Last updated: June 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health in Yongbyon, North Korea. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin damage from harmful UV radiation. Given Yongbyon's Dwa climate, which features hot summers and cold winters, the UV exposure can be unexpectedly high during peak hours, particularly around midday when the UV Index reaches its highest at a blistering 10. Staying informed about these fluctuations ensures you can enjoy outdoor activities safely while protecting your skin from the sun's intense rays.
The UV Index presents a compelling journey throughout the day, starting low at 1 at 07:00, ideal for early risers. As the sun climbs, the index steadily rises, hitting 3 by 08:00 and reaching 5 by 09:00. By 10:00, atmospheric intensity peaks at 6, but the real surge occurs around midday, with the UV Index soaring to its maximum of 10 at 13:00—a clear signal for sun safety! The intensity begins to taper off post-lunch, dropping to 8 at 14:00 and further declining to 7 by 15:00. As the day winds down, the UV level smoothly descends to 4 at 16:00, before settling back at 3 by 17:00 and finally waning to 1 by 19:00. Stay mindful of this UV cycle and 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | 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 exposure varies significantly, with particularly high risks during the summer months. From March to August, the UV Index escalates from a moderate level to an extreme peak in August, where the burn time drops to just 10 minutes. The months of April through September are crucial, with UV Index values classified as very high to extreme, necessitating heightened caution. During these high-risk months, visitors and residents are advised to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Conversely, from November to February, risks are lower, with moderate to low levels of UV exposure, making it safer for outdoor activities. Stay informed and protect your skin to enjoy the sun safely during all seasons!
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 |
| Yongbyon | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 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 |