Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in P'yongsong, North Korea, as it serves a vital role in promoting sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. With the region's climate classified as Dwa, exposure to ultraviolet radiation can fluctuate significantly throughout the day, peaking at a striking index of 10 around noon. This highlights the importance of being vigilant about UV levels, especially during the summer months, to reduce risks of overexposure and ensure effective sun safety practices. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
The UV Index data reveals a compelling daily pattern in sunlight’s intensity. Starting the day at a mild 1 at 07:00, the index climbs steadily to reach a peak of 10 between 12:00 and 13:00, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By 11:00, it hits 9, a clear signal to seek shade and wear protective gear. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually decreases, dipping to 4 by 16:00, and further down to 1 by evening. This trend underscores the importance of being sun-smart during peak hours, particularly from 10:00 to 14:00, when UV radiation can be most intense.
| 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 | 6 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
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.
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 |
| P'yongsong | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 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 |