Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Kanggye, North Korea, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health, especially given the region's unique Dwb climate. With UV levels peaking at 11 during the midday hours, residents and visitors must be aware of their sun exposure to prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. By staying informed about UV levels, you can take proactive steps to enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding your well-being against the risks associated with high UV radiation.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to a moderate 3, signaling an increase in sun exposure. The peak arrives between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, hitting a striking 11, where protective measures are essential. As the afternoon rolls in, the index gradually declines, dipping to 9 at 2:00 PM and then down to 5 by 4:00 PM. As the day winds down, it returns to a safe 1 by 6:00 PM, wrapping up a day marked by a significant solar intensity that calls for vigilance during the 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | 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 |