Climate and monthly weather forecast
Sonbong, North Korea

Based on the Köppen climate classification, the presiding weather conditions of Sonbong, North Korea, belong to the Dwb category. Being in the Dwb climate zone translates to a humid continental climate, featuring a severe dry winter complemented by a warm summer. Sonbong's geographical position exposes it to fairly large temperature fluctuations throughout the year.

Throughout the year, Sonbong's climate brings a diverse array of weather conditions. Average temperature peaks around 24°C (75.2°F) in August and drops to almost -11°C (12.2°F) during January. This significant temperature shift mirrors the transition from the warm summers to the harsh, dry winters typical of the Dwb climate zone. Rainfall shows a similar pattern of fluctuation, presenting the highest precipitation value in August with 201mm (7.91"), while the dry winter month of January registers a mere 5mm (0.2") of rainfall. Notably, sea temperature varies from 21.3°C (70.3°F) in August to a crisp 1.8°C (35.2°F) in February and March.

The most distinctive weather pattern in Sonbong is the stark contrast between summer and winter conditions. Their stark rainfall and temperature differences are marker traits for this climate.

A visit to Sonbong is most pleasant during the late spring and early summer season, specifically from May to June. The milder temperatures during these months, which range from 10°C (50°F) to 17°C (62.6°F), provide more amiable weather conditions compared to other periods. Despite the moderate increase in rainfall with values up to 100mm (3.94"), the overall weather remains rather comfortable.

While Sonbong has its charms year-round, the climate during the winter months, particularly from December to February, can be extremely challenging. The severe cold, exemplified by temperatures dropping below -9°C (15.8°F), together with the minimal daylight hours, makes it inhospitable for most tourists. The fall in sea temperature to 1.8°C (35.2°F) in February and March further confines outdoor activities.

Spring ushers in warmer temperatures in Sonbong, ranging from -2°C (28.4°F) in March, up to 10°C (50°F) in April, and peaking at 15°C (59°F) in May. Rainfall begins to increase gradually to 28mm (1.1") in April, reaching 71mm (2.8") in May, signaling the onset of the wet season. The increased daylight hours this time of year also contribute to the overall improved weather conditions.

Summer in Sonbong boasts the highest average temperatures of the year, reaching 24°C (75.2°F) during August. The increase in temperature amplifies the humidity as rainfall also peaks in this season, with a notable high of 201mm (7.91") falling in August. Despite the notable rainfall, the sea temperature rise up to a welcoming 21.3°C (70.3°F) making this a conducive period for water activities.

Autumn witnesses a decrease in temperature, transitioning from 21°C (69.8°F) in September to the consistently lower temperatures of 14°C (57.2°F) and 6°C (42.8°F) in October and November respectively. Concurrently, rainfall reduces substantially to 61mm (2.4") and 23mm (0.91") in October and November. Sea temperatures also take a dip, falling from 19.3°C (66.7°F) to 9.9°C (49.8°F) over the same period.

True to its classification under Köppen's scheme, Sonbong experiences severe dry winters. The lowest average temperatures hover around -11°C (12.2°F) in January as daylight hours dwindle to a mere 9.1 hours by December. The town also experiences its driest period during these cold months where the recorded rainfall doesn’t exceed 10mm (0.39"). The sharp fall in sea temperature underlines the severity of winters in Sonbong.

As the New Year begins in Sonbong, North Korea, the chill of the winter season ensues. The city experiences bitterly cold temperatures ranging from a low of -11°C (12.2°F) through to a high of -4°C (24.8°F). This cold snap sets the tone for January's weather, which seldom sees a break from the frozen conditions outside of sporadic increments in daylight hours, culminating in an average of 9.5 hours per day. Weather in January »

As Sonbong transitions from January to February, there is a gradual yet noticeable change in the weather. While the general climate remains cold, the encompassing chill of the previous month starts to ebb. Temperatures creep up marginally, though still low, and there is a slight increase in rain compared to January with an average of 8mm (0.31"). Weather in February »

In Sonbong, the arrival of March signals a shift towards more temperate conditions. There is a discernible change from the freezing lows of winter towards more tolerable climate conditions. It is an incremental improvement, but to the residents, it represents the beginnings of spring. Weather in March »

April's arrival in Sonbong comes with a noticeable upturn in the city's weather. As the frosty remnants of winter recede, temperatures edge towards a higher bracket, proving noticeably warmer than the preceding months. Despite the increase, there are regular showers throughout April, with a total average rainfall of 28mm (1.1"). Weather in April »

The transformation into Sonbong's warmer season becomes more evident in May. The pleasant weather conditions evident in this month are a stark contrast to the winter months. The temperatures now continue to rise, and the amount of daylight increases to peak at 14.6 hours a day. Weather in May »

Sonbong truly blossoms in June, which is acknowledged as the onset of the summer months. The city is dappled with longer daylight hours, adding to the balmy atmosphere. The temperate but comfortable weather from May enters a hotter phase, with June bearing witness to the biggest leap in temperatures yet. Weather in June »

Sonbong engulfs in the throes of summer during the month of July. Now deep into the season, the climate is markedly warm, as July continues June's trend of increasing temperatures. It sees temperatures peak between 17°C (62.6°F) at night, up to an afternoon high of 22°C (71.6°F). Weather in July »

August's weather in Sonbong continues to be predominantly warm, much like the preceding summer months. Despite this, August stands out for its heavy rainfall that outstrips all other months with a hefty 201mm (7.91"). Amid the rainfall, the days remain long and hot, and the sea reaches its warmest in this month. Weather in August »

As Sonbong moves into September, there are immediate signs of summer receding. A notable decrease in temperature, daylight, and rainfall marks the arrival of this month. September sees a tapering off in terms of weather extremes. Weather in September »

October's arrival in Sonbong brings autumn into full swing. It's a month defined by falling leaves and similar temperature trends. The hours of daylight have noticeably decreased, as have the ocean temperatures, which now lean towards a cooler inclination. Weather in October »

Sonbong's weather takes a sharp turn towards cold as November begins. The remnants of autumn's mild climate are swiftly replaced by brittle cold temperatures in November. This month is characterized by temperature lows that dip below freezing again, ranging from -2°C (28.4°F) to highs of 6°C (42.8°F). Weather in November »

December in Sonbong marks the culmination of the transition from autumn to winter. With a solid drop in both temperature and sea temperature, winter's arrival is unequivocally confirmed. A crisp -1°C (30.2°F) high and a bone-chilling -8°C (17.6°F) low are the norms for this month. Weather in December »