North Korea: When to Go

The best months to visit North Korea are May, June, September and October. In May and June, the worst of winter will be gone and the days will be warming up. In September and October you'll get blue skies and a brilliant display of autumn colours. However, if you have a penchant for snow, ice-skating and the touch of Siberian talons on your face then North Korea can certainly oblige - try December to March.

Try to avoid peak summer - late June to late August - which starts off with the monsoon season, when the country receives some 60% of its annual rainfall, and is followed by unpleasantly hot and humid weather. At this time many locals flee the muggy cities for the mountains, beaches and islands, which become crowded and accommodation prices double. There is also the chance of a typhoon or two.

Weather

Spring, from April to June, is a beautiful season, with generally mild temperatures and cherry blossoms spreading north across the country. While not the driest months, June to September provide respite from North Korea's icy winters with average high temperatures between 23 and 29°C (74-84°F). Winter, from December to March, is dry but often bitterly cold, particularly in northern parts. Siberian winds drag January temperatures in most of the country to below zero.