Disclosed are an electrolyte for lithium secondary batteries including 10 to 50% by weight of a cyclic carbonate compound, and 50 to 90% by weight of a linear ester compound, based on the total weight of a non-aqueous solvent, wherein a content of ethyl propionate of the linear ester compound is 20 to 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the non-aqueous solvent, and a lithium secondary battery including the electrolyte and exhibiting superior low-temperature characteristics.