Be in no doubt; the seasons define Korea’s weather and they’ll shape your choice of when to visit this beautiful country.

Typically lasting from April to June, with daytime temperatures rising steadily through the teens and into the low twenties Celsius, spring is often seen as the best time of year to visit South Korea. Flowers are coming into bloom and green spaces are bathed in the delightful hues of the pink cherry blossom. You can expect sunny days and refreshing showers.

July to August is the hottest time of the year, with temperatures often peaking in the low 30s Celsius. So head to the coast, where the sea breeze brings some relief from the heat. The rising humidity makes this the wettest season too, with the monsoon rains bringing half of the country’s annual rainfall during these months.

Once the muggy heat of summer has passed, South Korea once again bursts into colour. Stunning shades of orange and red pepper the autumnal landscapes.

Easing temperatures and lower humidity make autumn a strong rival to spring as the best time of year to visit. Long into October the weather is usually mild enough to sport a t-shirt during the day; but after this you will need to think about packing some extra layers.

Prepare for the sudden drop of temperature that winter brings. Days are freezing cold and overnight temperatures can plummet to as low as -20°C. It’s relatively dry, but the blue sky and snow-covered landscape mean winter sports enthusiasts have a paradise to explore in the mountains.

And for a milder winter escape, head to the south coast or the holiday island of Jeju in the far south, before spring begins to re-emerge in March.