Influenced by warm sea currents, Dokdo has an oceanic climate with an annual average temperature of approximately 12°C (54°F). In January, the coldest month, the average temperature is 1°C (33 °F), while in August, the hottest month, it is 23°C (73 °F). The average wind speed at Dokdo is 4.3m/s. During the summer months, southwesterly winds dominate, while in winter, northeasterly winds dominate.

Fog is a frequent sight on Dokdo. With more than 160 cloudy days and 150 days with measurable rainfall each year, Dokdo’s climate is relatively wet. The annual average precipitation is 1,249 millimeters with occasional heavy snowfall in winter, as is the case on Ulleungdo.

Although strong sea winds, rocks and a thin layer of soil make it very difficult for plants to grow on the island, Dokdo provides an essential temporary refuge for migrating birds. The island is also very important in terms of biology and geography in helping researchers understand the origin and the distribution of organisms in Korea.