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The Weather and Climate in North Korea

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The climate in North Korea is affected by its location in the East Asian monsoon belt. Bordered by the countries of China in the north and South Korea in the south, North Korea experiences a temperate climate characterized by rainy summers and freezing winters. Its being surrounded by the waters of the Korea Bay in the west and Sea of Japan in the east influences the humidity in the country. It has four distinct seasons with summer and winter lasting for long periods.

Summers in North Korea are hot but rainy. Temperature rises up to 20oC and lasts for 4 months starting in June. During this season, monsoon rains and storms are very much felt in the country. Despite the severe flooding that the season brings, North Koreans still appreciate the weather as it is best fit for growing their rice crops.

Autumn comes next and lasts from October to November. It serves as a transition from hot and rainy summer to the cold and dry winter season as evidenced by cold nights where frost sometimes occurs.

Winter starts in December and lasts up to March or April, depending on the region. Weather is coldest in January when the coldest recorded temperature is -20.8oC in Junggangjin. A cold, dry air mass from Siberia causes the freezing temperature in the country and because of which rivers during the winter are usually frozen.

Spring in North Korea begins in mid-April or last week of April in the northern regions and lasts up to May. During this season, ice in the northern parts of the globe breaks which causes mild rainfall in the country. The blooming of cherry blossoms marks the start of the season.