The climate of Pyongyang
Pyongyang, the capital and largest city of
North Korea, experiences a Humid continental climate per the Köppen climate classification. The classification Dwa signifies a typically severe dry winter with hot summers. The city's geographical positioning on the Korean Peninsula distinguishes its climate with significant seasonal variations.
Analyzing climate data shows a broad range in temperature throughout the year. The coldest month in Pyongyang is
January with an average low of -10.7°C (12.7°F) and an average high of -0.8°C (30.6°F). Low temperatures persist from
December to
February, with readings mostly in the negative. The thermometer's mercury then starts rising in
March, reaching its peak in the hot summer months of
July and
August, where average highs are recorded at a scorching 28.6°C (83.5°F) to 28.9°C (84°F).
Monthly average rainfall across the year also indicates clear patterns. The wettest periods are observed from
June through August with July receiving the maximum rainfall of 275mm (10.83"). This contrasts with the dry winter months, specifically December and January, which record the least rainfall, only 12mm (0.47") and 17mm (0.67") respectively.
The best time to visit Pyongyang
For those wishing to enjoy moderate temperatures and less rainfall, the prime months to visit
Pyongyang fall between
April and
June. Average high temperatures during this period range from 17.1°C (62.8°F) to 26.7°C (80.1°F), making it ideal for day city tours. Rainfall levels are also conveniently low when compared to other months, setting favourable conditions for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Pyongyang
Traveling to
Pyongyang from
July to
August might turn out to be a challenge due to the high intensity of rainfall, peaking at 275mm (10.83") in July. In addition to this, the city also experiences its highest temperatures, reaching up to 28.9°C (84°F) during the same period. This combination of high temperatures and rainfall may lead to discomfort and interrupt planned outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Pyongyang
Spring in
Pyongyang spans from
March to
May. The temperature begins to rise starting in March, reaching average highs that fluctuate from 8.9°C (48°F) to 22.6°C (72.7°F) by May's end. Correspondingly, the average low temperatures exhibit a rise, ranging from -1.8°C (28.8°F) in March to 10.9°C (51.6°F) in May. Rainfall is moderately low, from 25mm (0.98") in March to 72mm (2.83") in May.
Summer weather in Pyongyang
The
Pyongyang summer, extending from
June through
August, is marked by substantial heat and precipitation. Average high temperatures vary from 26.7°C (80.1°F) to 28.9°C (84°F), while the average low temperatures are between 16.5°C (61.7°F) to 20.7°C (69.3°F). Rainfall levels reach their peak during these months, with
July recording 275mm (10.83").
Autumn weather in Pyongyang
September through
November signifies the autumnal phase in
Pyongyang. During this period, temperatures begin to decrease. Average high temperatures drop from 24.7°C (76.5°F) in September to 9.4°C (48.9°F) in November, while the average lows fall from 14.3°C (57.7°F) to -0.3°C (31.5°F). Rainfall gradually lessens during these months, ranging from 100mm (3.94") in September to 35mm (1.38") in November.
Winter weather in Pyongyang
Winter season in
Pyongyang spans from
December to
February, characterized by a cold and dry climate. Average high and low temperatures fall under the freezing point, with the lowest being -10.7°C (12.7°F) in
January. Rainfall is minimal during these months, with the driest being December, recording just 17mm (0.67") of rainfall.
Weather in January
Starting the year, weather conditions in
Pyongyang,
North Korea get extreme. Temperatures fall drastically to as low as -10.7°C (12.7°F), often while battling against the severe biting winds.
January is the coldest month in Pyongyang, with average high temperatures struggling to get above -0.8°C (30.6°F).
Weather in January »Weather in February
As the calendar turns to
February, weather patterns in
Pyongyang experience the early signals of spring. Though temperatures remain freezing, they gradually begin to inch upwards from those in
January. February witnesses less rainfall with just 11mm (0.43") spread across 4.2 days, making it one the driest months of year.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Come
March, the influence of spring becomes palpable on the North Korean capital's weather. There is a further escalation in the temperature range, reaching upto 8.9°C (48°F) on warmer days. The span of daylight stretches to a considerable 12 hours, offering ample sunshine and boosting the UV index to 4.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings more definitive marks of spring in
Pyongyang, coinciding with a sharp hike in temperatures. These now peak at 17.1°C (62.8°F), introducing a warmth that citizens welcome after the harsh cold of the previous months.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May situates
Pyongyang into the full comfort of spring, heading towards the threshold of summer. With temperatures cresting to 22.6°C (72.7°F), the city begins to experience the early signs of the impending hot season. Rainfall also intensifies, registering 72mm (2.83") as spring showers become a common daily phenomenon.
Weather in May » Weather in June
In
June, summer officially commences in
Pyongyang, signalled by clear skies and the warmest weather parameters. Highs escalate sharply to 26.7°C (80.1°F), marking the city's transition into the new season. Although the UV index reaches its peak at 8, the torrential rains accounting for 90mm (3.54") act as a therapeutic respite.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Pyongyang is characterized by a tropical mood; it's the apex of the North Korean summer. Temperatures move up to reach 28.6°C (83.5°F), reflecting the intensity of the season. Interestingly, Pyongyang receives the highest rainfall of the year, about 275mm (10.83"), caused by the dominant monsoon winds.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The tropical character of
Pyongyang's weather persists in
August maintaining high temperatures that average around 28.9°C (84°F). Although the rainfall reduces lightly to reach 213mm (8.39"), it still significantly contributes to the city's humidity, making it feel warmer than it is.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September brings the early signs of autumn to
Pyongyang, with temperatures beginning a downward trend to sit around 24.7°C (76.5°F). The change in weather is also evident in the reduced rainfall, with only 100mm (3.94") precipitation recorded for the month.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
Pyongyang embraces autumn fully, trailing lower temperatures around 18.2°C (64.8°F). The city experiences a further decrease in rainfall registering only 40mm (1.57"), rendering the weather dry and comfortable. The drop in temperature is matched by a reduction in humidity, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Pyongyang marks the start of winter, with average high temperatures down to 9.4°C (48.9°F). The city receives the second least rain, recording only 35mm (1.38") across the month. This shift in weather is felt distinctly as the first fresh gusts of winter begin to sweep through the streets of Pyongyang.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December represents the full onslaught of winter in
Pyongyang. The temperature range dips to its lowest with a sharp descent to 1.7°C (35.1°F), making it the second coldest month of the year. Despite precipitation being at its nadir with just 17mm (0.67"), snowfall becomes a common occurrence, whitening the city landscapes.
Weather in December »