What to wear in December
Early winter. Real cold sets in — heavy outerwear and warm base layers.
December is early winter. Real cold sets in and year-end plans pile up, so heavy outerwear and warm base layers become necessary. Seoul's typical low drops below freezing and snow grows frequent.
Build a three-layer set: a thermal base, a knit, and a puffer or wool coat. With many indoor gatherings, the swing is large — an easy-to-adjust build helps. Warming your neck and hands is now standard.
Seoul's average high stops at 6°C, so there is rarely a moment to shed winter layers. The gap from the −3°C low is small too — one outfit plans the whole day, which makes that outfit's warmth the whole day's comfort.
Seoul weather in December
See what to wear at 4°C
What to wear across December's range
December holds both -3°C and 6°C inside a single day. Pick by the reading you actually get.
What to wear in December, women and men
For women in December, a puffer or heavy coat over knits and fleece-lined pieces is the standard. For men a windproof outer comes first, and as the month goes on, having a scarf and a thermal base is what separates a comfortable day from a cold one.
Recommended items
Styling tips
- Padded jacket or wool coat
- Thermal base layer
- Warm neck and hands
Related situations
Frequently asked
Puffer or coat in December?
A windproof puffer for long stretches outdoors; a wool coat over a knit for in-and-out year-end gatherings. Pick to fit the day.
A year-end look that's warm but clean?
A knit under a wool coat with a thermal base keeps both the silhouette and the warmth.
Do I really need to warm neck and hands in December?
Yes — a scarf and gloves are standard from this month. Cutting exposure alone raises how warm you feel.
What is the weather like in Seoul in December?
Typically −3°C to 6°C. Real cold arrives with the first snow, and sub-zero days become common in the second half.