Pyongyang, North Korea Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Pyongyang
Weather in Pyongyang is shaped by its humid continental climate - expect warm summers and cold, often snowy winters. August afternoons typically reach 84°F (29°C), while January highs hover near 32°F (0°C). Annual precipitation averages 47.3 inches (1202 mm) over about 94 rainy days.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: August - highs near 84°F (29°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 32°F (0°C)
- Record high: 96°F (36°C) · Record low: -7°F (-22°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: July (16 rainy days) · Sunniest: May (9.7 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid continental - warm summers and cold, often snowy winters
- Snow: about 6 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on August. Highs average 84°F (29°C) and overnight lows stay near 71°F (22°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 32°F (0°C) and lows around 16°F (-9°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 96°F (36°C) and dropped as low as -7°F (-22°C).
Rain, sun and snow
July is usually the wettest month. It brings about 11.0 inches (280 mm) of rain over 16 days, while January is the driest. May brings the most sunshine, averaging 9.7 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 6 days in a typical year, mostly from December through March.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32° | 16° | 3 | 0.6 in | 7.8 h/day | 57% |
| February | 39° | 21° | 4 | 0.8 in | 8.4 h/day | 58% |
| March | 52° | 30° | 5 | 1.3 in | 9.3 h/day | 63% |
| April | 64° | 42° | 6 | 2.2 in | 9.6 h/day | 62% |
| May | 73° | 52° | 8 | 4.3 in | 9.7 h/day | 67% |
| June | 80° | 62° | 10 | 6.0 in | 9.7 h/day | 74% |
| July | 84° | 71° | 16 | 11.0 in | 8.5 h/day | 82% |
| August | 84° | 71° | 17 | 10.8 in | 8.7 h/day | 83% |
| September | 77° | 61° | 7 | 4.4 in | 9.0 h/day | 77% |
| October | 64° | 47° | 6 | 2.2 in | 8.3 h/day | 71% |
| November | 49° | 33° | 7 | 2.6 in | 6.8 h/day | 68% |
| December | 34° | 19° | 4 | 1.0 in | 7.2 h/day | 60% |
Pyongyang month by month
Pyongyang weather in January
January brings highs around 32°F (0°C), lows near 16°F (-9°C), about 3 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days - typically the coldest month and the driest month of the year in Pyongyang.
Pyongyang weather in February
February brings highs around 39°F (4°C), lows near 21°F (-6°C), about 4 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Pyongyang weather in March
March brings highs around 52°F (11°C), lows near 30°F (-1°C), about 5 wet days.
Pyongyang weather in April
April brings highs around 64°F (18°C), lows near 42°F (5°C), about 6 wet days.
Pyongyang weather in May
May brings highs around 73°F (23°C), lows near 52°F (11°C), about 8 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Pyongyang.
Pyongyang weather in June
June brings highs around 80°F (27°C), lows near 62°F (17°C), about 10 wet days.
Pyongyang weather in July
July brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 71°F (21°C), about 16 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Pyongyang.
Pyongyang weather in August
August brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 71°F (22°C), about 17 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Pyongyang.
Pyongyang weather in September
September brings highs around 77°F (25°C), lows near 61°F (16°C), about 7 wet days.
Pyongyang weather in October
October brings highs around 64°F (18°C), lows near 47°F (8°C), about 6 wet days.
Pyongyang weather in November
November brings highs around 49°F (10°C), lows near 33°F (0°C), about 7 wet days.
Pyongyang weather in December
December brings highs around 34°F (1°C), lows near 19°F (-7°C), about 4 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Seasons in Pyongyang
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Pyongyang is mild, with daytime highs averaging 63°F (17°C) and nights around 41°F (5°C); expect showers on roughly 19 days across the season.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Pyongyang is hot, with daytime highs averaging 83°F (28°C) and nights around 68°F (20°C); expect showers on roughly 43 days across the season. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Pyongyang is mild, with daytime highs averaging 64°F (18°C) and nights around 47°F (8°C); expect showers on roughly 20 days across the season.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Pyongyang brings deep cold, with daytime highs averaging 35°F (2°C) and nights around 19°F (-7°C); rain falls on about 12 days over the three months, plus around 6 snowy days. Wind makes those temperatures feel harsher than they sound - pair the forecast winds with the wind speed converter to judge conditions on exposed skin.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Pyongyang?
Is Pyongyang hot in summer?
Is Pyongyang cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Pyongyang get in a year?
Best time to visit Pyongyang
The best time to visit Pyongyang is generally April to May and September to October, when this window offers the warmest, brightest days of the year. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 70°F (21°C).
Pack for Pyongyang with a heavy insulated coat, hat and gloves for winter; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - August nights average 71°F (22°C).
Pyongyang temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.