What to wear in May
The most comfortable stretch. Thin long sleeves or a tee with a light layer.
May is the most comfortable month of the year. No heavy layers, no heat worries — just fabric and silhouette. With plenty of outdoor events, aim for something easy to move in that also covers the cooler evening.
A thin long sleeve or tee with a light shirt or cardigan is plenty. UV starts to strengthen, though, so on bright days a hat or thin long sleeve to shade your skin helps.
Seoul averages 14°C at night and 25°C by day. Twenty-five calls for short sleeves while fourteen still does not, so short sleeves plus something to throw on carries all of May — especially with evening plans outdoors.
Seoul weather in May
See what to wear at 22°C
What to wear across May's range
May holds both 14°C and 25°C inside a single day. Pick by the reading you actually get.
What to wear in May, women and men
For women in May, short sleeves or a light shirt with one cardigan covers the whole day. For men, short sleeves or a linen shirt is the baseline — the sun strengthens this month, so pale colours and breathable weaves noticeably lower how warm it feels.
Recommended items
Styling tips
- Thin long sleeve or shirt
- A light cardigan for evenings
- Breathable cotton
Related situations
Frequently asked
Do I need a layer in May?
Rarely by day, but for an evening outdoors a thin cardigan or shirt is handy.
Short or long sleeves in May?
A tee on warm days, a thin long sleeve on cool ones. On days with a swing, add a light layer over the tee.
How do I handle May's UV with clothing?
A thin long sleeve or hat to shade direct sun helps; lighter colors also absorb less heat.
What is the weather like in Seoul in May?
Typically 14°C to 25°C, the most comfortable stretch of the year, though the sun is strong enough that shade and open ground feel quite different.