Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Kanggye, North Korea, a region characterized by its Dwb climate, which can bring significant sun exposure. Awareness of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, especially during the peak hours when the UV Index soars to a maximum of 9 around noon. This means that even on a seemingly mild day, sun protection is essential to avoid harmful effects from the sun's rays. With typical exposure risks peaking in the early afternoon, being informed about the UV Index can empower you to take necessary precautions, ensuring a safer and healthier experience under the sun.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index showcases a dynamic shift in sunlight intensity, peaking impressively at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM with a high of 9. Early morning starts with a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually escalating to 2 by 8:00 AM, but it’s the late morning that really sees action, jumping to 6 at 10:00 AM and reaching 8 by 11:00 AM. By noon, the sun is blazing, demanding attention from all sunbathers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. As the afternoon rolls in, the index begins to taper off, dipping to 6 at 3:00 PM before settling back into milder levels—4 at 4:00 PM, then down to 2 by 5:00 PM, and finally retreating to a soft 1 by 7:00 PM. This hour-by-hour journey illustrates the sun's powerful presence and the importance of sun protection during peak hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels vary significantly, reflecting seasonal changes that can impact skin health. From January to February, the UV Index rises from 2 to 4, indicating a shift from low to moderate exposure risk, with burn times decreasing from 45 to 30 minutes. As spring progresses into March and April, the UV Index increases dramatically to 6 and 8 respectively, moving into the high and very high exposure categories, with burn times shortening to 25 and 15 minutes. The summer months of May through August show the highest UV exposure, peaking at 11 in August, where risk is classified as extreme and the burn time drops to just 10 minutes. In contrast, fall brings a decrease, with September at a very high level of 8, and October returning to high at 6. November and December see a significant reduction in UV risk, returning to moderate and low levels, with lengthy burn times of 30 to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during high-risk months from March to August, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hungnam UVI | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Kanggye | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Sunch'on UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Hamhung UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Pyongyang UVI | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Namp'o UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 2 |