The climate of Kaesŏng
Characterized by the Köppen climate classification as Dwa,
Kaesŏng,
North Korea, establishes itself within a humid continental climate zone. This classification identifies Kaesŏng as a locale with a severe dry winter and a hot summer. Situated in the northern hemisphere, this city experiences variations in climate parameters throughout the year which bear resemblance to typical continental weather patterns.
Throughout the course of the year, Kaesŏng undergoes considerable changes in temperature, amount of rainfall, sunlight, and other weather parameters. Average high temperatures fluctuate from a chilly -0.8°C (30.6°F) in
January to a peak of 28.1°C (82.6°F) in
August, while average low temperatures vary from -7.4°C (18.7°F) in January to 20.6°C (69.1°F) also in August. The abundance of rainfall, as well, displays a noticeable pattern, with the least amount observed in January at 13mm (0.51") while spiking to 151mm (5.94") in
July. A corresponding change can be seen in the number of rainfall days, peaking in July.
Humidity levels go through a steady increase reaching its peak in July and August with relative humidity readings of 85% and 84% respectively, highest throughout the year. Visibility remains largely unchanged throughout the year, averaging 10km (6.2mi) on most days, except in July where it slightly decreases to 7km (4.3mi) due to higher rainfall.
Snowfall, predominantly seen between
December and
February, varies from 21mm (0.83") in December to 32mm (1.26") in January and down to 17mm (0.67") in February. Notably, wind speeds follow an average range between 8.4km/h (5.2mph) in August to 11.5km/h (7.1mph) in
March.
The best time to visit Kaesŏng
Given the climatological data accumulated, the best time to visit
Kaesŏng would be during the months of
May to
June and
September to
October. This time of year offers relatively warm temperatures, longer daylight and sunshine hours, and moderate rainfall, conducive to outdoor activities. May, in particular, hosts an average high temperature of 21.7°C (71.1°F) with 14.2 beaming daylight hours, and a noticeably less 48mm (1.89") of rain.
The worst time to visit Kaesŏng
The least favorable time for a
Kaesŏng visit would appear to be between
July and
August. During these months, the city witnesses its highest levels of rainfall, peaking at 151mm (5.94") in July. Humidity levels also reach their zenith during this period. The high temperature in July and August averages around 27.3°C (81.1°F) and 28.1°C (82.6°F) respectively, providing a sweltering and humid environment.
Spring weather in Kaesŏng
Spring in
Kaesŏng,
North Korea, from
March to
May, heralds a noticeable rise in temperature, averaging a mild range from 9.3°C (48.7°F) in March to 21.7°C (71.1°F) in May. Correspondingly, the average low temperature shifts from nippy 0.7°C (33.3°F) to a warmer 11.3°C (52.3°F). Relatively lower amounts of rainfall characterize this period, gradually increasing from 14mm (0.55") in March to 48mm (1.89") in May.
Summer weather in Kaesŏng
As summer unfolds in
Kaesŏng, from
June to
August, sweltering high temperatures from 25.8°C (78.4°F) to 28.1°C (82.6°F) can be expected, with the low temperatures maintaining a warm range from 16°C (60.8°F) to 20.6°C (69.1°F). The summer months also mark a significant surge in rainfall and relative humidity, which reaches its maximum in
July with 151mm (5.94") of rain and an average relative humidity of 85%.
Autumn weather in Kaesŏng
The autumn months of
September to
November in
Kaesŏng give rise to a moderation of temperatures having averages from 24.1°C (75.4°F) to 9.5°C (49.1°F). Corresponding low temperatures follow a similar downward slope falling from 15.1°C (59.2°F) in September to 3°C (37.4°F) in November. Rainfall during this season decreases substantially from 56mm (2.2") in September to a mere 26mm (1.02") by November.
Winter weather in Kaesŏng
Characterizing the winter months of
December to
February is a significant drop in temperatures, with averages dipping from 1°C (33.8°F) in December to -0.8°C (30.6°F) in
January, the lowest point of the year, before slightly rising to 2.6°C (36.7°F) in February. The winter season in
Kaesŏng also heralds a surge in snowfall, amounting to 21mm (0.83") in December, peaking at 32mm (1.26") in January, and tapering off to 11mm (0.43") in February.
Weather in January
Kaesŏng,
North Korea welcomes the year with a month dominated by frigid temps. The month sees the ground frequently blanketed in snow with an average snowfall of 21mm (0.83") over 3.4 days. While the sun does still show its face for a short while each day, daylight hours are limited.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February still holds onto the severe cold that started in
January, marked by slightly increased snowfall reaching an average of 32mm (1.26"). Despite the increase in sunshine hours,
Kaesŏng remains enveloped in a chilly atmosphere.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As spring begins to set in, the weather in
Kaesŏng in
March observes a noticeable shift. The city sees average high temperatures rise to 9.3°C (48.7°F) and average low temperatures climbing up to 0.7°C (33.3°F). Snowfall drops significantly, making way for the season's bloom.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April showcases the full bloom of spring in
Kaesŏng,
North Korea. Temperatures become more comfortable, and there's an evident increase in the length of days. Rainfall also escalates, signaling a more humid atmosphere. Following
March's pattern, the snow completely disappears, creating perfect days for outdoor activities.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Stepping into
May, the weather in
Kaesŏng begins to show hints of the approaching summer, and temperatures hit as high as 21.7°C (71.1°F). The city receives an abundance of rain and while the days are longer, they start to become humid.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the beginning of summertime in
Kaesŏng. It is a month characterized by lush greenery and an abundance of sunny days. With average high temperatures reaching 25.8°C (78.4°F), June is considerably warmer compared to
May.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July sees the peak of summer in
Kaesŏng,
North Korea, with average high temperatures reaching a pleasant 27.3°C (81.1°F). However, this month also experiences the heaviest rainfall of the year, with a total of 151mm (5.94") spread over 18.7 days.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August holds onto
July's weather patterns, with warm days and frequent rainfall. High temperatures persist, with peak averages reaching up to 28.1°C (82.6°F). Despite the rain, the city basks in ample sunlight, making sightseeing quite enjoyable.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the transition from summer to autumn in
Kaesŏng,
North Korea. Average temperatures start to dip again, but remain comfortably warm. The monsoon recedes, resulting in a remarkable decrease in rainfall, down to an average of 56mm (2.2").
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings the heart of autumn to
Kaesŏng, famed for the city's changing foliage. Weather cool s down further paving way for crisp mornings and cooler nights. Rainfall continues to dwindle, and the sun shines more prominently against a backdrop of clear blue skies.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November sees
Kaesŏng transition from the colors of fall to the greys of winter. The city witnesses average lows dipping to 3°C (37.4°F), a clear indication of the approaching winter. While the days can still be charmingly sunny, the fall foliage begins to shed, beds of fallen leaves subtly hinting at the end of autumn.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December welcomes winter back to
Kaesŏng as average temperatures take a plunge to 1°C (33.8°F) during the day and -5°C (23°F) at night. The snow begins to fall again, initially a light dusting, which adds a magical touch to the cityscape.
Weather in December » [Resources]