anticyclone that delivers bitterly cold, dry air from the northwest during winter. February is typically the tail end of Seoul's coldest period, with temperatures beginning a very gradual climb toward the end of the month. Average February highs are 3°C (37°F) and lows are -5°C (23°F), making it comparable to cities like Chicago, Montreal, or Prague at the same latitude.
Snow is possible — Seoul averages 4–8 snowy days in February — but accumulation in the city center is usually light, as the urban heat island effect and excellent snow removal keep streets clear. The surrounding mountains, however, can see significant snow cover, creating beautiful white backdrops visible from many parts of the city. Daylight hours are approximately 10.5 hours, with sunrise at 7:20 AM and sunset at around 5:55 PM. Wind chill is a major factor — the actual temperature may read -3°C but feel like -10°C or worse with the wind.
| Day | High | Low | Precip % | Conditions |
|---|
| Sun, Feb 8 | 2°C / 36°F | -6°C / 21°F | 15% | Cold, mostly clear |
| Mon, Feb 9 | 3°C / 37°F | -5°C / 23°F | 10% | Sunny & cold |
| Tue, Feb 10 | 1°C / 34°F | -7°C / 19°F | 30% | Coldest day, snow flurries possible |
| Wed, Feb 11 | 3°C / 37°F | -5°C / 23°F | 10% | Clear & dry |
| Thu, Feb 12 | 5°C / 41°F | -3°C / 27°F | 15% | Mild for February |
Day-by-Day Forecast
❄️ Sunday, February 8 — Cold & Clear
High: 2°C (36°F) · Low: -6°C (21°F)
Precipitation chance: 15% · Humidity: ~55% · Wind chill: feels like -8°C
Sunday opens the week with the typical Seoul winter signature: bitterly cold but strikingly clear skies. The low humidity and absence of clouds mean excellent visibility — head to Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower) for panoramic views of the city with snow-dusted mountains as a backdrop. The sunrise from here is spectacular on clear winter mornings. Later, warm up at the National Museum of Korea (free admission), one of the world's great museums with over 300,000 artifacts spanning Korean history from prehistoric times to the modern era. End the day in the Myeongdong shopping district, where the heated shops and incredible street food stalls (hotteok — sweet filled pancakes, tteokbokki — spicy rice cakes, and odeng — fishcake soup) make the cold bearable and even enjoyable.
☀️ Monday, February 9 — Best Day of the Week
High: 3°C (37°F) · Low: -5°C (23°F)
Precipitation chance: 10% · Humidity: ~52% · Wind: Light
Monday looks like the best day this week — dry, sunny, and with lighter winds that reduce the chill factor. This is your day for the big outdoor attractions. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul's grandest royal palace, and catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at 10 AM and 2 PM. The palace grounds, lightly dusted with frost, take on a magical quality in winter. Consider renting a hanbok (traditional Korean dress) from one of the many shops nearby — you'll get free palace admission wearing one, and the flowing robes look stunning against the traditional architecture. Follow up with Bukchon Hanok Village, a neighborhood of traditional Korean houses perched on hillsides overlooking the palace. The narrow alleyways are photogenic year-round but particularly charming with winter shadows and occasional icicles.
🌨️ Tuesday, February 10 — Coldest Day, Snow Possible
High: 1°C (34°F) · Low: -7°C (19°F)
Precipitation chance: 30% · Humidity: ~60% · Wind chill: feels like -12°C
Tuesday brings the week's coldest temperatures with a 30% chance of snow flurries. If snow does fall, Seoul becomes genuinely magical — the Joseon-era palaces, temple rooftops, and traditional hanok neighborhoods under a dusting of white are some of Asia's most photogenic scenes. But the cold is serious: wind chill of -12°C means exposed skin can become painful within minutes. This is the day for Seoul's incredible indoor experiences: the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (Zaha Hadid's futuristic landmark), COEX Mall (one of the world's largest underground shopping centers with an aquarium and massive library), or the immersive digital art at teamLab in Seoul. If you're brave enough for the cold, Nami Island — the setting of the iconic Korean drama "Winter Sonata" — is hauntingly beautiful with bare winter trees and possible snow cover.
☀️ Wednesday, February 11 — Clear & Recovering
High: 3°C (37°F) · Low: -5°C (23°F)
Precipitation chance: 10% · Humidity: ~50% · Wind: Calm
Wednesday sees temperatures recovering and skies clearing again after Tuesday's cold snap. With calm winds and bright sunshine, the 3°C reading feels more manageable than Tuesday's -7°C wind chill. Explore the vibrant neighborhoods: start in Hongdae for its youth culture, street performers, and quirky cafés, then head to Itaewon for international cuisine and the iconic Leeum Samsung Museum of Art. The afternoon is perfect for Changdeokgung Palace and its Secret Garden — the UNESCO World Heritage garden is hauntingly beautiful in winter, with bare branches creating intricate patterns against the sky. Evening in Gangnam offers upscale dining, the COEX Starfield Library, and a glimpse into the modern, glitzy side of Korean culture.
🌤️ Thursday, February 12 — Warmest Day of the Week
High: 5°C (41°F) · Low: -3°C (27°F)
Precipitation chance: 15% · Humidity: ~55% · Wind: Light southeasterly
Thursday delivers the week's mildest conditions at 5°C — practically balmy by Seoul February standards. The approaching Valentine's Day atmosphere adds a romantic buzz to the city, with couples populating the famous love lock walls and themed cafés. Use this warmer day for the Cheonggyecheon Stream walk — the 10.9km restored urban stream running through downtown Seoul is peaceful in winter, lined with bare cherry trees that preview the spectacular spring bloom to come. For K-pop fans, the HYBE Insight museum in Yongsan offers an interactive journey through BTS and other artists' creative process. End the day in Jongno-3-ga, one of Seoul's oldest neighborhoods, where decades-old pojangmacha (tent bars) serve soju, Korean pancakes, and grilled intestines under orange-lit canvas shelters — an essential Seoul winter experience.
What to Wear in Seoul This Week
Seoul's February cold is no joke, and Korean winters demand proper preparation. The key principle is insulating layers that trap warm air, combined with a windproof outer shell that blocks Seoul's cutting winter winds.
Base layer: Thermal underwear (top and bottom) is essential, not optional. Merino wool or synthetic heat-tech fabrics are ideal. Korean brand Uniqlo HeatTech is available everywhere in Seoul if you need to buy locally.
Mid layer: A thick fleece or down vest provides core warmth. Koreans favor long padded coats that reach the knees — these are practical, warm, and available at every price point in Seoul's shops.
Outer layer: A windproof, insulated jacket rated for sub-zero temperatures is essential. The long padded "puffer" coat (daungjumper in Korean) is the unofficial uniform of Seoul in winter — if you don't bring one, buy one at Uniqlo, Zara, or the many budget options in Dongdaemun Market.
Accessories: A warm beanie or ear-covering headband, insulated gloves (touchscreen-compatible so you can use your phone for maps and photos), and a thick scarf are all critical. Heat packs (hotpacks / sonnanro) are sold everywhere in Seoul for about 1,000 won each — tuck them inside your gloves and pockets for instant warmth. Face masks double as face warmers in the cold wind.
Footwear: Waterproof, insulated boots with good traction are important. Ice can form on sidewalks, particularly in shaded areas and on bridges. Korean cities use heated sidewalks in some areas, but not everywhere. Avoid smooth-soled shoes entirely.
💡 Pro Tip: Visit a jjimjilbang (Korean sauna/spa) like Dragon Hill Spa in Yongsan. For about 15,000 won ($10), you get access to multiple saunas, heated rooms, cold plunge pools, and relaxation areas for as long as you want. Many Koreans spend entire winter evenings here. It's also the ultimate jet lag cure.
Seoul Winter Street Food You Must Try
Winter is the best season for Seoul street food. The cold drives vendors to create warming, steaming comfort foods that taste better when you're freezing. Here's what to look for this week:
Hotteok (호떡): Sweet, doughy pancakes filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and crushed nuts, cooked on griddles until crispy outside and molten inside. Found at street stalls across Myeongdong, Insadong, and Namdaemun Market. About 1,500–2,000 won each.
Eomuk/Odeng (어묵): Fishcake skewers simmered in a savory broth. The warm broth served in paper cups alongside the skewers is the real star — sipping it on a freezing Seoul street corner is a quintessential winter experience.
Tteokbokki (떡볶이): Chewy rice cakes in fiery gochujang (chili paste) sauce. Bought from street vendors or the famous Gwangjang Market, it warms you from the inside out. Pair with sundae (Korean blood sausage) for the full experience.
Bungeoppang (붕어빵): Fish-shaped pastries filled with sweet red bean paste, fresh from the griddle. At 1,000 won for two, they're the cheapest hand-warmer in Seoul.
Dakgalbi (닭갈비): Not street food but the ultimate Seoul winter dinner: spicy stir-fried chicken with vegetables, cheese, and rice cakes, cooked on a tabletop griddle in front of you. Chuncheon Dakgalbi alley in Myeongdong is the go-to spot.
Day Trip Option: Korean Ski Resorts
Seoul is within easy reach of several excellent ski resorts, making a day trip viable this week — especially on Tuesday when snow may be falling. Yongpyong Resort (home of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics alpine events) is approximately 2.5 hours by bus from Seoul. Vivaldi Park (1.5 hours) and Oak Valley (2 hours) are closer options. All offer equipment rental, and most have English-speaking staff. A day pass with rentals costs approximately 80,000–120,000 won ($55–80). February snow conditions are generally excellent, with the season running through mid-March.
📍 Check the full hourly forecast for Seoul on WFY24.com
Live temperature, precipitation, wind, and humidity data updated every hour.
Summary: Should You Visit Seoul This Week?
Seoul in February is a city of contrasts: brutally cold outdoors but incredibly warm in spirit. The heated restaurants, steaming street food, world-class museums, buzzing nightlife, and unmatched K-culture experiences create a trip that's rich, affordable, and genuinely memorable. Hotel rates are at their lowest, tourist crowds are minimal, and the Korean winter aesthetic — from snow-dusted palace rooftops to steam rising from street food carts — is photogenic in a way that summer can't match.
Monday and Thursday are your best outdoor days this week. Tuesday is for brave souls who want snow photos and indoor cultural experiences. Every evening is for Korean barbecue, soju, and jjimjilbang sessions. Come prepared for the cold, and Seoul will reward you with warmth you didn't expect.
This forecast is based on current meteorological data as of February 8, 2026, and is subject to change. For the most up-to-date Seoul weather data, visit wfy24.com/en/weather/seoul.
