The climate of Wonsan
The city of
Wonsan, located in
North Korea, falls under the humid continental climate classification, as per the Köppen climate classification. This category, designated as Dwa, signifies severe dry winters and hot summers.
A year-round observation of Wonsan's climatological records reveals distinct variations between months and seasons. Notably, there are fluctuations in temperature; the level of rainfall; the duration of daylight; and the sunshine hours over the course of each month. A monthly average daylight duration of around 9.5 hours in
December gradually increases to 14.9 hours in
June. The hours of sunshine vary slightly, with lower values noted during the summer months due to increased cloud coverage.
Temperatures commonly fluctuate between highs of 27.3°C (81.1°F) in
August and lows of -5.5°C (22.1°F) in
January. Rainfall marks significant contrasts with the highest rainfalls observed in
July at 280mm (11.02"), while December receives the least at 28mm (1.1"). These patterns follow the monsoon circulation, influencing most precipitation to occur in the summer months.
The best time to visit Wonsan
Considering the weather patterns and climatic conditions, the period
May to
October presents an ideal time for visiting
Wonsan. During these months, temperatures rise to a comfortable range from 16.5°C (61.7°F) to 27.3°C (81.1°F). Additionally, the sea temperature increase makes for pleasant swimming conditions, particularly from
June to October when the sea temperature rises from 18.7°C (65.7°F) and peaks at 23.3°C (73.9°F) in
August.
The worst time to visit Wonsan
On the contrary, the winter months from
November to
March are generally cold and dry, providing a less favorable time for a visit. The lowest temperatures are registered from
December to
February, dropping from 4.6°C (40.3°F) to -5.5°C (22.1°F). Moreover, the sea temperature remains comparatively cold from 3.2°C (37.8°F) in February to 7.6°C (45.7°F) in December during this period.
Spring weather in Wonsan
Marking the transition from cold winter to warm summer, spring in
Wonsan welcomes a gradual rise in temperature. From
March to
May, the average high temperature increases from 10°C (50°F) to 20.9°C (69.6°F). Daylight hours extend from 12 to 14.3, offering ample daylight for outdoor activities. Even rainfall starts to pick up by May, with a noted increase to 80mm (3.15").
Summer weather in Wonsan
Summer in
Wonsan typically experiences hot temperatures and substantial rainfall. While
June brings an average high temperature of 24.6°C (76.3°F), it escalates further to 27.3°C (81.1°F) by
August. These months witness substantial rainfall with up to 280mm (11.02") in
July, owing to the monsoon influence. Average sea temperatures remain warm from 18.7°C (65.7°F) to 23.3°C (73.9°F), catering to aquatic activities.
Autumn weather in Wonsan
Contrary to summer, the autumn season from
September to
November witnesses a decline in both temperature and rainfall. While the average high temperature drops from 23.1°C (73.6°F) to 11.2°C (52.2°F), the rainfall decreases substantially to 56mm (2.2") by November. Despite the fall season, daylight hours sustain from 11.2 to 10.1 across this period.
Winter weather in Wonsan
Wonsan endures cold winters with elaborate falls in temperatures. From
December to
February, the average low temperature drops significantly from -2.6°C (27.3°F) to -5.5°C (22.1°F). Rainfall remains sparse, with figures resting at 28mm (1.1") in December to 25mm (0.98") in February. The sea temperature too dips to chilling levels from 7.6°C (45.7°F) to 3.2°C (37.8°F) in this timeframe, as daylight hours shorten to around 9.8 hours in December.
Weather in January
January is notably chilly with
Wonsan,
North Korea experiencing the brunt of its winter season. In the month's coldest situation, the temperature can plunge to a low of -5.5°C (22.1°F). Icy winds blow throughout the day, and the weather becomes especially harsh towards the night.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
Wonsan exhibits a slight upward trend in temperatures compared to
January. The plunge in temperatures lessens, and the number of rainfall days decreases to 3.8, making this the month with the fewest days of rain. The end of the month begins to see signs of warmer weather.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March signals a significant turning point in the weather pattern. The cold sting of winter gradually disperses, making way for more appealing weather as spring approaches.
Wonsan sees a noticeable shift from the intense cold months to a far more palatable average high of 10°C (50°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April showers are a real phenomenon in
Wonsan,
North Korea, as rainfall jumps to 41mm (1.61") from the relatively drier
March. The weather is not as predictably pleasant, with sudden showers interrupting short bursts of sunshine.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The warmth in
May is palpable as it indicates the start of the summer climate in
Wonsan. Days are filled with ample sunshine and longer daylight hours, leading to beautiful sunrises and mesmerizing sunsets. Sea temperatures rise to fairly comfortable levels, making it an excellent time for water-based activities along the coastline.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June's weather composition straddles between the late stages of spring and the onset of summer. Rainfall intensifies, rising to an average of 135mm (5.31"), indicating a transition into the region's rainy period. Nonetheless, temperatures stay consistently high, providing a warm atmosphere where outdoor activities remain largely uninterrupted.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the zenith of the year in terms of heat, rainfall, and humidity in
Wonsan,
North Korea. Rising to an average high of 26.7°C (80.1°F), sunny and warm weather is prevalent, however, rain is heavy with a monthly total of 280mm (11.02").
Weather in July » Weather in August
Experiencing the progression of summer,
August parallels
July in temperature, even nudging slightly to an average high of 27.3°C (81.1°F). It is the month when the weather reaches its climax, both in terms of heat and overall comfort.
Weather in August »Weather in September
The arrival of
September signals the onset of autumn in
Wonsan as temperatures gradually drop and the weather slowly transitions. There is a mild decrease in rainfall from the previous two months, yet precipitation continues with an average of 213mm (8.39").
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October significantly marks the shift of seasons from summer to autumn. The city witnesses a steady fall in temperature and reduced rainfall, paving the way for a more stable climate. Fall's colors begin adorning the city, painting it in a myriad of vibrant shades.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Wonsan vividly manifests the change in season. The city continues to cool down, waving goodbye to the last remnants of the warm weather. As winter approaches, the nights get colder and the days slowly shorten. The rainfall decreases to 56mm (2.2"), suggesting a drier climate for the city inhabitants and visitors. Observing a mild shift, the average high-temperature during November reduces from
October's enjoyable 18.9°C (66°F) to a cool 11.2°C (52.2°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December transforms
Wonsan into a winter wonderland as the cold sets in and the year concludes. Thermometers hit numbers as low as -2.6°C (27.3°F), marking the return of chilly conditions. Wonsan's weather adheres to the winter blueprint with reduced daylight hours and the presence of a cold yet serene atmosphere.
Weather in December »