Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Changyon, North Korea, where the sun can shine brightly, especially during peak hours. Being aware of UV levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining optimal skin health, as prolonged exposure without protection can lead to serious health risks. Changyon's Dwa climate brings diverse weather conditions, but the UV levels can reach alarming heights, often peaking at an index of 11 around noon. This makes it imperative for everyone to check UV forecasts regularly and take appropriate precautions to safeguard their skin from harmful rays.
At dawn, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 and gradually rises as the sun climbs higher in the sky. By 09:00, it reaches a moderate 4, signaling a good time to enjoy some outdoor activities while still being cautious. However, between 11:00 and 13:00, the UV Index peaks dramatically at 10 and 11, marking the hours of highest intensity when sun safety measures are crucial. As the afternoon progresses, it slowly declines to 8 at 15:00, offering a bit of relief before dropping further to 3 by 17:00. As daylight wanes, the UV Index returns to a low 1 by 19:00, making it safe to enjoy the evening outdoors without concern for UV exposure.
| 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 | 5 | 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 levels exhibit significant seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months. January and February see a moderate UV Index of 3 and 4, allowing for 30 minutes of safe exposure. As spring approaches, March escalates to a high category with a UV Index of 6 and a 25-minute burn time. The sun's intensity climbs sharply from April through August, reaching an extreme UV Index of 11 in August, where burn time decreases to just 10 minutes—making this the highest-risk month for sun exposure. September also remains concerning with a UV Index of 9, while October sees a drop to a high level and a burn time of 25 minutes. As winter approaches, November and December return to moderate and low levels respectively, with burn times extending to 30 and 45 minutes. Visitors and residents during the high-risk months of April through August should take precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours 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 |
| 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 |
| Changyon | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 2 |