North Korea Weather, climate and geography

Weather and climate

Best time to visit

Moderate with four distinct seasons. The hottest time is July to August, which is also the rainy season; coldest is from December to January, winters in the far north can be very severe. Spring and autumn are mild and mainly dry.

Required clothing

Lightweight cottons and linens are worn during the summer. Light to mediumweights are advised in the spring and autumn, and medium to heavyweights in the winter. Waterproofs are advisable during the rainy season.

Geography

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea shares borders in the north with China, in the east with the Sea of Japan, in the west with the Yellow Sea, and in the south with the demilitarised zone (separating it from the Republic of Korea). Most of the land consists of hills and low mountains and only a small area is cultivable. Intensive water and soil conservation programmes, including land reclamation from the sea, are given high priority. The eastern coast is rocky and steep with mountains rising from the water and this area contains most of the waterways.