Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Yongha, North Korea, is crucial for safeguarding your skin against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. With UV levels reaching a peak of 11 during midday hours, awareness of these fluctuations can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. Given Yongha's Dwb climate, characterized by extreme seasonal temperature variations, the risks associated with high UV exposure are particularly pertinent. Learning to interpret UV Index ratings empowers residents and visitors alike to enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing damage from the sun.
The UV Index data paints a vivid picture of a day under the sun, starting with a gentle maximum of 1 at 7 AM. As the morning progresses, the index gradually climbs, reaching 3 by 8 AM and hitting 5 by 9 AM. However, the real intensity arrives around 10 AM, when the UV Index peaks at a striking 11—a clear signal to seek shade and protect your skin. It remains at this maximum level until 1 PM, heralding the highest potential for sunburn and skin damage. As the afternoon unfolds, the index begins to taper off, dropping to 9 at 2 PM, then further declining to 5 by 4 PM. By evening, the intensity wanes, returning to a mild 1 by 6 PM and staying low through the rest of the night. Enjoy the sunshine, but remember to stay safe 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
As the seasons change, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, impacting exposure levels and burn times. January and February see moderate UV levels (3-4), requiring about 30 minutes for burn time. However, by March, UV exposure rises to a high level (6) with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The risk peaks from April to August, where UV Index values soar to a maximum of 11 (extreme), allowing for a mere 10 minutes before burn occurs. September decreases to a very high UV Index of 8, while October offers slight relief at a high level (6). Finally, November and December reflect moderate to low UV levels, with burn times extending back to 30 and 45 minutes, respectively. Visitors and residents are advised to exercise caution, particularly during the high-risk months of April through August, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
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 |
| Yongha | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |