Travel time: Year-round
Suwon is characterized by a humid continental climate, marked by four distinct seasons with significant temperature and humidity fluctuations. Located in the northwestern part of South Korea, the city’s weather is influenced by the Siberian High in winter and the East Asian Monsoon in summer, resulting in a year where the environment shifts between freezing dryness and oppressive humidity.
Spring in Suwon is a season of transformation. Temperatures rise steadily from a crisp 10°C (50°F) in March to a pleasant 23°C (73°F) by late May. This is one of the most popular times for visitors, as the city’s many parks and the historical Hwaseong Fortress are framed by cherry blossoms in early April. However, this season is also associated with Hwangsa (Yellow Dust)—fine sand particles blown from the Gobi Desert. On high-dust days, the sky can take on a hazy, yellowish tint, and air quality may decrease.
Summers are intense, dominated by the Jangma, or the summer monsoon season, which usually hits in July. This is the wettest month of the year, with an average of 351mm (13.8 inches) of rainfall. August is typically the hottest month, with daytime highs often reaching 30°C (86°F) and high humidity that makes the