The climate of Changgang
The city of
Changgang is categorized under the Köppen climate classification of Dwb. This signifies a humid continental climate pattern with dry winters and warm summers. Its geographical positioning in
North Korea deeply influences these weather conditions, resulting in significant variance throughout the year.
With respect to temperature patterns, it ranges from a peak of 26.3°C (79.3°F) in
July to a low of -19.3°C (-2.7°F) in
January, signifying a drastic temperature fluctuation annually. The months of January and
February record the coldest low temperatures, while July and
August show the highest maximum temperatures. Humidity too shifts over the seasons. The most humid months are usually July and August with an average of 81%, while
April has the least humidity on average at 57%.
Rainfall is subject to a seasonal influence as well. The rainiest period stretches from
June to August with each month observing over 100mm (3.94") of precipitation. However, ample precipitation is not always a norm for Changgang. Months of January and February see a minimum average rainfall below 20mm (0.79").
Sunlight hours correlate to typical seasonal trends. June encompasses the highest daylight, at 15.1 hours on average, and
December records the shortest daylight duration, averaging 9.3 hours. This trend translates into corresponding changes in sunshine hours and ultraviolet (UV) index. The UV index peaks at 6 during July, while the lowest value of 2 is observed from
November to April.
Significant snowfall is observed in Changgang in the colder months from December to February contributing to its 'severe dry winter' classification. A trend of increasing wind speed is noted from January to April, with a small dip in
May and then a rise again in June. It gradually falls from July and remains stable for the rest of the year. The visibility retains a stable trend of around 8 to 9 km throughout the year.
The best time to visit Changgang
The ideal period for travelling to
Changgang would be during the late spring or early autumn months. Specifically, the months of
May and
September, when the temperature is moderate, with highs ranging from 18.3°C (64.9°F) to 20.4°C (68.7°F). During these months, the rainfall is moderate, and the city experiences more sunshine hours than in any other period.
The worst time to visit Changgang
The months of
January and
February are often considered inhospitable for travellers because of the extremely cold temperature which can lower down to -19.3°C (-2.7°F) and -16.7°C (1.9°F) respectively. These months also carry other uninviting weather conditions such as heavy snowfall, weak sunlight, and lower visibility.
Spring weather in Changgang
Spring in
Changgang, which runs from
March to
May, has mild and tolerable weather conditions. This season witnesses a steady rise in temperature from a high of 1.6°C (34.9°F) in March to 18.3°C (64.9°F) in May. Rainfall too shows an ascending pattern, increasing from 28mm (1.1") in March to 69mm (2.72") in May.
The average hours of daylight increase progressively from 11.9 hours in March to 14.5 hours in May. Amid this period, the wind speed also tends to increase, reaching a peak of 8.9km/h (5.5mph) in May.
Summer weather in Changgang
Arriving in
June, summer lasts till
August, characterized by warm temperatures averaging above 20°C (68°F). These months are the rainiest, each receiving above 100mm (3.94") precipitation, with the highest being in
July at 128mm (5.04"). Despite being the warmest months, the high relative humidity values, particularly in July and August, may cause discomfort.
Autumn weather in Changgang
September to
November mark the Autumn season in
Changgang. A noticeable decrease in temperature from 20.4°C (68.7°F) to 1.5°C (34.7°F) takes place during these months, turning the warm weather into a much more comfortable range. A corresponding decline in rainfall is also noted, with
October receiving the lowest precipitation in the season, averaging just 29mm (1.14").
Winter weather in Changgang
The winter months, from
December to
February, are typified by cold weather with average high temperatures dipping as low as -8.7°C (16.3°F) in December and -7.4°C (18.7°F) in February. The minimum temperatures drop way below freezing point, the lowest being -19.3°C (-2.7°F) in
January. Also notable is the increase in snowfall during this period, with the highest averages of 135mm (5.31") and 129mm (5.08") recorded in December and February, respectively.
Weather in January
The beginning of the year in
Changgang,
North Korea doesn’t pull any punches, as
January drags us into the icy depths of its winter. Temperatures as low as -19.3°C (-2.7°F) are not uncommon, and the city often witnesses an average of 59mm (2.32") of snow fall over approximately 12 days.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As the city traverses through
February, the weather marginally improves from the past winter month. While the mercury readings still stagger in the minus range, they are a touch warmer than
January, resting between -19.3°C (-2.7°F) and -16.7°C (1.9°F).
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
March, the dimensions of the
Changgang weather landscape undergo significant alterations. A surge in temperature levels wipes off the biting winter chill, which allows a slow but steady onset of spring. March witnesses a visible crescendo in snowfall, reaching heights of around 159mm (6.26").
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the transition period in
Changgang as the landscape morphs from hues of chilly blues to blossoming greens. Temperatures display a drastic improvement, fluctuating around a more comfortable range from -0.8°C (30.6°F) to 10.8°C (51.4°F).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May witnesses the full bloom of the spring season in
Changgang. The weather becomes quite comfortable, making an outdoor rendezvous not only possible but also enjoyable. The mercury levels receive a boost, maintaining a mellow range between 5.9°C (42.6°F) to 18.3°C (64.9°F).
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings the onset of summer to
Changgang. Temperatures soar up, indicating the commencement of the warm season, and humidity levels see a slight rise. Despite the increased temperature, the ominously appealing cycle of rainfall continues unabated, clocking an average of 69mm (2.72").
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July steps up the intensity of the summer with temperatures peaking at around 26.3°C (79.3°F). This month records the maximum rainfall for the year in
Changgang, with an accumulation of 128mm (5.04"). Despite the high temperatures, the atmosphere feels unusually refreshing, thanks to the higher rainfall.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August brings with it the most intense period of summer in
Changgang. The weather, however, continues to maintain a balance between temperatures and rainfall, preventing the heat from becoming unbearable. The city experiences another spike in rainfall, with precipitation reaching 124mm (4.88").
Weather in August » Weather in September
September rings in the advent of autumn in
Changgang, accompanied by all the rich colors symbolic of the season. The month witnesses a sharp drop in temperatures while managing to keep the mercury levels comfortably warm around 20.4°C (68.7°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Changgang witnesses another shift as the city braces for the onset of the colder months. Comfortable days gradually make way for chilly evenings, providing a subtle hint of the approaching winter. A significant reduction in temperature levels brings the season's first touch of frost, which adds to the city's charm.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Changgang marks the onset of the year-end festive season as the city steps into the winter stages. The temperature levels witness a steep fall, averaging around 1.5°C (34.7°F), which is within the comfort zone of cold-weather lovers.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December caps off the year in
Changgang by diving into the thick of the winter season. With temperatures plummeting to as low as -15.9°C (3.4°F), the region witnesses the year's coldest month. Snowfall is significant and cumulates to approximately 129mm (5.08"), efficiently transforming the city into a winter wonderland.
Weather in December » [Resources]