Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, showcases a diverse range of conditions characterized by distinct Koppen-Geiger climate classifications, namely Dwa, Cfa, and Cwa. The region experiences a minimum temperature plummeting to -19°C (-1°F) in January, highlighting its cold-season extremes. In contrast, the summer peaks reach a scorching 38°C (101°F) in August, emphasizing the area's pronounced seasonal temperature variations. Averaging around 14°C (57°F) annually, Gyeongsangbuk-do's climate presents a unique interplay of humid continental and subtropical influences, shaping both its ecosystems and human activities.
Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns that reflect its diverse climate. The winter months, particularly January and February, see frigid conditions with minimum temperatures dropping as low as -19°C (-1°F). As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise, reaching an average of 8°C (47°F) in March and peaking at 13°C (55°F) in April, signaling the transition to warmer weather. The summer months, especially July and August, experience intense heat, with maximum temperatures soaring to 38°C (100°F) and 38°C (101°F), respectively. As autumn sets in, temperatures begin to cool again, with October showcasing a pleasant average of 15°C (60°F) before winter returns once more. Overall, the region's climate demonstrates a clear progression from cold winters to hot summers, punctuated by brief, mild transitional seasons.
Gyeongju experiences a minimum temperature of -13°C (9°F) in January and a maximum of 38°C (100°F) in July, making it notable for its warm summers and cold winters monthly temperatures in Gyeongju. Similarly, Andong sees its lowest temperature drop to -15°C (5°F) in January, while it reaches up to 37°C (99°F) in August monthly temperatures in Andong. Pohang's climate mirrors that of Gyeongju, with a minimum of -13°C (9°F) in January and a maximum of 37°C (99°F) in August monthly temperatures in Pohang.
Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, experiences a varied precipitation pattern throughout the year, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. During the winter months, January and February see relatively low rainfall, with only 25 mm (1.0 in) and 31 mm (1.2 in), respectively, and minimal rainy days. As spring unfolds in March and April, precipitation begins to rise, averaging around 76 mm (3.0 in) in March and remaining steady at 75 mm (3.0 in) in April. This trend continues through May, with an increase to 80 mm (3.1 in) as temperatures begin to warm.
The summer months, particularly from June to August, represent the peak of the wet season in Gyeongsangbuk-do, with July and August recording substantial rainfall of 239 mm (9.4 in) and 217 mm (8.6 in), respectively. These months typically experience an average of 14 to 15 rainy days, making them the wettest period of the year. Conversely, precipitation starts to decline in September, with 182 mm (7.2 in), followed by a noticeable decrease in the fall months of October and November, where rainfall drops to 92 mm (3.6 in) and 24 mm (0.9 in), respectively, culminating in drier conditions by December.
Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, demonstrates a clear seasonal variation in sunshine duration, with a notable increase as the year progresses from winter to summer. January starts with 197 hours of sunshine, gradually climbing to 240 hours in February. As spring approaches, the hours continue to rise, peaking in May with 306 hours, signaling the onset of warmer weather and longer days. April and June also showcase impressive totals, with 284 hours and 308 hours, respectively, making this a vibrant season for outdoor activities and agriculture.
The summer months maintain high sunshine levels, although slightly tapering off with 279 hours in July and 287 hours in August. As autumn sets in, sunshine hours gradually decline, with September recording 248 hours and October further reducing to 258 hours. Despite the decrease, November and December still capture significant sunshine, with 236 hours and 242 hours, respectively. Overall, the data highlights that late spring and early summer are the peak months for sunshine in Gyeongsangbuk-do, creating a sharp contrast to the shorter, more subdued sunlight hours experienced in the colder winter months.
The UV Index in Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, exhibits a pronounced seasonal pattern, reflecting varying levels of solar radiation throughout the year. During the winter months, January and February see moderate UV Index levels of 3 and 5, respectively, indicating that sun exposure is relatively safe with a burn time of 30 minutes. As spring emerges, the UV Index escalates significantly, peaking at 10 in April and May, where the exposure category shifts to very high, reducing safe burn time to just 15 minutes. This upward trend in UV radiation emphasizes the importance of protecting the skin during these months.
The summer months, particularly June to August, present extreme UV conditions, with the Index reaching its highest at 12 in both July and August. During this period, the burn time drops to a mere 10 minutes, necessitating heightened precautions against sunburn. Even as autumn arrives, September maintains a very high UV Index of 10, before gradually declining to 7 in October. The UV levels stabilize in November and December, reverting to moderate exposure levels, with indices of 5 and 3 respectively. Understanding these trends is crucial for residents and visitors alike, as it aids in planning outdoor activities while ensuring necessary protective measures against harmful UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
In Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal rhythm, fluctuating throughout the year in response to changing solar cycles. January and December feature the least amount of daylight, with only 9 hours, while February experiences a slight increase to 10 hours. As spring unfolds, daylight extends noticeably, reaching 11 hours in March and peaking at 13 hours in April. By May, an average of 14 hours of daylight signals the arrival of longer days and vibrant foliage, continuing into June and July, which also maintain this extended daylight.
As summer transitions to autumn, daylight begins to taper off, with August witnessing a slight decline to 13 hours. September marks another noticeable drop to 12 hours as the days shorten. The trend persists into October and November, where daylight decreases to 11 hours and 10 hours, respectively. This cyclical pattern culminates again in December, mirroring the conditions of January. Understanding these shifts in daylight duration is essential for planning outdoor activities and appreciating the seasonal changes in Gyeongsangbuk-do.
Andong, South Korea experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January sees average temperatures around -1°C (31°F) with minimal precipitation, while July and August are hot and humid, with average temperatures reaching 25°C (78°F) and 26°C (79°F), respectively, accompanied by significant rainfall. The region enjoys ample sunshine, particularly from May to June, with May recording an average of 303 hours. For more detailed information, visit Andong climate.
Gyeongju, South Korea, experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons. Winter temperatures can drop to -13°C (9°F) in January, while summers are warm, reaching up to 38°C (100°F) in July. Precipitation peaks during the summer months, with July and August receiving over 200 mm (8 in) of rain. Gyeongju enjoys ample sunshine, particularly from May to August, offering over 300 hours of sun each month. For more detailed information, visit Gyeongju climate.
Mungyeong, South Korea, experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters are cold, with January averaging -2°C (28°F) and occasionally plunging to -19°C (-1°F), while summers can be hot and humid, peaking in August with an average of 25°C (78°F) and maximums reaching 37°C (98°F). Rainfall is abundant in the summer months, particularly in July and August, with precipitation totaling 259 mm and 265 mm respectively. Sunny days are prevalent, especially from May to June, boasting over 300 hours of sunshine. For more details, visit Mungyeong climate.
Pohang, South Korea experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and hot, humid summers. January's temperatures range from a minimum of -13°C to a maximum of 16°C, while July sees much warmer conditions, with lows of 17°C and highs reaching 36°C. Rainfall is most abundant in the summer months, particularly July and August, which receive over 200 mm. Sunshine is plentiful during late spring and summer, peaking in June with 313 hours. For more detailed information, visit Pohang climate.
Yeongdeok, South Korea, experiences cold winters with January temperatures ranging from -14°C to 13°C and milder summers peaking in August at 19°C to 35°C. The area receives significant rainfall, particularly during July and August, averaging 236 mm and 207 mm respectively, making these months the wettest of the year. Sunshine is abundant in late spring and summer, with May and June enjoying over 300 hours of sunshine each. For more detailed insights on the climate throughout the year, visit Yeongdeok climate.
In conclusion, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, presents a dynamic interplay of climatic factors, including temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight variation throughout the year. The region's diverse climate facilitates distinct seasonal changes, characterized by cold winters, warm summers, and transitional spring and autumn periods. Notable peaks in sunshine and UV exposure during late spring and summer highlight the importance of protective measures for outdoor activities, while the extended daylight hours during these seasons contribute to the vibrancy of the local environment. Understanding these climatic patterns is crucial for residents and visitors alike, enabling them to better appreciate and adapt to the unique characteristics of Gyeongsangbuk-do's climate.