Last updated: January 18, 2025
Hamgyŏng-namdo, a province in North Korea, exhibits a diverse climate characterized by various Köppen-Geiger climate classes, including Dwb, Dwa, Dfa, and Dfb. This region experiences a temperature spectrum ranging from a frigid minimum of -22°C (-6°F) in January to a sweltering maximum of 37°C (99°F) in July, highlighting the stark seasonal contrasts. The average annual temperature settles at a moderate 11°C (52°F), creating a unique environment that influences both local ecosystems and human activities.
In Hamgyŏng-namdo, North Korea, temperature patterns reveal marked seasonal fluctuations throughout the year. The winter months of January and February are characterized by severe cold, with minimum temperatures plunging to -22°C (-6°F) and -21°C (-6°F), respectively, while average temperatures remain below freezing. As spring approaches in March and April, temperatures gradually rise, transitioning from a chilling average of 4°C (40°F) in March to a more temperate 9°C (49°F) in April, heralding the onset of warmer weather. The warming trend continues into summer, where July and August shine as the hottest months, showcasing maximum temperatures reaching up to 37°C (99°F), alongside comfortably warm average temperatures around 23°C (75°F). With the arrival of autumn in September, temperatures begin to taper off, yet the region still enjoys milder conditions, averaging 20°C (67°F). By November and December, the cold returns, with the temperature once again dropping to chilling lows of -10°C (14°F) and -21°C (-6°F), completing a year marked by dramatic contrasts between frigid winters and hot summers.
Hamhung experiences a wide temperature range, with a minimum of -22°C (-6°F) in January and a maximum of 37°C (99°F) in August monthly temperatures in Hamhung. In nearby Hungnam, the temperatures are slightly milder, with January lows reaching -18°C (1°F) and August highs at 34°C (94°F) monthly temperatures in Hungnam. Similarly, Hongwon reports January minimums of -17°C (2°F) and maximums of 34°C (93°F) in August monthly temperatures in Hongwon.
Precipitation patterns in Hamgyŏng-namdo, North Korea, reveal significant seasonal changes that play a crucial role in the region's climate. The winter months of January and February experience relatively low rainfall, with only 20 mm (0.8 in) and 28 mm (1.1 in), respectively, accompanied by only a few rainy days—three and four, respectively. As spring unfolds, rainfall begins to increase, peaking in May with 101 mm (4.0 in) over an average of eight days, marking the transition to a wetter season. March and April see moderate precipitation of 50 mm (1.9 in) and 49 mm (1.9 in), while June maintains a considerable amount at 88 mm (3.5 in).
Summer brings the highest levels of rainfall, especially in July and August, where precipitation explodes to 187 mm (7.4 in) and 287 mm (11.3 in), respectively, often resulting in increased humidity and lush landscapes. The month of August stands out with the most significant rainfall over 16 days, creating a stark contrast with the drier months earlier in the year. As autumn progresses, precipitation decreases, with September recording 132 mm (5.2 in) and October, and November seeing 72 mm (2.8 in) and 74 mm (2.9 in), respectively. The year closes with December’s moderate 31 mm (1.2 in), reflecting a return to drier conditions before winter resumes.
In Hamgyŏng-namdo, North Korea, sunshine duration exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern that reflects the region's climatic transitions throughout the year. The year begins with relatively lower sunshine hours in January, providing just 197 hours of sunlight. However, as winter gives way to spring, an upward trend is evident, with February and March experiencing increases to 239 hours and 283 hours, respectively. This gradual accumulation of daylight culminates with April's 297 hours, emphasizing the invigorating effect of spring as longer days usher in warmer temperatures. May follows suit with a slight rise to 309 hours, setting the stage for an abundant summer.
Summer peaks with the highest sunshine duration in June, capturing 315 hours of sunlight, followed closely by July with 311 hours. This period signifies the region’s sunniest months, perfect for agricultural growth and outdoor activities. As autumn approaches, sunshine hours begin to taper off, with August and September recording 279 hours and 274 hours respectively, while October declines further to 254 hours. The year closes with diminishing daylight hours in November and December, marked by 231 hours and 236 hours respectively, as the cycle of shorter days returns with winter's onset. This clear seasonal shift highlights the importance of sunlight on both the environmental landscape and the daily lives of those in Hamgyŏng-namdo.
In Hamgyŏng-namdo, North Korea, the UV Index displays a noticeable seasonal variation, reflecting the intensity of ultraviolet radiation throughout the year. The winter months of January and February feature a moderate UV Index of 3 and 4, respectively, with recommended burn times of 30 minutes. As spring unfolds, the UV Index rises significantly, reaching 6 in March, categorized as high, and then escalating to 8 in both April and May, where exposure risks are deemed very high with reduced burn times of 15 minutes. This trend underscores the importance of skin protection as the days grow longer and the sun's rays intensify.
The peak UV Index occurs during the summer months of June and July, hitting an extreme 10 and 11, respectively, with minimal burn times of only 10 minutes—a crucial alert for outdoor enthusiasts. August maintains a similar intensity before transitioning back to a very high level of 9 in September, with burn times extending to 15 minutes. As temperatures cool in October, the UV Index dips to 6, indicating a high level of exposure once more before falling to 4 in November and 2 in December, where the risk is markedly lower. This cyclical pattern highlights the need for careful UV management strategies throughout the year, particularly during the summer months when UV exposure is at its peak.
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In Hamgyŏng-namdo, North Korea, daylight duration experiences a clear seasonal trend marked by gradual increases and decreases throughout the year. Beginning in January, residents enjoy only 9 hours of daylight, which slowly extends to 10 hours in February and 11 hours by March. As spring approaches, daylight hours continue to rise, peaking in May and early June at 14 hours—a time that coincides with lush landscapes and abundant agricultural activity. This period of extended daylight fosters vibrant ecosystems and enhances the region's outdoor opportunities, allowing for longer days to engage in various activities.
However, as summer transitions to autumn, daylight duration gradually diminishes. From mid-June onward, daylight remains at 14 hours before tapering off to 13 hours in August, and further decreasing to 12 hours in September. By October, daylight drops to 11 hours, followed by a return to 9 hours in both November and December. This cyclical pattern emphasizes the importance of adjusting daily routines and energy use in accordance with the seasonal light variations, reflecting the close relationship between daylight duration and the region's socio-economic activities.
Hamhung, North Korea experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to as low as -22°C (-6°F), while July heats up to a maximum of 35°C (96°F). Precipitation is highest in July and August, with 210 mm and 304 mm, respectively, resulting in a humid summer. The region enjoys ample sunshine, peaking in May with 307 hours, providing a contrast to the colder, darker winter months. For more information, visit Hamhung climate.
Hongwon, North Korea, experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can dip as low as -17°C (2°F), while July sees highs around 31°C (87°F). Precipitation peaks in August, receiving over 260 mm (10.2 in), while the region enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in June with 324 hours. The transition from harsh winters to mild summers makes it an area of notable climatic variation. For more detailed information, visit Hongwon climate.
The climate in Hungnam, North Korea, is characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to as low as -18°C (1°F), while July often sees highs of 32°C (90°F). Precipitation peaks in August at 321 mm (12.6 in), making it the wettest month, while the region enjoys ample sunshine, with over 300 hours in both May and June. Overall, Hungnam experiences a significant temperature variation and seasonal precipitation that impacts its weather patterns throughout the year. For more detailed information, visit Hungnam climate.
Iwon-up, North Korea experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop as low as -17°C (2°F), while July sees highs around 30°C (86°F). Precipitation is highest in August, averaging 226 mm (8.9 in), with a total of 333 hours of sunshine, making it the sunniest month. The area receives a moderate amount of sunshine throughout the year, peaking in June at 332 hours. For more detailed information, visit Iwon-up climate.
Kowon-up, North Korea experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January sees freezing temperatures with averages around -4°C (26°F) and minimal precipitation of 19 mm, while July typically reaches highs of 37°C (99°F) alongside significant rainfall, averaging 213 mm. The region enjoys the most sunshine in June, with 309 hours, contributing to a growing season that stretches from late spring to early autumn. Overall, Kowon-up has distinct seasonal variations that impact both temperature and precipitation patterns throughout the year. For more detailed information, visit Kowon-up climate.
Samho-rodongjagu, North Korea experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can plummet to -20°C (-4°F), while July highs can reach 34°C (93°F). Precipitation significantly increases in summer, peaking in August with 248 mm (9.8 in), contrasted by drier winter months. The region enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in spring and summer, with May receiving 307 hours of sunlight. For more detailed data, visit Samho-rodongjagu climate.
The climate in Sinsang-ni, North Korea, is characterized by a wide temperature range throughout the year, with January averaging around -3°C (27°F) and peaking at 32°C (90°F) in July. Precipitation is highest in the summer months, notably in August, which sees 321 mm (12.6 in) of rainfall, while the winter months generally experience lower precipitation levels. The region enjoys a significant amount of sunshine, especially in May and June, with over 300 hours each month. Overall, Sinsang-ni's climate offers cold winters and warm, humid summers, making it suitable for various seasonal activities. For more details, visit Sinsang-ni climate.
Yonggwang-up, North Korea experiences a dramatic climate, with harsh winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop as low as -22°C (-6°F), while July often sees highs around 35°C (96°F). Precipitation is highest in summer, particularly during August, which receives about 304 mm (12.0 in) of rainfall, contributing to a lush landscape. The area enjoys significant sunshine, particularly in May and June, with over 300 hours of sunshine each month. For more detailed information, visit the Yonggwang-up climate.
Yuktae-dong, North Korea experiences a continental climate with harsh winters and warm summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -16°C to 9°C, while July boasts a warmer average of 23°C with highs reaching 28°C. Precipitation varies significantly, peaking in August at 257 mm, often linked to monsoonal influences. The area enjoys a fair amount of sunshine, especially in June with 331 hours, contributing to the warm summer months. For more detailed information, visit Yuktae-dong climate.
In conclusion, Hamgyŏng-namdo, North Korea, showcases a dynamic interplay of climate, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours that collectively shape the region's environmental and social landscape. The notable seasonal variations—from the frigid winters with limited daylight and moderate UV exposure to the sun-soaked summers characterized by peak temperatures and intense sunlight—underscore the need for residents and visitors alike to adapt their activities and health practices throughout the year. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for effective resource management, agricultural planning, and personal well-being, enabling the local community to thrive in harmony with its natural surroundings.