Page 52 - South Korea & Japan: Temples, Shrines & Seaside Treasures
P. 52
CLIMATE
South Korea: The climate in South Korea is temperate and is characterized by four distinct
seasons, similar to the east coast of the United States. Spring and autumn are temperate,
ZʬP]TYR XTWO _PX[P]L_`]P^ LYO WT__WP ]LTYQLWW ?SP bL]X ^[]TYR bPL_SP] NZLcP^ ʮZbP]^ TY_Z
bloom, creating colorful landscapes. Autumn brings cooler weather and brilliant clear blue
skies perfectly juxtaposed against the orange and red foliage. The summer months bring a
hot and humid climate, peaking from late July to late August. The majority of South Korea’s
annual rainfall also occurs during the summer months. The summer months yield bountiful
fresh fruits and vegetables and leave the mountains covered in luscious green. Although South
Korea does not experience typhoons on the same scale as Southeast Asia, typically one to three
typhoons hit South Korea each year. The typhoon season runs from June to September. Winters
are the longest season with cold and dry weather typically in the 20s and 30s. Snow topped
mountains are a common sight, though it does not often snow in the plains. A phenomenon
known as samhansaon occurs during the winter—a seven-day cycle during which the region
experiences three cold days followed by four milder days.
Japan: Most of Japan lies in a temperate zone with weather conditions similar to the east coast
ZQ _SP @YT_PO >_L_P^ ?SP QZ`] OT^_TYN_ ^PL^ZY^ [WLd L ^TRYTʭNLY_ ]ZWP TY 5L[LYP^P N`W_`]P bT_S
festivals, religious sites, dress, and even table settings all linked to the changing of seasons.
>[]TYR NLY MP aP]d `Y[]POTN_LMWP LYO _PX[P]L_`]P^ ZQ_PY ʮ`N_`L_P LYO _SP [W`X LYO NSP]]d
blossoms touch the entire landscape with splashes of whites and pinks. June and July bring
the summer rains, which can be quite heavy at times, along with temperatures in the 80s
LYO ^ZXP S`XTOT_d BPL_SP] O`]TYR >P[_PXMP] NLY MP M]TPʮd _`]M`WPY_ bT_S ^ZXP QL^_
moving thunderstorms inland and occasional typhoons over the ocean. The rest of autumn
is spectacular, with slightly cool days, clear blue skies, and stunning foliage. Winter days are
chilly but temperatures don’t often drop below freezing. Snow falls most abundantly in the
northern part of the country and along the coast of the Sea of Japan, making skiing a favorite
means of enjoying the winter landscape. Please bring with warm clothing.
Shanghai: Shanghai is a coastal city with long, warm, humid summers. Autumn is typically
cooler with some rain; heavier showers fall in spring.
Climate Averages & Online Forecast
?SP QZWWZbTYR NSL]_^ ]PʮPN_ _SP average climate as opposed to exact weather conditions. This
means they serve only as general indicators of what can reasonably be expected. An extreme
heat wave or cold snap could fall outside these ranges. As your departure approaches, we
encourage you to go online to www.oattravel.com/myaccount for your 10-day forecast.
52

