Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Iwon-up, North Korea is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With the climate classified as Dfa (humid continental), residents and visitors must be aware of UV exposure risks, particularly during the peak hours when the UV Index reaches a high of 10 around noon. This awareness not only helps you protect your skin from harmful rays but also ensures you enjoy the beautiful outdoor activities that Iwon-up has to offer. By keeping an eye on daily UV levels, you can make informed decisions about sun protection, allowing for a safer and healthier lifestyle in this region.
The UV Index today starts off low at 2 by 7:00 AM, foreshadowing a day that gradually intensifies. By 8:00 AM, it rises to 3, and the sun's strength becomes more apparent as the clock strikes 9:00 with a 5 rating. The peak occurs in the late morning and early afternoon—at 11:00 AM, the UV Index hits a significant 10, remaining steady until 1:00 PM. As the sun begins its descent, the index dips to 8 by 2:00 PM, then gradually declines to 6 at 3:00 PM, before settling at 2 by 5:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV Index further lowers to a mere 1 by 6:00 PM, making it clear that the day's highest exposure was during those peak hours. Stay protected during the midday sun!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 fluctuate, indicating varying risks for sun exposure. January and December see low levels of UV radiation (Index 2), allowing for longer burn times of 45 minutes. As we move into February and November, the index rises to moderate levels (Index 4 and 3 respectively), with shorter burn times of 30 minutes. The risk significantly increases from March (Index 6) to May (Index 8), reaching very high levels in April and May, where one can burn in as little as 15 minutes. The peak risk occurs in July and August, where the UV Index hits extreme levels (Index 11), reducing safe exposure time to only 10 minutes. September sees a slight drop back to very high (Index 8), followed by high levels in October. Residents and visitors should take precautions during the high-risk months of April through August, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
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 |
| 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 |
| Iwon-up | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 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 |