Weather in Pyongyang by month: what to expect

Pyongyang’s climate shifts clearly between four distinct seasons, each bringing its own rhythm to the city. Winters in Пхеньян are cold and dry, with January often dipping below -4 °C and occasional frosty mornings. By March, the air warms noticeably, though evenings can still feel chilly. Spring arrives in full by April, when temperatures rise comfortably into the +12...+18 °C range, making it one of the most pleasant times to explore the city.

Summer in Пхеньян is warm and humid, with July and August bringing the highest temperatures—often reaching +26...+30 °C. These months also see the most rainfall, so sudden showers are common. Autumn arrives in September, offering milder days and cooler nights, while November marks the transition back to winter, with temperatures dropping steadily toward freezing.

Winter in Пхеньян is cold, with January averaging -4.7 °C, though nights can fall as low as -9 °C. By March, the city thaws, with daytime highs climbing to +11 °C, though mornings may still hover near freezing. The real warmth arrives in May, when temperatures settle into a comfortable +18...+23 °C range, ideal for outdoor activities.

Summer heat peaks in July and August, with daytime highs often exceeding +30 °C and nights remaining warm at around +22 °C. The heat lingers into early September, but by October, temperatures drop to a more moderate +13...+19 °C. November brings a sharp cooldown, with highs around +10 °C and lows nearing 0 °C, signaling the return of winter.

Пхеньян experiences a pronounced wet season, with nearly half of its annual rainfall occurring between June and August. July and August are the wettest months, each averaging over 200 mm of rain, often in the form of heavy downpours. May and September also see significant rainfall, though less intense than in peak summer.

The dry season runs from October to April, with January and February being the driest months, each receiving less than 15 mm of precipitation. Even in November and December, rain is infrequent, though occasional light snow may dust the city in winter. Travelers visiting Пхеньян in summer should prepare for sudden showers, while those coming in winter can expect mostly dry conditions.

For a winter trip to Пхеньян, pack warm layers, including a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat, as temperatures in January and December often drop below freezing. A scarf will help against the cold winds, while waterproof shoes are useful for occasional snow or slush. In March and November, lighter layers with a jacket for evenings will suffice, as days can be mild but nights turn chilly.

Summer visitors to Пхеньян should bring lightweight, breathable clothing for the +25...+30 °C heat, along with a compact umbrella or rain jacket for sudden downpours. A hat and sunglasses are useful for sunny days, while a light sweater may be needed for cooler evenings. In April, May, September, and October, layers are key—days can be warm, but mornings and evenings may require a jacket or long sleeves.