The climate of Incheon
Stepping onto the terrain of
Incheon,
South Korea, an individual encounters a distinct Cwa climate according to the Köppen climate classification. This notation corresponds to a humid subtropical climate with a dry winter. Nestled in the northwestern part of South Korea, Incheon experiences a variety of weather conditions throughout the year due to its geographical position.
A quick look at the yearly climatological data reveals that the city has significant temperature variations, from the chilliest lows of -5.4°C (22.3°F) in winter to the sizzling highs of 29°C (84.2°F) in late summer. Interestingly, the humidity level stays relatively stable throughout the year, with slight fluctuations ranging between 61.5% to a high of 82.2%. Rainfall records indicate a pattern of a dry and a wet season, with precipitation peaking dramatically from 112mm (4.41") in
June to a high of 320mm (12.6") in
July.
A unique pattern that stands out in the sea temperatures of Incheon indicates adaptation to the overall continental trends: starting at a low of 3.3°C (37.9°F) in the harsh winter months and rising to a warm 23.4°C (74.1°F) in the heart of summer. With regard to daylight, the year sees a varying pattern, from a low of 9.9 hours in the winter months to a high of 14.7 hours during the summer solstice. Sunshine hours show negligible variation, oscillating between 5.1 hours in the cloudy July to 7.5 hours in the comparatively sunny
May.
The best time to visit Incheon
Given the variability of the climate, a favorable time to visit
Incheon would be during the transitional seasons of spring and autumn. In the spring months, Incheon is often bathed in pleasant temperatures ranging from 9.6°C (49.3°F) to 21.3°C (70.3°F), coupled with moderate rainfall, making it an ideal time for sightseeing. Similarly, autumn presents a gentle retreat from the summer heat, featuring declining temperatures from 25.5°C (77.9°F) to 11.8°C (53.2°F) and a reduced rainfall.
The worst time to visit Incheon
The least favorable time to set foot in
Incheon is likely during the intense summer months.
July, as the peak of the wet season, witnesses tremendous rainfall levels reaching up to 320mm (12.6"), accompanied by high relative humidity at 82.2%. Travelling during winter also poses challenges due to the plummeting temperatures to as low as -5.4°C (22.3°F), coupled with the coldest sea temperatures.
Spring weather in Incheon
Incheon's spring welcomes a soothing transformation with temperatures moderately rising from 1.7°C (35.1°F) to 21.3°C (70.3°F). It experiences light to moderate rainfall, peaking at 58mm (2.28") in
April, offering a refreshing respite from the dry winter. Spring also welcomes an increase in daylight hours, gradually extending from 12 hours in
March to 14.2 hours in
May, and a steady rise in sea temperatures from 4.1°C (39.4°F) to 13.3°C (55.9°F).
Summer weather in Incheon
The summer in
Incheon is characterized by a heightened temperature that hits a peak of 29°C (84.2°F) in
August. The season is marked by substantial rainfall, hitting a peak of 320mm (12.6") in
July, accompanied by a surge in humidity levels reaching up to 82.2%. Despite the weather conditions, the sea becomes pleasantly warm, reaching up to 23.4°C (74.1°F), inviting for water-related activities.
Autumn weather in Incheon
Autumn ushers in a pleasant decline in temperature from 25.5°C (77.9°F) to 11.8°C (53.2°F) in
Incheon. Accompanied by a decrease in rainfall from 154mm (6.06") to 51mm (2.01"), the season offers a perfect blend of comfortable temperatures and drier conditions. Autumn also marks a reduction in daylight hours from 12.4 hours to 10.2 hours, providing a gentle transition towards the chillier winter season.
Winter weather in Incheon
Winter descends upon
Incheon with a sharp drop in temperatures, registering lows of -5.4°C (22.3°F) in the coldest months. The season is also the driest with the least rainfall, registering only 19mm (0.75") in
December. Winter in Incheon witnesses a reduction in daylight hours to a yearly low of 9.6 hours in December and sea temperatures dropping to a yearly low at 3.3°C (37.9°F) in
February, painting a stark, cold picture of the city.
Weather in January
Incheon enters the year with chilly weather, a feature of winter season in this South Korean coastal city.
January's temperatures range from -5.4°C (22.3°F) to 1.7°C (35.1°F), making it the coldest month of the year. Activity remains indoors as frostbite fiercely grapples with the residents.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Moving into
February, an improvement from the extreme cold experienced in
January is noticeable, though the conditions remain objectively chilly. The rainy period is yet to kick in, as rainfall numbers stay quite low. Sunlight slowly starts showing its face more often and for longer, an indication that the thick of winter is behind
Incheon.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The first month of the spring,
March, is a frosty month in
Incheon,
South Korea, with temperature in the range of an average high of 9.6°C (49.3°F) and an average low of 1.7°C (35.1°F). Incheon in March shows a temperature shift, moving from an average high of a wintry 4.4°C (39.9°F) in
February to a chilly 9.6°C (49.3°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April, we witness substantial changes in weather conditions in
Incheon. Even with the arrival of longer days and increased sunlight, the consistent trend of rainfall witnessed from
March intensifies. Though the sky might seem clear and blue, it's not unusual to experience sudden showers due to increase in humidity.
Weather in April »Weather in May
The mild spring temperatures witnessed in
April give way to a much warmer
May. The rise in temperature is coupled with an increase in regular rainfall, marking the onset of the anticipated wet season. The sea becomes more welcoming with its increasingly warming temperatures, sparking the start of the beach season.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Summer kicks in earnestly in
June. Noticeably, the rainfall exceeds 100mm (3.94"), indicating we are in the midst of the rainy season. The elevated level of humidity sometimes creates an uncomfortable level of stickiness. But residents have the warmer sea temperatures as a respite from the increased heat.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July represents the zenith of the summer season in
Incheon. Maximum temperatures go to an average of 27.6°C (81.7°F), presenting the year's highest temperatures. The recurring heavy rainfall causes an increase in humidity, reaching an annual high of 82.2%.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August comes burdensome with the continuation of high heat, intense humidity, and frequent rainfall. The frequency of rainfall reduces slightly compared to
July while the temperatures slightly increase. High relative humidity becomes the norm during this month, increasing the discomfort in the city.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September is the month that provides a relief to
Incheon's populace from the imposing heat of the summer season. Even though the temperatures remain high, they record a gradual decline, starting the slow descent into cooler fall weather.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October continues gently ushering the city back to its cool state, leaving behind the heat of mid-year. Light jackets and scarves begin to make appearances as residents adjust to the cooler climate. The quantity of rainfall continues its decline, and the autumn foliage creates a palette of hues across the city.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November, winter begins to sniff around the corner in
Incheon while the fall season takes its bow. The sharp drop in temperature necessitates heavier clothing to fight off the cold. However, the drastic decrease in temperature is not matched with a corresponding increase in the city's rainfall.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December sees the onset of winter in
Incheon with temperatures plummeting to reach a low of -2.6°C (27.3°F). This chilly weather limits outdoor activities and social gatherings mainly take place indoors. The decrease in rainfall coupled with shorter days characterizes the winter season.
Weather in December »