Last updated: January 18, 2025
South Pyongan, North Korea, exhibits a humid continental climate characterized by two primary Köppen-Geiger classifications: Dwa and Dwb. This region experiences a substantial temperature range, with winter minimums plummeting to an extreme -27°C (-16°F) in December, while summer peaks can soar up to 37°C (99°F) in August. The annual average temperature hovers around 11°C (52°F), highlighting the distinct seasonal variations that define the climate of this area.
In South Pyongan, North Korea, temperature patterns exhibit distinct seasonal trends that reflect a typical humid continental climate. Winter months, particularly January and December, experience extreme cold, with minimum temperatures plunging to -27°C (-16°F) in December and averaging around -5°C (23°F) in January. As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise, reaching an average of 11°C (53°F) in April. The transition into summer brings a significant warmth, with July and August showcasing remarkable highs of 36°C (97°F) and 37°C (99°F), respectively, while remaining comfortably warm at night. Early autumn mirrors these temperatures, finally descending into chillier conditions by October and November, where averages drop to 13°C (56°F) and 5°C (41°F), respectively. Overall, the region's climate is marked by pronounced seasonal fluctuations, alternating between frigid winters and warm summers.
Sinanju experiences a minimum temperature of -21°C (-5°F) in December and a maximum of 36°C (97°F) in August, which can be explored further at monthly temperatures in Sinanju. In contrast, Anju records slightly lower winter temperatures with a minimum of -25°C (-12°F) in December and higher summer temperatures peaking at 37°C (98°F) in August, detailed at monthly temperatures in Anju. Meanwhile, Namp'o has a winter low of -17°C (1°F) in January and matches Anju with a summer high of 37°C (98°F) in August, as illustrated at monthly temperatures in Namp'o.
Precipitation in South Pyongan, North Korea, demonstrates a clear seasonal pattern, characterized by minimal rainfall during the winter months and significantly increased totals in the summer. January and February are particularly dry, with only 13 mm (0.5 in) and 19 mm (0.8 in) of precipitation, respectively. As winter yields to spring, March marks the beginning of a gradual increase, with precipitation rising to 33 mm (1.3 in). By May, rainfall escalates dramatically, peaking in the summer months, highlighting the region's monsoonal influence.
The summer months of June, July, and August are the wettest, with precipitation levels soaring to 142 mm (5.6 in) in June, 196 mm (7.7 in) in July, and a peak of 294 mm (11.6 in) in August. This increase is accompanied by more rainy days, with August alone experiencing 18 days of precipitation. Following the summer, rainfall begins to decrease again in September, gradually tapering off throughout autumn and winter, resulting in 50 mm (2.0 in) in October and returning to 23 mm (0.9 in) in December. This pattern illustrates the stark contrast between the dry winter and the wet summer, a hallmark of South Pyongan's climate.
In South Pyongan, North Korea, sunshine duration reveals a clear seasonal progression, with notable increases as the year transitions from winter to summer. January, with only 200 hours of sunshine, marks the beginning of the year with limited daylight. However, as February progresses, sunlight begins to strengthen, rising to 241 hours. This upward trend continues into spring, where March and April showcase further increases to 284 hours and 291 hours, respectively, culminating in May, which sees a peak of 311 hours. This steady rise in sunshine hours signifies the invigorating transition towards warmer seasons.
The summer months maintain this trend, with June recording the highest sunshine duration at 315 hours, followed closely by July at 308 hours. While August experiences a slight decline to 286 hours, it still retains substantial sunlight. As autumn approaches, sunshine hours gradually decrease, with September at 279 hours and October further dropping to 259 hours. The year wraps up with November and December reflecting the winter's return, offering 230 hours and 232 hours of sunshine, respectively. Overall, this seasonal progression highlights the vibrant luminosity of spring and summer, contrasted against the dimmer, shorter days of winter.
The UV Index in South Pyongan, North Korea, exhibits significant seasonal variation, reflecting the shifting intensity of sunlight throughout the year. During the winter months of January and February, the UV Index remains relatively low at 3 and 4, categorized as moderate, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. As spring arrives, particularly in March, the index escalates to 6, indicating high exposure risk, with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. By April and May, the UV Index reaches 8 and 9, both classified as very high, necessitating care with a burn time of just 15 minutes.
The peak UV Index occurs in the summer months of June and July, where levels soar to 10 and 11, classifying it as extreme, and requiring an alarming burn time of only 10 minutes. August maintains this extreme level before gradually declining in September to 9, still at a very high category. As autumn approaches, the index decreases further, with October returning to 6 (high exposure) and November dropping to 4 (moderate). The year concludes in December with a low 2 on the UV Index, allowing for a much safer burn time of 45 minutes. This seasonal trend emphasizes the need for increased sun protection during the summer months while indicating lower caution during winter.
UV Risk Categories
In South Pyongan, North Korea, daylight duration reveals a characteristic seasonal cycle, with light hours fluctuating significantly throughout the year. At the onset of the year, January only receives 9 hours of daylight, gradually increasing to 10 hours in February. As spring approaches, March sees daylight extend to 11 hours, and this upward trend continues, peaking in the longer days of April and May with 13 hours and 14 hours respectively. June, July, and August maintain this peak daylight duration of 14 hours, offering a generous span of sunlight during the summer months.
As autumn sets in, daylight hours begin to diminish, with August tapering to 13 hours in September and further declining to 12 hours by October. The trend continues with November experiencing 10 hours of daylight, while December sees a return to the shorter 9 hours characteristic of the winter months. This cyclical pattern highlights the significant variations in daylight duration, with the longest days occurring in the summer, contrasting with the brief daylight hours seen during winter.
Anju, North Korea experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -25°C (-12°F), while July reaches highs around 36°C (97°F). Precipitation peaks in August with an average of 315 mm (12.4 in), predominantly during the summer months. The region enjoys significant sunshine, especially in May and June, with over 310 hours each month. For more details, visit Anju climate.
Namp’o, North Korea experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -17°C (1°F), while July sees highs reaching up to 35°C (96°F). Precipitation is heaviest during the summer months, particularly in August, with a significant 251 mm (9.9 in) of rainfall. Sunshine is abundant from May to July, with maximum hours exceeding 311 per month. For more detailed information, visit the Namp'o climate.
P'yongsong, North Korea experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures typically range from a minimum of -20°C (-4°F) to a maximum of 10°C (50°F), while July sees warmer averages between 17°C (63°F) and 36°C (97°F). Precipitation is highest in the summer months, peaking in August with 306 mm (12.1 in), contributing to lush vegetation during the growing season. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in May and June, with over 300 hours of sunlight per month. For more detailed information, visit P'yongsong climate.
Sangsong-ni, North Korea, experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures plunge to a minimum of -25°C (-12°F) and can rise to 8°C (47°F), while July sees milder conditions with averages around 23°C (74°F) and highs reaching 35°C (95°F). Precipitation peaks in late summer, particularly in August with 330 mm (13.0 in), while winter months remain relatively dry. The region enjoys substantial sunshine, especially in May and June, with over 300 hours of sunlight. For more detailed climate information, visit Sangsong-ni climate.
Sil-li, North Korea experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -20°C (-3°F), while July sees highs reaching up to 35°C (95°F). Precipitation levels peak during the summer months, particularly in August with 285 mm (11.2 in), contributing to a lush environment. The area enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in May and June, with over 310 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit the Sil-li climate.
Sinanju, North Korea experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop as low as -20°C (-3°F), while July can reach up to 35°C (95°F). Precipitation is highest during the summer months, peaking in August at 285 mm (11.2 in), whereas the winter months receive significantly less rainfall. The region also enjoys ample sunshine, with June having the most at 315 hours. For more details, visit Sinanju climate.
Sunch'on, North Korea experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to as low as -27°C (-16°F), while July sees highs around 36°C (96°F). Precipitation peaks in the summer months, particularly in August with 332 mm (13.1 in), contributing to a lush environment. Sunshine is abundant, with the longest days occurring in May and June, reaching over 300 hours. For more detailed information, visit Sunch'on climate.
Yonggang-up, North Korea experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop as low as -17°C (1°F), while July peaks at around 35°C (96°F). Precipitation is highest in August, totaling 251 mm (9.9 in), contributing to the wettest month of the year, followed by July with 172 mm (6.8 in). Sunshine is relatively abundant, with the sunniest months being May and June, each receiving over 315 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit Yonggang-up climate.
In conclusion, South Pyongan, North Korea, exhibits a distinct climatic and seasonal profile characterized by significant variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours throughout the year. The region experiences frigid winters with extreme temperature drops and limited sunlight, contrasted by hot summers marked by high temperatures and abundant sunshine. The UV Index peaks during these warmer months, necessitating careful sun protection, while daylight duration extends significantly in summer, providing residents with long hours of sunlight. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for adapting to seasonal changes and making informed decisions regarding outdoor activities and health protections throughout the year.