The climate of Chongju
Situated in
North Korea,
Chongju features a Humid Continental climate with severe dry winter conditions, denoted by the Köppen climate classification Dwa. This climate type indicates a distinct variation of weather patterns throughout the year, with heavy snowfall during the bone-chilling winters and an abundance of rainfall during the scorching hot summers.
Temperature ranges within a year are considerable, from a low temperature of -12.7°C (9.1°F) in
January to a high of 26.1°C (79°F) in
July and
August. Relative humidity remains moderately stable, hovering around 58% to 86%, subject to seasonal changes. Given the city's geographical position, rainfall fluctuates between 4mm (0.16") in January to a high of 149mm (5.87") in August. Across the year, rainfall days range from a minimum of 1 in January to a maximum of 18.4 in July.
Snowfall is predominantly concentrated in the winter months, with January witnessing the highest snowfall of 71mm (2.8"). Significant snowfall ceases from
April to
November. A noteworthy factor is the daylight hours, with a peak of 14.9 hours in
June and a minimum of 9.4 hours in
December. A consistent feature is the wind speed which stays relatively similar throughout the year, varying from 6.7km/h (4.2mph) in July and August to 10.6km/h (6.6mph) in
March.
The best time to visit Chongju
Depending on the preference of the traveler, varying climatic conditions allow versatility in choosing the time to visit
Chongju. For fair weather enthusiasts, the period from
May to
June would be ideal. During this season, the city experiences a perfect balance of mild temperatures between 14.3°C (57.7°F) to 24.2°C (75.6°F), moderate cloud coverage, and maximum daylight hours around 14.4 to 14.9 hours. The rainfall is also at a moderate level in these months.
The worst time to visit Chongju
On the flip side, visitors might want to avoid the harsh winter months from
December to
February. These months are characterized by severe cold, with temperatures plunging between -12.7°C (9.1°F) to -1.4°C (29.5°F).
January, in particular, can be incredibly challenging with the highest snowfall recorded at 71mm (2.8") and minimal daylight, only 9.7 hours. Equally harsh are the summer months of
July and
August, marked by incessant rainfall of up to 149mm (5.87") coupled with oppressive humidity levels around 86%.
Spring weather in Chongju
Spring arrives in
Chongju around
March, with temperatures starting to rise from -1.4°C (29.5°F) to 14.3°C (57.7°F) in
April. The weather during spring is generally mild, with pleasant temperatures and moderating humidity around 57% to 56%. Rainfall experiences a significant increase from 15mm (0.59") to 41mm (1.61"), while daylight extends from 12 hours to 13.3 hours, providing a bright and cheerful environment inviting the bloom of spring flora.
Summer weather in Chongju
The onset of summer in
Chongju brings along hot conditions, stretching from
May to
August. Highs can soar up to 26.1°C (79°F). This is also the wettest period of the year, with rainfall peaking to 149mm (5.87") in August. Humidity levels climb and remain high during this period, hovering around 71% to 86%. Despite the high rainfall, an increased amount of sunshine hours, up to 9.4 hours, adds to the liveliness of summer days.
Autumn weather in Chongju
Autumn comes as a cooling relief after the sweltering summer months in
Chongju. High temperatures start descending from a warm 22.1°C (71.8°F) in
September to a mild 5.7°C (42.3°F) in
November. Rainfall and humidity levels decrease noticeably during these months, promoting a comfortable and dry climate. Though daylight reduces from 12.5 hours to 10 hours, the amount of sunshine remains decent, offering lovely autumnal vistas.
Winter weather in Chongju
Chongju experiences a harsh winter season, starting in
December and extending till
February. Mercury levels drop drastically from -3.7°C (25.3°F) to -12.7°C (9.1°F), making it extremely cold. Snowfall increases significantly, culminating to a peak of 71mm (2.8") in
January. Despite a reduced daylight of about 9 hours, the amount of sunshine remains constant, bathing the white winter landscape in a faint glow.
Weather in January
January in
Chongju,
North Korea, presents cold winter conditions. Snowfall is a significant characteristic of this month with a recorded average of 23mm (0.91") and snowfall days reaching up to four. It is the coldest month of the year, making it a great time for winter enthusiasts to visit.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Entering
February,
Chongju experiences a slight rise in temperature, yet it remains in the negatives. This month witnesses the highest snowfall, reaching a monthly average of up to 50mm (1.97"). Despite the light increase in temperature, the snowfall exhibits a fascinating winter wonderland effect on the city.
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
March,
Chongju transitions from winter to spring, with temperatures progressively climbing. Humidity decreases from 68% to 57%, signifying drier air. Snowfall decreases significantly from 50mm (1.97") to 40mm (1.57") reducing its impact on daily life.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the official arrival of spring in
Chongju. There's a notable rise in temperatures from
March, with lows of 3.4°C (38.1°F) and highs of 14.3°C (57.7°F). It implies the cessation of snowy conditions and an upsurge in rainfall.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Chongju experiences warmer temperatures with spring in full swing. The city observes an increase in humidity from 56% to 71%. The temperature range extends between 8.8°C (47.8°F) and 20.1°C (68.2°F), offering warm and pleasant weather.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June signifies the onset of summer in
Chongju. The temperatures range from 13.8°C (56.8°F) to 24.2°C (75.6°F), and humidity increases to 78%. With the longest daylight period of 14.9 hours, it is the time when the city gets the most sunlight throughout the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As
July arrives,
Chongju encounters the peak of summer. A substantial increase in rainfall amounts to 145mm (5.71"), which is the highest for any given month. Daily temperatures and humidity both reach their zenith, making humidity the dominant aspect of the weather.
Weather in July »Weather in August
Chongju experiences high summer temperatures and heavy showers throughout
August. The amount of rainfall remains high, comparable to
July, at 149mm (5.87"). These weather conditions recount the continuation of the rainy season. Nonetheless, the city maintains its tranquillity, unruffled by the rain showers.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September brings a decrease in temperature and rainfall in
Chongju. Movement from summer to autumn is evident in the climate as the temperatures slide down from 26.1°C (79°F) to 22.1°C (71.8°F). Rainfall drops to 48mm (1.89"), making September a less rainy month compared to its predecessors.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October solidifies autumn season in
Chongju, as temperatures continue to drop, fluctuating between 5.8°C (42.4°F) and 15.4°C (59.7°F). The decreased rainfall and cooler temperatures mark the transition from summer. Leaves begin to change their color, offering picturesque landscapes to behold.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Arriving at
November,
Chongju transitions into the chilly season with temperatures dropping between -1.3°C (29.7°F) to 5.7°C (42.3°F). The city starts to show its winter face, although snowfall isn't heavy, with a total of 27mm (1.06") on average.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December marks the return of more profound winter characteristics in
Chongju. The month sees an average rainfall of 16mm (0.63"), accompanied by significant snowfall of 71mm (2.8"). Winter festivities are in full swing, with the city adorned in lights and snow.
Weather in December »