Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Chaeryong-up, North Korea, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially during the peak summer months. With a climate classified as Dwa, residents and visitors alike experience notably high UV exposure, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, when the index reaches its maximum of 10—a level that can cause significant skin damage within minutes. Understanding these UV levels allows you to take proactive measures to protect yourself from harmful rays, ensuring that your time outdoors is both enjoyable and safe. Stay informed and safeguard your skin against the sun's intensity!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index paints a vivid picture of sun exposure. Starting at a modest 1 by 07:00, the index steadily climbs to 3 by 08:00, marking the beginning of a sun-filled day. The real surge occurs at 10:00, where it reaches 7, peaking at an intense 10 between 12:00 and 13:00—the highest point of the day. Afterward, a gradual decline begins, with values dropping to 9 at 14:00, and easing down to 4 by 16:00. As evening approaches, the index settles back to a comfortable 1 by 18:00, allowing for a safe close to sunlit hours. Be sure to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 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 |
| Chaeryong-up | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |