Weather in Jeju Island

About Jeju Island

Volcanic island crowned by Mount Halla's dormant cone harbors waterfalls, black sand beaches, and haenyeo women divers who work the cold waters with ancient techniques. Subtropical flora contrasts with temperate forests as elevation changes, while lava tubes carve through underground landscapes. This island vacation destination balances natural drama with comfortable resorts.

Country

South Korea

Best months to visit

June

Currency

KRW

Language

Korean

Things to do in Jeju Island

Climb Mount Halla's volcanic cone at dawn Watch haenyeo divers harvesting sea urchins Explore Manjangul Cave lava tube system Visit Jusangjeolli columnar basalt cliffs Relax in natural hot spring spas Shop for local tangerines and specialty foods

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

Cold, with some rainy days.

February

Cold, with occasional showers.

March

13C

Cool, with some rainy days.

April

17C

Cool, with occasional showers.

May

21C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

Recommended

June

24C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

July

28C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

August

29C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

September

25C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

October

20C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

November

16C

Cool, with some rainy days.

December

10C

Cool, with some rainy days.

Jeju Island is South Korea's volcanic honeymoon-and-hiking escape, built around the dormant cone of Hallasan and ringed by black-lava coastlines, waterfalls, and lush citrus groves. Its UNESCO-listed lava tube caves and the haenyeo women divers who still freedive for shellfish give it a character distinct from anywhere else in the country.

Best areas to stay in Jeju Island

Jeju City

The island's main hub, with the airport, markets, and ferry connections to the mainland.

Seogwipo & South Coast

Waterfalls, citrus farms and a more laid-back coastal town popular as a base for the south side.

Seongsan Ilchulbong Area

The dramatic tuff cone on the east coast, surrounded by haenyeo villages and seafood restaurants.

Hallasan National Park

The central volcanic peak and its surrounding trails, the island's highest and most prominent feature.

Getting to Jeju Island

✈

Flights

Fly into Incheon or Gimpo, then take a short domestic flight to Jeju International Airport (CJU).

⏱

From London

~11 hours direct London to Incheon, plus about 1 hour domestic flight to Jeju.

🚕

Getting around

Buses circle the island, but a hire car gives the most flexibility for reaching waterfalls, beaches and trailheads.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Jeju Island?

Jeju is most easily reached by domestic flight from Seoul (about an hour), one of the world's busiest air routes, or by ferry from several mainland ports.

What is Hallasan?

South Korea's highest peak, a dormant volcano with a crater lake at its summit, and the centrepiece of Hallasan National Park, popular for day hikes.

Who are the haenyeo?

Traditional Jeju freedivers, mostly older women, who harvest shellfish and seaweed without breathing equipment — a UNESCO-recognised cultural practice still seen at coastal villages.

When is the best time to visit Jeju?

Spring (March-May) brings cherry blossoms and canola flower fields; autumn (September-November) offers mild hiking weather, while summer is hot, humid and busy with domestic tourists.

What are the must-see natural sights on Jeju?

Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), Manjanggul Cave lava tubes, Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls, and the volcanic rock coastline near Jusangjeolli Cliff.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Hiked Hallasan on a clear day and the crater lake at the top was stunning. Canola flowers were in full bloom across the island, which made the drives between sights gorgeous too.

Ji-woo H. · April 2024

★★★★☆

Rented a car and spent days exploring waterfalls and the volcanic coastline — Jusangjeolli Cliff's hexagonal rock formations were unlike anything I'd seen before.

Tom B. · October 2023

★★★★★

Watched the haenyeo divers come ashore with their catch near Seongsan Ilchulbong — a really unique cultural moment alongside the dramatic scenery of the peak itself.

Eun-ji S. · September 2024