Last updated: August 21, 2025
May in Pyongyang, North Korea brings a dynamic climate marked by a maximum temperature peaking at 34°C (93°F) and an average of 18°C (64°F), providing a warm backdrop as spring transitions into summer. Minimum temperatures can dip to 5°C (41°F), offering a refreshing contrast. Expect moderate rainfall, with a total of 112 mm (4.4 in) spread over approximately 8 days, contributing to the city's lush landscapes. The humidity level hovers around 76%, giving the air a pleasantly warm, albeit slightly muggy, feel. Overall, May offers a blend of warmth and occasional rain, making it a vibrant time to experience the capital's beauty.
In May, Pyongyang welcomes a significant shift in temperatures, marking the full embrace of spring. As the frost of winter recedes, the minimum temperature rises to a pleasant 5°C (41°F), while the average climbs to a comfortable 18°C (64°F), offering ideal conditions for outdoor activities. Days can get quite warm, reaching a maximum of 34°C (93°F), showcasing the city's potential for hot, sunny afternoons. This transitional month sets the stage for the warmer summer months ahead, as it contrasts sharply with the cold extremes of winter. Overall, May serves as a delightful precursor to the vibrant energy of summer in North Korea’s capital.
May marks a significant transition in the weather patterns of Pyongyang, North Korea, as precipitation reaches a notable 112 mm (4.4 in), nearly doubling April's total. This increase heralds the onset of the wetter season and is accompanied by 8 days of rainfall, reflecting a shift towards the more humid months ahead. As temperatures rise, the growing intensity and frequency of rainfall sets the stage for the lush greenery characteristic of late spring and early summer. This trend continues into June and July, where an uptick in both precipitation and rainy days propels Pyongyang into its rainiest period. The month of May not only serves as a precursor to the heavier summer rains but also highlights the vital role of seasonal precipitation in sustaining the region's agriculture and ecosystems.
As spring transitions to summer in Pyongyang, May brings a notable increase in humidity, reaching a comfortable 76%. This rise follows the more moderate levels of April, where humidity is recorded at 67%. The warm temperatures of May herald the start of a more sultry season, with humidity levels set to climb even further in June, peaking at 83%. A clear trend emerges as the year progresses: humidity levels in Pyongyang gradually escalate, particularly from late spring into the sweltering summer months. The sharp contrast between the lower figures in the winter—like January's 65% and February's 61%—underscores the dramatic shift in the city's climate. Enjoying May's pleasant humidity offers a brief respite before the intensity of summer weather unfolds.
As May unfolds in Pyongyang, North Korea, the UV Index reaches a striking 9, placing it in the very high exposure category with a burn time of just 15 minutes. This marks a continuation of the upward trend observed since April, where the UV Index jumped to 8, signaling the start of summer's intense sun exposure. As the months progress from January’s moderate levels to a peak of 10 in June and July, it becomes increasingly vital for residents and visitors alike to adopt sun safety measures. With May standing out as a crucial month for sun awareness, anyone planning outdoor activities should heed the UV Index to protect against skin damage. For more information on Pyongyang's UV levels throughout the year, check out Pyongyang UV Index.
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As spring gives way to summer, May shines brightly in Pyongyang, boasting an impressive 314 hours of sunshine. This marked increase continues a positive trend seen since the beginning of the year, with sunlight progressively accumulating from 200 hours in January to 294 hours by April. The gradual rise in daylight culminates in May, where sunlight reaches its peak before slightly tapering off in the warmer months of June and July. This seasonal surge not only enhances the city's landscape but also invigorates its residents, making May a particularly vibrant time in North Korea's capital. The consistent rise in sunshine hours reflects a broader shift towards brighter days, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for both locals and visitors alike.
In May, Pyongyang experiences a 43% chance of sunny weather, marking a notable dip as spring transitions into summer. This is part of a larger trend observed in the months leading up to summer, where the likelihood of sunshine steadily declines from warmer, sunnier months like February and January, which boast chances of 68% and 55% respectively. As we move into the summer, the probability drops further, hitting a low of 37% in July. This suggests that while May may still offer glimpses of sun, it's best to brace for a mix of cloudy days as North Korea approaches the sweltering months ahead.
As spring transitions into summer in Pyongyang, North Korea, the daylight hours gradually increase, offering a vibrant tapestry of changing seasons. In January, the city sees only 9 hours of daylight, but as the months progress, this duration steadily rises, reaching 14 hours by May. This peak continues through June and July, creating long, sunlit days that invite outdoor activities and social gatherings. However, as summer wanes, daylight hours begin to decrease, tapering back to 12 hours in September and slipping to 10 hours by November. The cyclical pattern of shorter days in winter contrasts sharply with the sun-drenched weeks of late spring and early summer, reflecting the dynamic rhythm of life in this vibrant city.
In May, the winds in Pyongyang maintain a gentle pace, with an average speed of 3.1 m/s (7 mph), mirroring the breezy conditions of April. Throughout the year, wind speeds begin to decline after the brisk January and February months, where they peak at 3.2 m/s and 3.4 m/s respectively. However, as summer approaches, the winds gradually ease, dropping to their lowest during the hot months of July and August, where they hover around 2.2 m/s (5 mph). This trend reflects a shift from the cool, refreshing breezes of spring to the still, warmer days of summer, creating a calm ambiance in the heart of North Korea as the season transitions.
Weather in Pyongyang varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Pyongyang, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January present strikingly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly 5°C (41°F) at night to a warm maximum of 34°C (93°F) during the day, with an average of 18°C (64°F). This month experiences significant rainfall, totaling 112 mm (4.4 in) over approximately 8 days, and a relatively high humidity of 76%. In contrast, January sees much colder conditions, with temperatures plummeting to a minimum of -19°C (-1°F) and averaging around -4°C (25°F), peaking at only 11°C (51°F). Precipitation is minimal, totaling just 13 mm (0.5 in) over 2 days, and the humidity is lower at 65%. For more detailed information about January's weather, you can visit Pyongyang weather in January.
May and February present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a chilly 5°C (41°F) at night to a warm 34°C (93°F) during the day, with an average of 18°C (64°F). The month experiences a fair amount of precipitation, totaling 112 mm (4.4 in) over about 8 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 76%. In contrast, February features much colder temperatures, with lows plummeting to -17°C (2°F) and an average of -2°C (29°F), rising to a maximum of 17°C (63°F). Precipitation is minimal, with only 18 mm (0.7 in) over 4 days and lower humidity at 61%. For more detailed information on February weather, check out Pyongyang weather in February.
Comparing the weather between March and May reveals a significant shift in temperature and precipitation patterns. In March, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -9°C (17°F) to a comfortable maximum of 21°C (70°F), with an average of only 6°C (42°F). This month sees relatively low precipitation at 31 mm (1.2 inches) over 4 days, accompanied by lower humidity of 60%. In contrast, May boasts much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and an average reaching a pleasant 18°C (64°F), peaking at a hot 34°C (93°F). May also experiences increased rainfall, totaling 112 mm (4.4 inches) across 8 days, and higher humidity levels at 76%. For a detailed view of the weather in March, you can check Pyongyang weather in March.
When comparing the weather in May to April, it’s clear that May experiences significantly warmer temperatures. While April sees a minimum temperature of -2°C (28°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F), May's temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to an average of 18°C (64°F), peaking at 34°C (93°F). Additionally, May is wetter, with 112 mm (4.4 in) of precipitation over 8 days, compared to April's 50 mm (2.0 in) over 6 days, and the humidity rises from 67% in April to 76% in May. For a more detailed look at April's weather, visit Pyongyang weather in April.
In May, the weather shows a notable range, with temperatures fluctuating between a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 34°C (93°F), averaging around 18°C (64°F). This month experiences a fair amount of precipitation, totaling 112 mm (4.4 in) over 8 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 76%. By contrast, June offers a slightly warmer climate, featuring a minimum temperature of 12°C (54°F) and averaging 22°C (72°F), while maxing out at 33°C (91°F). This month sees a higher level of rainfall, totaling 136 mm (5.3 in), spread over 10 days, and an increase in humidity to 83%. Overall, June tends to be warmer and wetter than May. For more specifics on June weather, visit Pyongyang weather in June.
May and July exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C to a maximum of 34°C, with an average of 18°C. The month experiences about 112 mm of rainfall over 8 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 76%. In contrast, July is much warmer, with temperatures fluctuating between 17°C and 36°C, averaging around 26°C. Additionally, July sees increased precipitation, totaling 182 mm across 14 days, and a higher humidity level of 88%. For more details on July weather specifically, you can visit Pyongyang weather in July.
May and August present quite contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 18°C (64°F). The month sees moderate precipitation, totaling 112 mm (4.4 in) over about 8 days, and maintains a humidity level of 76%. In contrast, August is significantly warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 13°C (56°F) to a scorching maximum of 37°C (98°F), averaging 26°C (79°F). The precipitation in August is also more substantial, accumulating 269 mm (10.6 in) over 17 days, accompanied by higher humidity at 90%. This shift in weather underscores the transition from spring to summer, marking August as a particularly humid and rainy month. For more insights, check out Pyongyang weather in August.
May and September both experience similar weather patterns, but distinct variations can be observed. May sees a minimum temperature of 5°C (41°F) and an average of 18°C (64°F), with temperatures peaking at 34°C (93°F). This month has a total precipitation of 112 mm (4.4 in) over approximately 8 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 76%. In contrast, September offers slightly warmer conditions with a minimum of 6°C (43°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F), while maximum temperatures reach 31°C (88°F). The month also experiences a bit more rainfall, totaling 119 mm (4.7 in) over 8 days, and a comparable humidity of 77%. For more detailed information, you can check Pyongyang weather in September.
May and October showcase distinct seasonal differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a cool 5°C (41°F) at night to a warm 34°C (93°F) during the day, with an average temperature of 18°C (64°F). This month experiences relatively high precipitation at 112 mm (4.4 in) over about 8 days, coupled with a humidity level of 76%. In contrast, October presents cooler temperatures, with nighttime lows dropping to 0°C (32°F) and daytime highs reaching up to 29°C (85°F), averaging around 14°C (57°F). Precipitation in October is lower at 47 mm (1.9 in) over 6 days, and humidity slightly increases to 80%. To learn more about October weather in Pyongyang, visit Pyongyang weather in October.
In comparing the weather of May and November, a stark contrast emerges. May boasts a pleasant average temperature of 18°C (64°F), with maximum temperatures reaching up to 34°C (93°F) and considerable rainfall of 112 mm (4.4 in) over eight days; the humidity level remains consistently high at 76%. In contrast, November experiences much colder temperatures, averaging just 6°C (42°F), with lows dropping to -9°C (16°F) and highs peaking at 21°C (71°F). Rainfall is less frequent in November, totaling 44 mm (1.7 in) over five days, while the humidity remains relatively stable at 76%. For further details on weather conditions specific to November, you can visit Pyongyang weather in November.
May and December present strikingly contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 18°C (64°F). During this month, Pyongyang experiences relatively high humidity at 76% and sees about 112 mm (4.4 in) of precipitation over 8 days. Conversely, December is much colder, with temperatures dipping as low as -21°C (-6°F) and averaging -3°C (27°F), only reaching a maximum of 10°C (50°F). This month has significantly lower precipitation, totaling 24 mm (0.9 in) over just 4 days, and humidity levels are also lower at 69%. For a closer look at December weather specifics, visit Pyongyang weather in December.
In May, Pyongyang transforms into a vibrant pre-summer destination, contrasting sharply with the colder months that precede it. With average temperatures climbing to a pleasant 18°C, basking in the warmth becomes more enjoyable, as the city experiences its most significant temperature swing of the year. This month is characterized by a noticeable increase in humidity, reaching 76%, which coupled with occasional rainfall from 8 days of precipitation, creates a lush environment. While winter’s chill gives way to the invigorating warmth of spring, May stands out as a month of renewal and burgeoning life. For more detailed insights on Pyongyang's climate, check out Pyongyang Climate.