The climate of Gangneung
Gangneung is a city in
South Korea subjected to the Humid continental climate as per the Köppen climate classification, specifically the Dfb type. This denotes no dry season and warm summer. The city enjoys a diverse palette of weather patterns, all cause by its diciate geographical position.
Upon analyzing the average data for the climate in Gangneung, it becomes clear that the temperatures fluctuate considerably throughout the year. High temperatures range from a chilling 1°C (33.8°F) in
January to a warm 25.8°C (78.4°F) in
August. The lowest temperatures swing between a chilly negative -4.6°C (23.7°F) in January to a rather comfortable 20.5°C (68.9°F) in August. Therefore, the city experiences a variation of temperatures over the year, from biting cold to pleasantly warm.
Rainfall, humidity and snowfall in Gangneung also shift significantly during the year. Rainfall spikes in the summer months, reaching its peak in
July with 148mm (5.83"). The least rainfall is in January and
February at approximately 25mm (0.98"). On the other hand, humidity is fairly consistent across the year, with the lowest percentages in January at 62% and the highest in July at 85%. Gangneung experiences snowfall only during the winter months, particularly from
December to February, and absolutely no snowfall from
May to
September.
Gangneung also experiences alternation in daylight hours and sunshine duration throughout the year. The shortest daylight hours being in December at 9.6 hours and the longest in
June at 14.7 hours, while the duration of sunshine varies between 6 hours in December and January to 10.4 hours in May. Wind speed in Gangneung is partially steady, with the lowest average speed recorded at 9.5km/h (5.9mph) in June and the highest average speed of 16.5km/h (10.3mph) in December.
The best time to visit Gangneung
Considering the above weather features, the most pleasant time to visit
Gangneung would be from
May to
June. During these months, weather conditions are quite favorable. The high temperatures flit between 18.6°C (65.5°F) and 21.9°C (71.4°F), with relatively lower rainfalls of 37mm (1.46") and 86mm (3.39") in May and June respectively. These months also hold the highest daylight hours and longer periods of sunshine. This time of the year is virtually free from snowfall, enhancing the accessibility and comfort of outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Gangneung
The most challenging period to navigate
Gangneung is potentially during
July and
August. These months witness extreme climates. Temperature highs soar to above 24°C (75.2°F), coupled with the highest rainfall in the year reaching as high as 148mm (5.83") in July. These months also record the highest humidity levels of 85% and 83%. Visiting Gangneung during these months would mean dealing with high temperatures, heavy rainfall and high humidity, a combination many would find uncomfortable.
Spring weather in Gangneung
Spring in
Gangneung is a period of gradual transition.
March experiences an average temperature high of 8°C (46.4°F) and a low of 1.5°C (34.7°F), and the city gets regular but moderate rainfall of 31mm (1.22"). As we shift towards
April, temperatures rise, reaching a high of 13.2°C (55.8°F) and a low of 6.5°C (43.7°F). Rainfall also increases slightly to 42mm (1.65"), while the city experiences a slight increase in the daylight hours. By
May, highs typically reach 18.6°C (65.5°F), with lows of 11.6°C (52.9°F). Rainfall sees a slight drop to 37mm (1.46"), while daylight hours steadily increase to 14.2 hours.
Summer weather in Gangneung
Summer is typically the wettest season in
Gangneung. The city experiences its highest rainfall during these months, reaching as high as 148mm (5.83") in
July. Average high temperatures are at the maximum during the summer months, reaching 24.8°C (76.6°F) and 25.8°C (78.4°F) in July and
August respectively. The lowest temperatures remain quite warm, between 19.3°C (66.7°F) to 20.5°C (68.9°F) from
June to August. Humidity also reaches its peak during these months.
Autumn weather in Gangneung
Autumn sees a gradual decrease in temperatures and rainfall. From
September to
November, the high temperatures drop from 21.4°C (70.5°F) to 10°C (50°F) and the low temperatures plunge from 15.9°C (60.6°F) to 4.6°C (40.3°F). Autumn also brings a decrease in rainfall from a substantial 87mm (3.43") in September to a modest 47mm (1.85") in November. The number of sunshine hours also declines during these months.
Winter weather in Gangneung
Winter in
Gangneung is predominantly cold with indications of snow. The highest temperature in
December is a chilly 2.9°C (37.2°F) plummeting to 1°C (33.8°F) in
January. Low temperatures can hit as low as -4.6°C (23.7°F) in January. This period is the snowiest with 68mm (2.68") of snowfall in December and 79mm (3.11") in January. Despite the cold and snow, these months register the lowest rainfall in the year at 23mm (0.91") and 26mm (1.02") in December and January respectively.
Weather in January
Beginning a new calendar year,
Gangneung's weather in
January exhibits chilly conditions with the temperature plunging to its annual lowest. Despite this, the city experiences significant snowfall with an average snowfall of 68mm (2.68"), making it ideal for winter sports enthusiasts.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February's weather in
Gangneung continues with winter's firm grip, though it begins to show a slight uptick in temperature. With snowfall reducing to 79mm (3.11") from
January's high, the city begins to move towards the end of its winter season, thereby warming up the landscape.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March's weather in
Gangneung marks the onset of spring, a transitional period between the retreating winter and the fast-approaching summer. Temperatures improve considerably, and the bitter cold gives way to milder low that may hover around 1.5°C (34.7°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Weather in
Gangneung during
April becomes noticeably warmer as spring reaches its peak. The minimum temperatures rise to 6.5°C (43.7°F), reinforcing the transition period to summer. Concurrently, a steady increase in rainfall occurs, resulting in an average of 42mm (1.65") of precipitation.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May's weather in
Gangneung exhibits the city's swift progression towards the summer season, with a significant leap in temperatures. The weather becomes more pleasant with temperatures rising to an average high of 18.6°C (65.5°F).
Weather in May » Weather in June
Gangneung's weather in
June ushers in the vibrant summer season. Temperatures shoot up, signaling the start of warmer months. Increased humidity, nearing the 80's, signals the peak of the rainy season with an average of 86mm (3.39").
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Weather in
Gangneung in
July reveals the city in the full swing of summer, with the highest recorded temperature peaking at 24.8°C (76.6°F) - the highest of the year. Alongside the soaring temperatures is an increase in humidity, averagely climbing to 85.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August's weather continues the trend seen in
July with its peak summer temperatures in
Gangneung. However, a slight dip in average high and low temperatures is noted. The rainfall also decreases, while still remaining relatively high, a characteristic of summer’s typical rainy pattern.
Weather in August » Weather in September
By
September,
Gangneung's weather starts to transition into fall with temperatures beginning to cool. A significant fall in the average high temperature is observed, yet still maintaining a fairly warm weather condition. In contrast to the high summer rainfall, September sees a drop to 87mm (3.43") of rainfall.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Gangneung brings along cooler weather, heralding the advent of autumn. Compared to
September, the city observes a noticeable dip in temperatures. The rainfall also begins to descend, marking a transition period to the drier months.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Gangneung's weather in
November marks the commencement of the wintery chill. Temperatures experience a significant reduction, falling to an average low of 4.6°C (40.3°F). Notably, the appearance of snow also marks the arrival of winter with a moderate amount of 10mm (0.39") of snowfall noted during the month.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Weather in
Gangneung in
December sees the full-blown impact of winter. The chill is felt quite strongly with temperatures dropping further. In comparison to
November, December witnesses increased snowfall, with the city recording an average snowfall of 40mm (1.57").
Weather in December »