UV Index in Pyongyang, North Korea

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Pyongyang, North Korea, is crucial for safeguarding skin health and preventing sunburn. As residents and visitors alike enjoy the city's distinct Dwa climate, with its warm summers, awareness of UV radiation levels can help mitigate risks associated with prolonged sun exposure. The UV levels in Pyongyang can soar to a peak of 9, especially during midday hours, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to protect your skin. By staying informed about these fluctuations, you can enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere while minimizing the risks linked to UV radiation.

Hourly UV Index in Pyongyang

The UV Index for the day reveals an intensifying sun, peaking between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM with a striking value of 9. Early in the day, at 7:00 AM, the index starts low at 1, allowing a gradual increase to 2 by 8:00 AM. As the hours progress, the UV exposure rises sharply, hitting 6 by 10:00 AM, and climbing to its maximum of 8 at 11:00 AM before reaching its zenith. After this midday spike, a gentle decline begins; the levels drop back to 8 at 2:00 PM, then 6 at 3:00 PM, and further decrease to 2 by 5:00 PM. The sun sets on the day’s UV journey with lingering low values of 1 for the last few hours. It's a reminder to stay protected during those peak hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
TimeUVICategoryTime to Burn
07:001low45 min
08:002low45 min
09:004moderate30 min
10:006high25 min
11:008very high15 min
12:009very high15 min
13:009very high15 min
14:008very high15 min
15:006high25 min
16:004moderate30 min
17:002low45 min
18:001low45 min
19:001low45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Pyongyang

As the seasons change, so do UV levels, significantly impacting safe sun exposure. From January to March, the UV Index remains moderate, peaking at 4 in February with a burn time of 30 minutes. However, the risk escalates dramatically from April, when the UV Index reaches 8, marking the start of the very high exposure category, which continues through July, where it peaks at 10. August faces the highest risk with an extreme index of 11, allowing only 10 minutes of safe sun exposure. As summer wanes into September, the index reduces slightly to 9, but remains in the very high category. October sees a drop to 6 (high), followed by moderate levels in November and low levels in December. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures, especially during the high-risk months of April to August; wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen, and seek shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Pyongyang, North Korea

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Pyongyang. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec346891011119642
Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Pyongyang, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Pyongyang UV Index with Other North Korea Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Pyongyang compares to other major locations across North Korea. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.
Pyongyang's solar exposure compared to other cities in North Korea. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Hungnam UVI245781010118632
Sunch'on UVI346881010119642
Hamhung UVI346881010118632
Pyongyang345891010119642
Namp'o UVI346891010119642