Last updated: January 18, 2025
Kangwŏn-do, North Korea, exhibits a Dwb and Dwa Köppen-Geiger climate classification, characterizing its distinct seasonal variation. During the winter months, the region experiences extreme cold temperatures, plummeting to a minimum of -30°C (-22°F) in January. Contrastingly, summer brings warmth, with the average temperature reaching 10°C (51°F) and peaks soaring up to 35°C (94°F) in August. This significant temperature range underscores the region's marked continental climate, influencing both its ecology and human activities.
In Kangwŏn-do, North Korea, temperature patterns reveal a sharp seasonal contrast typical of a continental climate. January and February are characterized by harsh winters, with minimum temperatures dipping as low as -30°C (-22°F) and -23°C (-9°F), respectively, before gradually warming in March. Spring sees milder conditions, transitioning from average temperatures of 0°C (32°F) in May to warmth peaking at 26°C (79°F) in April. The summer months of June through August bring considerable heat, with average temperatures reaching up to 23°C (74°F) and maximums soaring to 35°C (94°F) in August. As autumn approaches, temperatures begin to drop again, with October's highs returning to a more temperate 27°C (80°F) and marking the onset of cold, dormant winters by December, where lows can reach -28°C (-18°F), thus completing the region's distinct temperature cycle.
Hoeyang experiences a minimum temperature of -30°C (-22°F) in January and a maximum of 35°C (94°F) in August, while Anbyon-up has a slightly milder minimum of -26°C (-14°F) in January and peaks at 34°C (93°F) in July. Wonsan, on the other hand, records a minimum of -18°C (0°F) in January with a maximum also reaching 34°C (94°F) in August. For more details, visit the respective links: monthly temperatures in Hoeyang, monthly temperatures in Anbyon-up, and monthly temperatures in Wonsan.
Kangwŏn-do experiences a varied pattern of precipitation throughout the year, with distinct seasonal trends. The winter months of January and February are relatively dry, receiving only 25 mm (1.0 in) and 28 mm (1.1 in) of rainfall over 3 to 4 days, respectively. As spring arrives, precipitation starts to increase, reaching 60 mm (2.4 in) in March and climbing to 70 mm (2.8 in) in April. May marks a significant uptick in rainfall, peaking at 117 mm (4.6 in), indicating a transition towards more robust precipitation patterns as temperatures rise.
The summer months bring the highest rainfall, with July and August recording substantial totals of 229 mm (9.0 in) and 315 mm (12.4 in), respectively, coupled with the most precipitation days, ranging from 15 to 18. Following the summer deluge, September features a decrease to 174 mm (6.9 in), while October and November see further reductions to 96 mm (3.8 in) and 59 mm (2.3 in), respectively. The precipitation trend begins to taper off again in December, concluding the year with only 22 mm (0.9 in) of rainfall. This cyclical pattern highlights the region's significant seasonal shifts in moisture availability.
In Kangwŏn-do, the sunshine duration showcases a marked seasonal progression, beginning with the cold winter months where sunlight is relatively scarce. January records 196 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing to 239 hours in February and reaching 278 hours by March. Spring heralds more sun, with April and May experiencing a steady rise in brightness, peaking at 308 hours in May, just before the summer solstice. This trend underscores a clear shift as longer days and clearer skies replace the winter gloom, allowing for more outdoor activities and agricultural growth.
Summer peaks in June with 314 hours of sunshine, providing optimal conditions for heat-loving crops. Despite a slight decline in July to 297 hours, the region remains well-lit during the summer months. As autumn approaches, sunlight hours gradually diminish, with September and October offering 269 hours and 248 hours, respectively. The year concludes with November and December experiencing 233 hours and 237 hours of sunshine, suggesting a mild but noticeable reduction in light availability as winter returns. This cyclical sunshine pattern highlights Kangwŏn-do's transition from cold, dark winters to bright, warm summers, significantly impacting both the local climate and lifestyle.
The UV Index in Kangwŏn-do reveals significant seasonal variation in sun exposure, which is particularly crucial for residents and visitors alike. During the winter months of January and February, the UV Index measures 3 and 4, indicating a moderate exposure category with a burn time of 30 minutes. As temperatures rise in spring, the UV levels also increase, reaching a notable 6 in March, and elevating to 8 and 9 in April and May, respectively. These months signal the onset of higher sun intensity, urging caution for outdoor activities as the burn time decreases to 15 minutes for very high UV levels.
Summer months present the most critical UV exposure, with indexes soaring to 11 from June through August, categorized as extreme and allowing for a burn time of just 10 minutes. This peak necessitates heightened awareness and protective measures against sunburn and skin damage. As summer transitions to autumn, the UV Index gradually declines to 9 in September and further down to 6 in October, reflecting the overall reduction in sun intensity. By November and December, the UV Index returns to moderate levels of 4 and 3, respectively, and a burn time of 30 minutes, marking a return to safer sun exposure conditions. This seasonal fluctuation underscores the importance of sun safety measures, particularly during the high UV intensity months.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Kangwŏn-do illustrates a clear seasonal progression, beginning with shorter days in the winter months. January features only 9 hours of daylight, which gradually increases to 10 hours in February. Spring brings a notable rise in daylight, with March gaining an extra hour to reach 11 hours, and April further extending to 13 hours. By May, daylight peaks at 14 hours as longer days set the stage for outdoor activities and enhanced agricultural productivity.
As the summer solstice approaches, daylight remains consistent at 14 hours from June through July, providing ample sunlight. However, a gradual decline begins in August, with daylight decreasing to 13 hours, followed by further reductions in September and October where daylight measures 12 hours and 11 hours, respectively. The cycle concludes with November and December returning to 10 hours and 9 hours of daylight, indicating the return of shorter days as winter reestablishes its hold on the region. This annual rhythm underscores the dynamic influence of daylight on both climate and daily life in Kangwŏn-do.
Anbyon-up, North Korea, experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -26°C (-14°F), while July sees maximums around 34°C (93°F). Precipitation peaks in August with 351 mm (13.8 in), contributing to a humid summer, whereas winter months are relatively drier. Sunlight is plentiful, especially in late spring and summer, with May averaging 309 hours of sunshine. For more detailed information, visit Anbyon-up climate.
Hoeyang, North Korea, experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January and December see extreme lows, with average temperatures ranging from -7°C (20°F) to -4°C (24°F), while July is the warmest month, averaging around 22°C (72°F). Precipitation peaks in the summer, especially in July and August, with monthly averages of 217 mm (8.5 in) and 282 mm (11.1 in), respectively. Sunshine is abundant from May to June, with over 300 hours per month, contributing to a stark contrast with the cloudier winter months. For more details, visit Hoeyang climate.
Kosan, North Korea, experiences a continental climate characterized by harsh winters and warm summers. January temperatures can plummet to -30°C (-22°F), while July sees highs around 34°C (93°F). Precipitation is highest in the summer months, especially in July and August, with averages of 217 mm (8.5 in) and 282 mm (11.1 in) respectively. Sunshine is abundant from April to June, with May recording up to 302 hours of sunshine. For more details, visit the Kosan climate.
T'ongch'on-up, North Korea, experiences a continental climate with significant seasonal variations. Winters (December to February) are cold, with average temperatures ranging from -14°C (6°F) in January to -10°C (14°F) in February, while summers (June to August) are warm, averaging 19°C (66°F) in June and peaking at 25°C (76°F) in August. Precipitation is highest in summer, particularly in July and August, with some months receiving over 200 mm of rainfall. Sunshine is abundant from March to August, with May offering up to 316 hours of sunlight. For more detailed climate information, visit T'ongch'on-up climate.
Wonsan, North Korea experiences a temperate climate with a marked seasonal variation. Winters are cold, with January temperatures ranging from -18°C to 9°C, while summers can be quite warm, peaking in July and August with average temperatures of 24°C to 25°C. Precipitation is highest during the summer months, particularly in July and August, which receive over 240 mm of rain, contributing to a humid environment. Sunshine is plentiful, particularly in the late spring and early summer, reaching up to 312 hours in June. For more detailed information, visit Wonsan climate.
In conclusion, the climatic and environmental features of Kangwŏn-do, North Korea, encapsulate a region characterized by distinct seasonal variations that profoundly influence its ecology and human activities. The sharp transitions in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight duration demonstrate the effects of a continental climate, where harsh winters give way to warm summers. As the region navigates through its cyclical patterns of extreme cold, abundant sunshine, and varying UV exposure, it becomes increasingly vital for residents and visitors to adapt and implement appropriate measures for health and agriculture. Understanding these climatic dynamics not only enhances our appreciation of Kangwŏn-do’s natural environment but also underscores the importance of climate awareness in fostering sustainable practices in this unique region.