Last updated: January 18, 2025
Rason, North Korea exhibits a Dwb climate classification, characterized by distinct seasonal variations. The region experiences cold winters, with minimum temperatures plunging to -23°C (-8°F) in December, while August presents a stark contrast with maximums soaring to 33°C (92°F). The average annual temperature hovers around a moderate 8°C (47°F), reflecting a climate marked by both chilling cold and warm summers. This dynamic temperature range underscores the influence of continental climatic patterns on Rason's weather conditions.
Rason, North Korea experiences pronounced seasonal temperature variations throughout the year. Winter months, particularly December and January, are characterized by bitterly cold temperatures, with January averaging around -7°C (20°F) and reaching a minimum of -22°C (-8°F). As winter relinquishes its grip, March ushers in a gradual warming trend, with averages climbing to 2°C (36°F), peaking at 20°C (68°F) during the month. By late spring in May, the climate becomes significantly milder, featuring average temperatures of 13°C (55°F) and maximums nearing 29°C (85°F). The height of summer from June to August sees the warmest conditions, with averages around 21-22°C (71-72°F) and maximums frequently crossing 30°C (86°F). However, autumn heralds a return to cooler temperatures, with averages dipping to 18°C (65°F) in September and falling to -1°C (30°F) by October, marking the onset of winter once more. This cyclical pattern underscores the region's continental climate, shaped by stark contrasts between cold winters and warm summers.
In the region of Rason, temperature variations can be quite extreme across the year. Ungsang experiences a minimum temperature of -21°C (-5°F) in December and a maximum of 32°C (90°F) in August, while Sonbong shares the same seasonal extremes with a minimum of -21°C (-5°F) in winter and a peak at 32°C (90°F) in summer. In contrast, Rajin records slightly colder temperatures with a minimum of -23°C (-8°F) in December and a maximum of 33°C (92°F) in August. For more detailed information, you can explore the monthly temperatures in Ungsang here, in Sonbong here, and in Rajin here.
Precipitation patterns in Rason, North Korea, reveal a distinct seasonal variability, with the highest rainfall concentrated in the summer months. January and December are the driest months, featuring just 15 mm (0.6 in) and 13 mm (0.5 in) of precipitation, respectively. As spring approaches, March experiences a notable increase to 38 mm (1.5 in), followed by April's 24 mm (1.0 in). However, the most significant rainfall occurs during the summer, particularly in August, where averages surge to 233 mm (9.2 in) across 17 days of precipitation, marking it as the wettest month of the year.
The transition to heavy rainfall begins in late spring as May sees a substantial spike with 95 mm (3.7 in) over 10 days of rain, continuing into June and July with 67 mm (2.6 in) and 83 mm (3.3 in), respectively. Fall months also maintain moderate precipitation levels, with September receiving 100 mm (3.9 in) and rainfall tapering down to 40 mm (1.6 in) in October and 41 mm (1.6 in) in November. This seasonal distribution of precipitation underscores a climatic profile where Rason experiences dry winters, a rainy summer peak, and transitioning orders of rainfall during spring and autumn.
In Rason, North Korea, sunshine duration exhibits a remarkable seasonal trend, with a steady increase from winter to summer. The year begins with relatively limited sunlight, as January records just 194 hours. However, a gradual rise is evident as February sees an increase to 235 hours. By March, sunlight reaches a significant 284 hours, and this upward trajectory continues through the spring months, peaking in May with an impressive 312 hours of sunshine, which indicates the onset of warmer weather and longer days.
The summer months maintain high sunshine levels, with July slightly outshining all others at 313 hours, followed closely by June and August with 304 and 288 hours, respectively. As the year progresses into autumn, sunlight hours begin to taper off, with September seeing 283 hours before reducing to 267 hours in October. The trend continues, with November and December showing the least sunshine, recording 231 and 230 hours, respectively. This pattern emphasizes a clear seasonal cycle, where Rason enjoys its most abundant sunshine during the warmer months, contributing to the region's overall climatic character and influencing agricultural practices and lifestyle.
In Rason, North Korea, the UV Index demonstrates a clear seasonal trend, reflecting changing sun exposure conditions throughout the year. During the winter months, UV Index values remain low, with January and December registering at 2, indicating a low risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with advisable burn times of 45 minutes. As spring approaches, February and March bring moderate levels with UV Index values of 3 and 5, respectively. This increase signals the need for basic sun protection as the potential for skin damage starts to rise, especially during peak sunlight hours.
The summer months mark a significant shift, with UV Index values surging to very high levels of 8 to 10 between May and September. In particular, June, July, and August consistently report a maximum UV Index of 10, where the recommended burn time dramatically decreases to just 15 minutes, necessitating heightened sun safety measures. As autumn sets in, the UV Index begins to decline again, lowering to 5 in October and 3 in November, before returning to low levels by the year's end. This seasonal pattern highlights the critical importance of sun protection, especially during the peak summer months when UV radiation levels can pose serious risks.
UV Risk Categories
In Rason, North Korea, daylight duration exhibits a marked seasonal cycle, indicating the shifting patterns of sunlight throughout the year. January and December have the shortest days, with only 9 hours of daylight, reflecting the winter solstice's influence. As winter transitions into spring, daylight gradually increases, reaching 10 hours in February and 11 hours by March. This incremental rise continues into April, where daylight extends to 13 hours, setting the stage for longer days ahead.
The progression towards summer sees daylight peaking in June with 15 hours of sunlight, maximizing the region’s exposure to natural light. Although July maintains a substantial 14 hours, the duration slightly wanes in August to 13 hours as summer transitions to fall. Daylight duration begins to taper off in the autumn months, dropping to 12 hours in September and decreasing again to 11 hours in October. Both November and December revert to 9 hours, completing the yearly cycle of light and darkness. This pattern emphasizes the importance of seasonal changes in illumination, which plays a crucial role in the ecological and agricultural practices of the region.
Rajin, North Korea experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures typically range from -22°C to 6°C, while July sees averages between 12°C and 32°C. Precipitation is heaviest in August with 251 mm, contributing to warm, humid summers, whereas winters remain relatively dry. Sunshine is prevalent, peaking in July with 313 hours, ensuring bright and lengthy summer days. For more details on the climate, visit Rajin climate.
Sonbong, North Korea experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to a minimum of -20°C (-4°F), while July reaches max temperatures of 31°C (88°F). Precipitation is highest in August at 224 mm (8.8 in), contributing to the region's wet summer. Sunshine hours peak in June and July, with over 300 hours, providing ample daylight during the warmer months. For more detailed information, visit Sonbong climate.
Ungsang, North Korea experiences a stark continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can plunge to -20°C (-4°F), while July sees highs around 31°C (88°F). Precipitation is highest in August at 224 mm (8.8 in), indicating a wet summer season, whereas winter months are relatively dry. The area enjoys ample sunshine, with May and July boasting over 300 hours of sun each. For more information, check the Ungsang climate.
In conclusion, Rason, North Korea, exhibits distinct climatic characteristics that highlight the region's seasonal variability in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The cold winters give way to warmer summers, accompanied by significant fluctuations in solar exposure and UV radiation levels, which necessitate seasonal adaptions for sun protection. As daylight hours steadily increase in spring and peak during summer, the region benefits from enhanced sunlight that supports agricultural activities and influences local lifestyles. The interplay of these climatic elements forms a unique environmental tapestry, showcasing the dynamic nature of Rason's climate and emphasizing the need for sustainable practices that align with these seasonal changes.