Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of P'yŏngan-bukto, North Korea, is characterized by a distinct continental influence as classified by the Koppen-Geiger system, with Dwa and Dwb designations. This region experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, ranging from a chilling minimum of -30°C (-22°F) in January to a sweltering maximum of 38°C (100°F) in August. The yearly average temperature hovers around a comfortable 10°C (50°F), highlighting the region's significant seasonal variation and the challenges it poses for both residents and ecosystems alike.
P'yŏngan-bukto, North Korea, exhibits pronounced seasonal temperature patterns, beginning with frigid winters where January and February see minimum temperatures plummeting to as low as -30°C and -27°C respectively. As winter transitions into spring, temperatures gradually rise, with March showcasing a significant increase in maximums reaching 20°C, paving the way for more temperate April conditions averaging 10°C and peaking at 27°C. The warming trend continues into the summer months of June, July, and August, where peak temperatures ascend to an impressive 38°C in August, alongside an average July temperature of 25°C. As summer fades into autumn, September sees a slight cooldown, with average temperatures hovering around 19°C before a stark return to cooler conditions in October and November, where temperatures dip once again. December marks the onset of winter, with temperatures falling to -29°C by month’s end, showcasing the region's dramatic seasonal contrasts.
Yongbyon experiences a significant temperature range, with a minimum of -27°C (-16°F) in December and a maximum of 37°C (100°F) in August, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Yongbyon. Similarly, Sinuiju sees lows of -22°C (-7°F) in January and highs reaching 37°C (98°F) in August, which can be explored further in the monthly temperatures in Sinuiju. Kusong also exhibits quite distinct seasonal variations, experiencing a minimum of -24°C (-11°F) in January and a peak of 37°C (99°F) in August, as indicated in the monthly temperatures in Kusong.
Precipitation in P'yŏngan-bukto is marked by a distinct seasonal pattern, closely mirroring the region's temperature changes. The winter months of January and February experience relatively low rainfall, with just 10 mm and 21 mm respectively, often falling on only a few days. As spring arrives, March shows a slight increase with 24 mm of precipitation, but it is in April that significant rainfall begins, reaching 54 mm. This upward trend continues into May, where precipitation peaks at 111 mm, signaling the onset of the wet season.
The summer months are characterized by the highest rainfall levels, with July and August seeing substantial totals of 168 mm and 299 mm, respectively, often falling on a greater number of days—up to 19 days in August alone. As autumn approaches, precipitation decreases, with September experiencing 103 mm, while October and November bring 59 mm and 68 mm respectively, returning to milder conditions. December marks a return to lower precipitation levels, concluding the year with just 18 mm, reflecting the typical drier winter climate of the region.
In P'yŏngan-bukto, North Korea, the duration of sunshine reveals a clear seasonal pattern marked by a gradual increase from the gloomy winter months to the bright days of summer. January begins with 201 hours of sunshine, and this number steadily climbs as the year progresses, peaking in July at 308 hours. Spring months, particularly March and April, see a notable rise in sunlight, moving from 282 hours in March to 287 hours in April. By May, with 307 hours, the region experiences a transition into summer, underscoring a significant increase in daylight hours that benefits both agriculture and daily life.
As summer wanes, sunshine hours begin to decline, but the reduction is gradual. August still boasts a robust 287 hours of sunshine, while September follows closely with 280 hours, indicating that the summer warmth lingers before the approach of autumn. October and November show a more evident decrease, dropping to 263 hours and 233 hours respectively, as the days shorten and the region moves into a cooler period. This cyclical trend highlights how P'yŏngan-bukto experiences its most abundant sunlight during the summer months, while winter brings a notable scarcity, emphasizing the stark contrast between the different seasons.
The UV Index in P'yŏngan-bukto, North Korea, exhibits a pronounced seasonal variation, reflecting the changing intensity of sunlight throughout the year. During the winter months, January and February see a moderate UV Index of 3 and 4, respectively, necessitating a burn time of 30 minutes for unprotected skin. As spring approaches, the UV Index rises significantly, reaching 6 in March and climbing further to 8 in April, indicating a shift to a high and very high exposure category. The trend continues into May with a UV Index of 9, reflecting the increasing strength of the sun.
Summer brings the highest UV Index values, peaking at 10 in June and July, and surging to a remarkable 11 in August, which is categorized as extreme. This period demands quick responses to avoid overexposure, with burn times dropping to just 10 minutes in August. As autumn arrives, the UV Index gradually decreases, falling back to 9 in September and 6 by October, before tapering off to 4 in November. By December, the UV Index returns to a low level of 2, highlighting the cyclical nature of UV exposure in P'yŏngan-bukto and emphasizing the importance of sun protection, especially during the peak summer months.
UV Risk Categories
In P'yŏngan-bukto, North Korea, daylight duration varies significantly throughout the year, showcasing a clear seasonal rhythm. The year begins with shorter days in January, offering just 9 hours of daylight. However, as February rolls in, daylight extends to 10 hours, and it continues to lengthen through the spring months, reaching 11 hours in March and 13 hours in April. By May, the region enjoys 14 hours of daylight, a peak that persists through June and July, highlighting the long, bright summer days that characterize this season.
As summer transitions to autumn, daylight hours gradually start to wane. In August, daylight remains at 13 hours before decreasing to 12 hours in September. The decline continues as October gives way to 11 hours, and by November, daylight shrinks back to 9 hours. This reduction signals the onset of winter, which further maintains a consistent 9 hours of daylight in December. This cyclical pattern illustrates how P'yŏngan-bukto experiences significant fluctuations in daylight duration, influencing the daily rhythms of life and activities throughout the year.
Chongju, North Korea, experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm, humid summers. January temperatures can plummet as low as -22°C (-7°F), while July can reach highs of 35°C (95°F). Precipitation is highest in the summer months, particularly August, with 294 mm (11.6 in) of rainfall, while winters remain relatively dry. The area enjoys substantial sunshine, peaking in June with 311 hours. For more detailed information, visit Chongju climate.
Kujang-up, North Korea, experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -29°C (-20°F), gradually rising to an average of 21°C (70°F) by June. Precipitation peaks in July and August, totaling 224 mm and 347 mm respectively, while sunshine hours are highest in May and June, with around 306 hours of sunlight. This seasonal variation makes Kujang-up's climate distinct, with substantial rainfall during the summer months and colder, drier winters. For more details, visit Kujang-up climate.
Kusong, North Korea experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January sees severe cold with temperatures dropping as low as -24°C (-11°F), while July peaks at a hot 35°C (95°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, with August being the wettest month at 325 mm (12.8 in), and sunshine hours are abundant, particularly in May and June, each receiving 306 hours. For more detailed information, visit Kusong climate.
Kwaksan, North Korea experiences a continental climate with harsh winters and warm summers. January sees minimum temperatures plummeting to -21°C (-6°F) and averages around -6°C (22°F), while July peaks at an average of 25°C (77°F). Precipitation is low in winter months, increasing significantly during summer, particularly in August, which receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain. The region enjoys substantial sunshine, with July having the highest at 311 hours. For more detailed information, visit Kwaksan climate.
Panghyon-dong, North Korea experiences a continental climate with extreme temperature variations throughout the year. Winters are harsh, with January temperatures plunging as low as -24°C (-11°F), while summers can reach highs of 37°C (99°F) in August. Precipitation varies significantly, peaking in August with 325 mm (12.8 in) and indicating a humid summer season. The area enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in May and June, each featuring 306 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit Panghyon-dong climate.
Pukchil-lodongjagu, North Korea, experiences a continental climate characterized by harsh winters and warm summers. January is particularly cold, with average temperatures around -9°C (15°F) and minimal precipitation of 13 mm. In contrast, July sees much warmer conditions, recorded at an average of 23°C (75°F) with significant rainfall, peaking in August at 348 mm. Sunshine levels vary throughout the year, with May and June enjoying the most hours, reaching up to 315 hours. For more detailed information, visit Pukchil-lodongjagu climate.
Sakchu-up, North Korea experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -24°C (-11°F), while July sees maximums reaching up to 35°C (96°F). Precipitation is highest in August, peaking at 288 mm (11.3 in), while winter months tend to see less rainfall. The region enjoys a significant amount of sunshine, particularly in summer, with July averaging around 303 hours. For more information, visit Sakchu-up climate.
Sinuiju, North Korea, experiences a humid continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January sees frigid temperatures with an average of -6°C (22°F) and minimal precipitation of 7 mm. As summer approaches, July reaches its peak warmth with averages of 25°C (77°F) and heavy rainfall, accumulating 106 mm. Sunshine hours are abundant, peaking in July at 312 hours, providing ample daylight throughout the growing season. For more detailed information, visit Sinuiju climate.
Uiju, North Korea experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to a minimum of -23°C (-9°F), while July marks the peak with averages around 25°C (77°F). Precipitation is notably high in August, reaching 272 mm (10.7 in), while the rest of the year sees comparatively lower levels. The region enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in the summer months, with July receiving about 307 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit Uiju climate.
Yomju-up, North Korea experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January sees average temperatures around -6°C (22°F) with lows plummeting to -22°C (-7°F), while summer peaks in July with averages of 25°C (77°F) and highs reaching 35°C (95°F). Precipitation is highest in August, accumulating up to 253 mm (10.0 in), contributing to the region’s varied seasonal weather. The area enjoys significant sunshine, especially in July with 312 hours, enhancing its summer warmth. For more detailed information, visit Yomju-up climate.
Yongbyon, North Korea, experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop as low as -27°C (-16°F), while July sees highs reaching up to 36°C (97°F). Precipitation is heaviest during the summer months, particularly in August with 318 mm (12.5 in), contributing to the region's lush vegetation. Sunshine is abundant from late spring to summer, with May and June averaging over 310 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Yongbyon climate.
In conclusion, the climate and environmental characteristics of P'yŏngan-bukto, North Korea, reveal a region marked by pronounced seasonal variations. The temperature patterns range from harsh winters to hot summers, while precipitation is concentrated in the warmer months, underscoring the critical role of seasonal changes in local ecosystems and agriculture. Additionally, the UV Index and daylight duration further illustrate the complexities of living in this area, with fluctuations affecting exposure to sunlight and overall daylight hours. Understanding these climatic dynamics is essential for predicting weather patterns, managing natural resources, and preparing for the seasonal challenges that inhabitants of P'yŏngan-bukto face throughout the year.