Last updated: January 18, 2025
Hwanghae-bukto, North Korea, is characterized by a Dwa climate classification, signifying a humid continental climate with distinctive seasonal variations. The region experiences a significant temperature range, with recorded minima dropping to a frigid -28°C (-17°F) in January, while summer peaks can reach a scorching 37°C (99°F) in August. The average annual temperature settles around a moderate 11°C (53°F), highlighting the diverse climatic conditions that shape the landscape and ecology of this region.
Hwanghae-bukto, North Korea, exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns that reflect its humid continental climate. The winter months of January and February are characterized by severe cold, with minimum temperatures plunging to around -28°C (-17°F) in January, gradually warming through February. As spring arrives, temperatures begin to rise, with March and April seeing average temperatures climb from 5°C (42°F) to 12°C (53°F) and maximums reaching up to 27°C (80°F) in April, marking a transition to milder conditions. The warmest months occur in summer, particularly July and August, where average temperatures soar to around 25°C (78°F) and 26°C (78°F), with peaks nearing 37°C (99°F). However, a cooling trend begins in September, leading into the fluctuating temperatures of autumn, where conditions can range widely from -11°C (13°F) in November to 30°C (86°F) in October. This seasonal variability underscores the region's dynamic climate, making it a unique area for both flora and fauna.
Koksan experiences extreme temperatures, with a minimum of -28°C (-17°F) in January and a maximum of 36°C (97°F) in August, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Koksan. Similarly, Sariwon has a January low of -18°C (-1°F) and an August high of 36°C (98°F), which can be explored further in the monthly temperatures in Sariwon. Sinmak, on the other hand, records a January minimum of -21°C (-6°F) and an August peak of 36°C (98°F), information available in the monthly temperatures in Sinmak.
Hwanghae-bukto, North Korea experiences a marked seasonal variation in precipitation, with distinct patterns that reflect its humid continental climate. Winter months, particularly January and February, see relatively low precipitation levels of 16 mm (0.6 in) and 18 mm (0.7 in) respectively, typically accumulating over just three days each month. As spring approaches, rainfall begins to escalate, with March receiving 36 mm (1.4 in) and April increasing to 57 mm (2.3 in). This rising trend continues into the summer, where May and June bring 105 mm (4.1 in) and 113 mm (4.5 in), heralding the onset of the peak precipitation period.
The summer months of July and August witness the highest rainfall, with 191 mm (7.5 in) and 258 mm (10.2 in) respectively, occurring over an increasing number of rainy days—14 days in July and 17 days in August. Following this peak, precipitation begins to decline again in September to 122 mm (4.8 in), before tapering to 44 mm (1.7 in) in October and 42 mm (1.6 in) in November. The winter months again see a reduction in rainfall, with December receiving 22 mm (0.9 in) over four days, highlighting a cyclical pattern in the region's precipitation throughout the year.
Hwanghae-bukto, North Korea, experiences a noticeable seasonal variation in sunshine duration, with a clear upward trend from winter to summer. The year begins with relatively low sunshine hours; January records 199 hours of sun, which gradually increases to 241 hours in February. As spring unfolds, sunshine continues to gain momentum, peaking in May with 313 hours and reaching an impressive 317 hours in June, establishing this period as one of the sunniest of the year. This accumulation of sunlight during the spring and early summer not only enhances the region’s agricultural productivity but also provides residents with longer days filled with natural light.
However, the sunny days begin to wane as summer transitions into autumn. July still enjoys a substantial 307 hours of sunshine, but this is followed by a decline in hours through August, which sees 288 hours. As September rolls in, the sunshine hours decrease further to 277 hours, marking the onset of shorter days and cooler temperatures. The autumn months continue this trend, with October at 258 hours, November dropping to 230 hours, and December slightly recovering with 232 hours. Overall, the cyclical progression of sunshine duration reflects the region's changing climate and seasonal rhythms, making the summer months particularly crucial for sunlight-dependent activities.
In Hwanghae-bukto, North Korea, the UV Index displays significant seasonal variability, reflecting the changing intensity of sunlight throughout the year. The year begins with a moderate UV Index of 3 in January and December, allowing for approximately 30 minutes of unprotected sun exposure without risk of burning. As winter gives way to spring, the UV Index rises, indicating heightened sun exposure risk; March sees a jump to 6, classified as high, with a reduced safe burn time of 25 minutes. By April and May, the Index escalates to 8 and 9 respectively, falling under the very high exposure category and resulting in a recommended burn time of only 15 minutes.
The peak UV intensity occurs during the summer months, with July and August notably reaching an extreme UV Index of 11, where just 10 minutes of unprotected exposure can lead to sunburn. September shows a slight decline to a UV Index of 9, while October reverts back to a high level of 6. This pattern highlights the critical need for sun protection during the warmer months, as the potential for skin damage significantly increases. In contrast, the lower UV readings in the cooler months suggest reduced sun exposure risk, making proper sun protection less of a concern during this period.
UV Risk Categories
In Hwanghae-bukto, North Korea, the duration of daylight varies significantly throughout the year, aligning closely with the seasonal changes characteristic of the region. The year begins with shorter days in January, offering only 9 hours of sunlight, which increases to 10 hours in February. The gradual lengthening of daylight continues into the spring months, as March sees 11 hours, and April experiences a noteworthy boost to 13 hours. As spring transitions into summer, daylight peaks during May, June, and July, each offering a consistent 14 hours of sunlight, essential for agriculture and outdoor activities.
As summer wanes, daylight hours begin to decline once more, with August seeing a slight decrease to 13 hours. The trend continues into September, when daylight drops to 12 hours, followed by October and November, which yield 11 hours and 10 hours respectively. Finally, December revisits the shorter daylight experienced at the year's outset, returning to 9 hours. This cyclical pattern of daylight duration not only shapes daily life in Hwanghae-bukto but also influences the region's natural environment and seasonal rhythms.
The climate in Anak, North Korea, exhibits a stark contrast between cold winters and hot summers. January temperatures can drop to -18°C (1°F), while July sees highs of 36°C (96°F). Precipitation peaks in the summer months, particularly in August with 228 mm (9.0 in) of rainfall, making it the wettest month. The region enjoys considerable sunshine, averaging up to 321 hours in June. For more detailed information, visit Anak climate.
Hukkyo-ri, North Korea experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January features average temperatures around -4°C (25°F) with significant sunshine hours, while July sees averages of 26°C (79°F) and heavy rain, peaking at 177 mm (7.0 in). Precipitation is highest in August, with 246 mm (9.7 in). The transition seasons of spring and autumn provide moderate temperatures and increasing rainfall, making them ideal for agriculture. For more detailed information, visit Hukkyo-ri climate.
Hwangju-up, North Korea experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can plummet to -18°C (-1°F), while July can reach highs of 36°C (97°F), with significant variations throughout the year. Precipitation is heaviest in summer months, particularly in August, which sees around 246 mm (9.7 in). The area enjoys ample sunshine, peaking in June with 317 hours, providing a stark contrast to the colder, sunnier winter months. For more details, visit Hwangju-up climate.
Koksan, North Korea experiences a continental climate with harsh winters and warm summers. January temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -28°C (-17°F), while July sees highs of up to 35°C (95°F). Precipitation varies significantly, peaking in August with 339 mm (13.3 in), while winter months receive much less rain. The area enjoys considerable sunshine, particularly in May and June, with over 300 hours of sunlight each month. For more detailed insights, visit Koksan climate.
Sariwon, North Korea experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. January sees average temperatures around -4°C (25°F) while July reaches about 26°C (79°F). Precipitation varies significantly throughout the year, peaking in July and August with 174 mm and 227 mm, respectively. Sunshine is most abundant in May and June, offering over 300 hours of sunlight each month. For more detailed information, visit Sariwon climate.
Sinmak, North Korea experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January sees temperatures as low as -21°C (-6°F) and high precipitation in the warmer months, particularly in July and August, with rainfall reaching 276 mm (10.9 in). Sunshine is plentiful, peaking in May and June with over 300 hours of sunlight. This variation in weather conditions makes Sinmak particularly dynamic throughout the year. For more detailed information, visit Sinmak climate.
Songnim-ni, North Korea experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January sees temperatures plunge to a minimum of -18°C (1°F), while July peaks at 36°C (97°F), with average temperatures ranging from -4°C (25°F) in winter to 26°C (79°F) in summer. Precipitation is highest from July to August, peaking at 246 mm (9.7 in), and sunshine hours are abundant, particularly in May with 315 hours. The region’s diverse climate offers distinct seasonal contrasts, shaping the local environment and lifestyle. For more details, visit Songnim-ni climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Hwanghae-bukto, North Korea, is marked by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The region experiences harsh winters with low temperatures and limited sunlight, gradually transitioning into warmer months characterized by increased warmth, abundant precipitation, and extended daylight. Summer brings the highest UV exposure and sunshine hours, necessitating sun protection for outdoor activities while promoting agricultural growth. As the year progresses, these climatic factors collectively shape not only the natural ecosystem but also the cultural and daily practices of the residents, illustrating the dynamic interplay between climate and human life in this unique region.