Last updated: June 2, 2025
In T'ongch'on-up, North Korea, awareness of the UV Index is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially during the peak summer months. Understanding these UV levels can help residents and visitors alike take necessary precautions to safeguard their skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. With a Dwb climate, T'ongch'on-up experiences significant sunlight exposure, particularly between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when the UV Index peaks at 10. This highlights the need for protective measures during these hours to enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing the risk of skin damage.
The UV Index peaks during the midday sun, reaching a maximum of 10 at noon, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day progresses, the index rises steadily from a mild 1 at 07:00 to an intensity of 9 by 11:00, prompting outdoor enthusiasts to stay protected. From 12:00 to 13:00, the UV Index remains at its highest, encouraging the use of sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing. Following this peak, it begins to dip gradually, falling to 4 by 16:00 and continuing to decrease to 1 by 19:00, when the day winds down and the sun begins to set. It's crucial to be mindful of these fluctuations and take necessary precautions during the peak hours!
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit considerable seasonal variation, indicating changing risks for sun exposure. The high-risk months occur mainly during the summer, particularly from June to August, with UV Index values peaking at 10 and 11, corresponding to very high and extreme exposure categories respectively, and a burn time as short as 10 minutes in August. As autumn approaches, the index drops to 6 in October and moderate levels in November, easing the risk. Conversely, January and December present the lowest UV levels at 2, where exposure is categorized as low. Visitors and residents are advised to exercise increased caution during the high-risk months by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak hours when the sun’s intensity is greatest.
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 |
| T'ongch'on-up | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Namp'o UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 2 |