March marks the beginning of spring in Korea, with Seoul's average temperature at 5.7°C, but daily temperature swings of 8–10°C between morning and evening. To avoid the common mistake of dressing too lightly thinking it's spring, only to find yourself freezing, careful outfit planning is essential. Here's everything you need to know about March temperatures, what to wear, and spring events in Korea.
March Weather and Temperature in Korea
Average Temperature Comparison by Major City
- Seoul: Average 5.7°C / High 10.4°C / Low 1.6°C
- Busan: Average 8.2°C / High 12.5°C / Low 4.4°C
- Tokyo: Average 8.7°C / High 13.6°C / Low 4.4°C
- Osaka: Average 9.4°C / High 13.7°C / Low 5.6°C
Key Weather Points for March
- Early March mornings and evenings still feel like winter
- By late March, daytime temperatures become much more comfortable
- Day-to-night temperature differences exceed 8–10°C
- Wind chill makes it feel colder than the actual temperature
What to Wear in Korea in March
Early March (1st–15th)
- Winter coat or thick padded jacket
- Layering: thermal base layer + knit sweater + outer jacket
- Scarf and gloves recommended for mornings and evenings
- Warm boots or insulated shoes
Late March (16th–31st)
- Medium-weight coat or trench coat
- Easy-to-remove lightweight layers
- Light scarf for windy days
- Comfortable walking shoes
Tips for Staying Warm
Always bring an extra layer. Indoor heating is strong, but it can be cold outside. Hand warmers are available at any convenience store for about 1,000 won. UV levels start rising in March, so sunscreen is also recommended. The dry air can irritate your skin, so be sure to pack moisturizer and lip balm.
March Events and Highlights
Cherry Blossom Preview
In late March, the first cherry blossoms begin to bloom in southern regions (Busan, Jeju). Cherry blossoms in Seoul typically peak in early to mid-April. If you're planning a trip to Seoul for cherry blossom season, check out our Korea April Weather and Cherry Blossom Guide.
Things to Enjoy in Spring
- Seoul Fashion Week: Often held in March at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
- Seasonal limited menus: Spring-exclusive items like strawberry treats at cafes and restaurants
- Art gallery season: Many new exhibitions launch in March
Practical Travel Tips for March
- Book accommodations early — March marks the start of spring tourism season
- Sunset is around 18:30 — focus outdoor sightseeing during the day
- A foldable umbrella is a good idea
- Public transportation runs reliably year-round
For convenient transportation and payments during your March trip to Korea, we recommend the NAMANE Card. Check out our Korea Public Transportation Guide for tips on using the subway and buses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Is Seoul still cold in March?
Early March is cold enough to require a winter coat, and you can only switch to a trench coat by late March. Seoul's average temperature in March is 5.7°C, about 3°C lower than Tokyo's March average (8.7°C). Morning lows can drop to 1.6°C, so don't neglect your cold-weather preparations.
Q. Can I see cherry blossoms in March?
Cherry blossoms are hard to spot in Seoul in March — they peak in early to mid-April. However, southern regions like Jeju Island and Busan see their first blossoms starting in late March, so adjusting your schedule lets you enjoy an early glimpse of cherry blossom season.
Q. Is yellow dust or fine dust bad in March?
March marks the start of Korea's yellow dust and PM2.5 (fine dust) season. You can buy KF94 masks at convenience stores for about 1,500 won, and we recommend installing an air quality app to check conditions in real time.
