Last updated: January 18, 2025
Pyongyang, North Korea, exhibits a Dwa climate classification under the Köppen-Geiger system, characterized by significant seasonal temperature variations. The coldest month is December, where temperatures plummet to a minimum of -26°C (-14°F), while the average annual temperature hovers around 11°C (53°F). In stark contrast, the summer months can see temperatures soar to a maximum of 37°C (99°F) in August, highlighting the region's distinct climate extremes. Such fluctuations underscore the importance of understanding Pyongyang's unique weather patterns and their implications for local life and agriculture.
In Pyongyang, North Korea, temperature patterns reveal a pronounced seasonal cycle, characterized by harsh winters and warm summers. January starts the year with frigid conditions, featuring a minimum temperature reaching -26°C (-14°F) in December, while January itself averages around -5°C (24°F). As winter transitions to spring, temperatures gradually rise, with March seeing average temperatures climb to 5°C (42°F) and April peaking at 12°C (53°F). The onset of summer brings a dramatic increase in warmth, with June and July averaging 22°C (72°F) and 26°C (78°F), respectively, and maximum temperatures hitting 37°C (99°F) in August. By September, the heat begins to recede, transitioning into autumn with average temperatures around 21°C (69°F). This general trend highlights Pyongyang's continental climate, marked by stark contrasts between the cold winter months and the hot, humid summer season.
Pyongyang experiences a temperature range from a minimum of -21°C (-6°F) in December to a maximum of 37°C (98°F) in August, while Kangdong-up sees slightly colder winters with a minimum of -26°C (-14°F) in December, maintaining the same summer maximum of 37°C (98°F). Meanwhile, Sunan has a minimum of -24°C (-11°F) in December, with a peak summer temperature of 37°C (99°F). For more detailed monthly temperatures, you can check monthly temperatures in Pyongyang, monthly temperatures in Kangdong-up, and monthly temperatures in Sunan.
Precipitation in Pyongyang, North Korea, exhibits distinct seasonal patterns, with winter months receiving minimal rainfall. January and February are particularly dry, recording only 14 mm (0.6 in) and 19 mm (0.7 in), respectively, with January experiencing just 2 days of precipitation. As the seasons transition, March and April see a modest increase, with 34 mm (1.3 in) and 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, signaling the approach of spring. The onset of warmer months brings a significant rise in precipitation, peaking during the summer.
The summer months from May to August witness the highest levels of rainfall, with August alone accounting for a substantial 286 mm (11.3 in) over 18 days of rain. June and July also contribute to this wet period, with 136 mm (5.3 in) and 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, respectively. As autumn sets in, rainfall decreases again, with September recording 122 mm (4.8 in) before tapering off in October and November to 48 mm (1.9 in) and 49 mm (1.9 in), respectively. This precipitation pattern underscores the influence of monsoonal weather systems on Pyongyang's climate, highlighting the stark contrast between dry winters and the soggy conditions typical of summer.
Sunshine duration in Pyongyang, North Korea, demonstrates a clear seasonal trend, with a steady increase in sunlight from the winter months towards summer. January begins with only 200 hours of sunshine, gradually growing to 241 hours in February. By March, the days become notably brighter, accumulating 285 hours, and this trend continues into April with 292 hours of sunlight. The transition to spring is marked by these growing hours, setting the stage for the sunniest months of the year.
The peak sunshine period occurs during the summer, with June reaching a maximum of 317 hours, closely followed by July at 309 hours. As summer gives way to autumn, a slight decline in sunshine hours is observed, with August dropping to 287 hours and September seeing 280 hours. Despite this decrease, these months still enjoy considerable sunlight compared to the winter figures. October and November bring further reductions, settling at 260 hours and 229 hours, respectively, highlighting the cyclical nature of sunshine duration in Pyongyang as it transitions through the seasons.
The UV Index in Pyongyang, North Korea, exhibits significant variability throughout the year, reflecting the changing intensity of solar radiation. During the winter months, January and February experience moderate UV levels, indicated by a UV index of 3 and 4, which allows for a relatively safe exposure time of 30 minutes. As spring approaches, March sees a noticeable increase to a UV index of 6, transitioning into the high exposure category with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. This upward trend continues into April and May, where the UV index reaches 8 and 9, both classified as very high, indicating that sun protection measures become increasingly important.
The summer months bring the highest UV levels, peaking in June and July with an index of 10, and reaching extreme levels of 11 in August. These elevated indexes necessitate caution, with burn times dropping to just 10 to 15 minutes. As summer gives way to fall, the UV index remains high in September at 9 but subsequently decreases in October to 6, indicating a transition to more moderate sunlight exposure. The year concludes with November at a UV index of 4 and December at 2, emphasizing the importance of sun protection during the sunnier seasons while also highlighting safer exposure levels during the colder months.
UV Risk Categories
In Pyongyang, North Korea, daylight duration varies significantly throughout the year, reflecting the region's distinct seasonal changes. Winter months are marked by shorter days, with January and December offering only 9 hours of daylight, and February slightly increasing to 10 hours. As spring approaches, daylight hours progressively lengthen, reaching 11 hours in March and expanding to 13 hours in April. This increase is a welcome shift, leading into the longer daylight of late spring and early summer.
During the summer months of May, June, and July, Pyongyang enjoys a consistent 14 hours of daylight, providing ample time for outdoor activities and exploration. However, as summer transitions into autumn, daylight hours begin to wane, with August dropping to 13 hours and September seeing 12 hours. This gradual decrease continues into October with 11 hours before settling back to 10 hours in November. The cyclical nature of daylight duration in Pyongyang underscores the region's changing seasons and the impact on daily life and activities throughout the year.
Chunghwa, North Korea experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can fall as low as -18°C (-1°F), while July often sees highs around 36°C (97°F). Precipitation peaks in summer, particularly in July and August, with over 200 mm (7.9 in) of rain. The city enjoys plentiful sunshine, reaching its maximum in June at 317 hours. For more detailed information, visit Chunghwa climate.
Kangdong-up, North Korea experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can plummet to as low as -26°C (-14°F), while July sees highs reaching up to 37°C (98°F). Precipitation is highest in August, averaging 323 mm (12.7 in), contributing to lush summer months. Sunshine hours peak in June with 316 hours, providing ample daylight during the growing season. For more detailed information, visit Kangdong-up climate.
Pyongyang, North Korea experiences a continental climate characterized by hot summers and cold winters. January temperatures range from a frigid -21°C (-6°F) to a milder max of 11°C (51°F), while July sees highs reaching up to 36°C (96°F). Precipitation peaks in August, averaging 269 mm (10.6 in), contributing to a humid summer, whereas winter months are relatively drier. The city enjoys considerable sunshine, with June having the most hours at 318. For more detailed information, visit Pyongyang climate.
Sunan, North Korea experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to a minimum of -20°C (-4°F) and peak at 10°C (50°F), while July sees much warmer averages around 26°C (78°F) with maximums reaching 36°C (97°F). Precipitation is highest in August, with approximately 306 mm (12.1 in), contributing to a humid summer. The region enjoys substantial sunshine, with peak hours in June at 318 and a gradual decline in the following months. For more detailed information, visit Sunan climate.
The climate in Sungho 1-tong, North Korea, is characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop as low as -23°C (-9°F), while July sees highs reaching 37°C (98°F). Precipitation is highest in August with 286 mm (11.3 in), contributing to a relatively humid summer period. Sunshine hours peak in June at 316 hours, making it the sunniest month of the year. For more detailed information, visit Sungho 1-tong climate.
In conclusion, Pyongyang, North Korea, presents a dynamic climate characterized by its temperature extremes, variable precipitation, fluctuating sunshine duration, and changing UV index throughout the year. The city experiences harsh winters with notable cold and minimal sunshine, while summers bring considerable warmth, high UV exposure, and increased rainfall. Daylight hours increase significantly during the warmer months, offering residents and visitors ample opportunity to engage in outdoor activities. Understanding these climatic and environmental patterns is essential for both local residents and policymakers as they navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by Pyongyang's unique weather conditions throughout each season.