Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for health and safety in Koksan, North Korea, where the climate often features intense sunlight, especially during peak hours. Keeping an eye on UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns, but also for safeguarding your long-term skin health. Typically classified within the Dwa climate zone, Koksan experiences significant UV exposure, particularly between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when values can soar to a maximum of 10. Being aware of these levels empowers residents and visitors alike to enjoy the outdoors while protecting themselves from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.
As the sun rises, the UV Index steadily climbs, beginning at a gentle 1 at 07:00. By mid-morning, it peeks to a moderate 5 at 09:00, but the real intensity hits during the late morning hours. At 11:00, the index reaches a striking 9, peaking at a maximum of 10 from 12:00 to 13:00—ideal conditions for sun lovers, but caution is advised! As afternoon rolls in, the UV levels gracefully decline, tapering to 7 by 15:00 and then steadily dropping to 1 by 19:00. This data highlights the importance of protecting your skin during the peak hours of 11:00 to 13:00, ensuring a safe and enjoyable day under the sun.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV index levels fluctuate significantly, with the most intense exposure occurring during the summer months. High-risk months for UV exposure are from April to August, particularly peaking in July and August with an extreme UV Index of 11, resulting in a burn time of only 10 minutes. As we transition from spring into summer, residents and visitors should be particularly vigilant, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. In contrast, the winter months (January, February, November, and December) feature a moderate UV exposure, allowing for safer sun enjoyment, but caution is still advised, especially during midday hours. Remember, even on cloudy or cooler days, UV rays can cause harm, so take the necessary precautions year-round.
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 |
| 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 |
| Koksan | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |