Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Manp'o, North Korea, where the climate often leads to varying sun exposure throughout the day. With summer temperatures rising and typical UV levels peaking around midday, being informed about these levels helps prevent sunburn and protects skin health. From a moderate UV Index of 4 in the morning to a peak of 9 at noon, the risk of harmful exposure increases significantly. Awareness of these fluctuations equips you to enjoy the beauty of Manp'o while safeguarding your skin against the sun’s intense rays.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic range of sun intensity, peaking during the late morning to early afternoon hours. Starting at 07:00, the index begins at a mild 2, before escalating to 9 at 11:00 and 12:00, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually diminishes, sliding to 6 by 14:00, and tapering off to a safe 1 by 17:00. The day concludes with a UV Index of 0 by 19:00, suggesting a welcome reprieve from rays. It's essential to stay protected during those midday hours, where the sun's strength is unmistakably at its height!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | 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 |
| Manp'o | 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 |