When is the best time to visit North Korea?

The best time to visit depends on where you go. Kaesong: April; Mount Kumgang: April & June; Pyongyang: April & May.

Which month is best overall in North Korea?

Averaged across our 3 destinations in North Korea, the strongest months are April, May. Individual places can shift a month or two earlier or later — each destination page lists its own peak.

Which cities in North Korea does bestime.to cover?

We currently score 3 destinations in North Korea: Kaesong, Mount Kumgang, Pyongyang.

How are the North Korea travel scores calculated?

Every city is rated 0-10 per month using ERA5 climate normals - temperature, precipitation, humidity, daylight, and days with 6+ hours of sunshine.

Best Time to Visit North Korea: Weather by Month

01 · North Korea

About North Korea

North Korea covers the northern half of the Korean peninsula, a mountainous country of forested ranges, river valleys and heavily planned cities. Visits are tightly guided and usually take in Pyongyang's monuments, the Demilitarized Zone near Kaesong and mountain areas such as Mount Myohyang when open. Winters are cold and dry and summers warmer and rainier; the milder months from late spring to early autumn are the usual option, and access depends on official tours.

Did you know?

North Korea is the most mountainous part of the Korean peninsula, with the Taebaek and Hamgyong ranges.
Its capital, Pyongyang, has monumental architecture, the Juche tower and ornate metro stations.
Mount Kumgang and Mount Paektu are the country's best-known natural landmarks.

Weather

North Korea: weather by month

Warmest month: July (22°C). Wettest: August (258 mm). Best overall score: April (7.7/10).

Month	Avg temp	Rain	Sunny days	Score
January	-8°C	22 mm	24	6.2/10
February	-5°C	24 mm	24	6.4/10
March	2°C	60 mm	25	6.8/10
April	9°C	73 mm	23	7.7/10
May	13°C	129 mm	25	7.3/10
June	18°C	196 mm	24	6.7/10
July	22°C	253 mm	23	5.9/10
August	22°C	258 mm	23	6.1/10
September	18°C	181 mm	23	6.6/10
October	10°C	114 mm	22	6.6/10
November	3°C	56 mm	23	6.6/10
December	-6°C	31 mm	24	6.2/10

Travel Tips

01Best time & timing: April leads the year at 7.7/10, with May and March close behind — July (5.9/10) is the one to avoid without a specific reason.
02Weather & what to pack: In April plan for about 9°C; the month brings 73 mm of rain. Pack a mid-weight jacket and shoes you can walk in all day.
03Crowds & value: Crowds build in April and rates follow; May usually pairs good conditions (7.3/10) with the lowest prices of the strong months.

Things to do in North Korea

North Korea. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.

FAQ

Frequently asked

When is the best time to visit North Korea?: The best time to visit depends on where you go. Kaesong: April; Mount Kumgang: April & June; Pyongyang: April & May.
Which month is best overall in North Korea?: Averaged across our 3 destinations in North Korea, the strongest months are April, May. Individual places can shift a month or two earlier or later — each destination page lists its own peak.
Which cities in North Korea does bestime.to cover?: We currently score 3 destinations in North Korea: Kaesong, Mount Kumgang, Pyongyang.
How are the North Korea travel scores calculated?: Every city is rated 0-10 per month using ERA5 climate normals - temperature, precipitation, humidity, daylight, and days with 6+ hours of sunshine.

Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 historical archive, the five most recent complete years (2021–2025). Scores are monthly averages for that window, not forecasts, and short-window precipitation can differ from longer-term normals. “Sunny days” count days with at least 6 hours of measured sunshine — they are not dry days.

Curated in North Korea