Pyongyang, North Korea: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Pyongyang, North Korea? If you're planning to go to Pyongyang, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Pyongyang
- Important essentials for Pyongyang
- Activities for Pyongyang
- Pyongyang in January: weather and what to pack
- Pyongyang in February: weather and what to pack
- Pyongyang in March: weather and what to pack
- Pyongyang in April: weather and what to pack
- Pyongyang in May: weather and what to pack
- Pyongyang in June: weather and what to pack
- Pyongyang in July: weather and what to pack
- Pyongyang in August: weather and what to pack
- Pyongyang in September: weather and what to pack
- Pyongyang in October: weather and what to pack
- Pyongyang in November: weather and what to pack
- Pyongyang in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Pyongyang, North Korea
Based on the climate and weather in Pyongyang, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for Pyongyang, North Korea
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Pyongyang, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently get worn. An unreadable card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly product.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb one.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Pyongyang. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
-
Luggage protection
Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.
-
For families with young children
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. This one is sufficent for most areas, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Pyongyang, North Korea by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you are traveling to Pyongyang in January, you will notice that it is very cold. Expect it to snow regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Pajamas
-
Lip balm
The best pick: this
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Pyongyang, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Pyongyang has some famous ski areas If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you go to the Korean War Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
February
February in Pyongyang is frosty. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C). It snows occasionally. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 40% to 50% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Pajamas
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Thermal undergarments
We chose:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Lip balm
The best is: this
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Pyongyang, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Pyongyang has some great ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you go to the Korean War Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
March
March in Pyongyang is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain about a third of the time. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 40% to 50% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Pyongyang, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Pyongyang has some good skiing If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you go to the Korean War Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
April
If you visit Pyongyang during April, you will probably notice that it is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
If you go to the Korean War Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
May
If you visit Pyongyang during May, you are likely to see that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
If you go to the Korean War Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
June
In June, Pyongyang is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (high 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Pyongyang, with several of the days of the month having rain. In June, humidity reaches as high as 60%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
If you go to the Korean War Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
July
If you are traveling to Pyongyang in July, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot and very rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
If you go to the Korean War Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
August
If you visit Pyongyang during August, you will probably notice that it is pretty consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also cleans contaminants:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
If you go to the Korean War Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
September
September is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
If you go to the Korean War Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
October
If you go to Pyongyang in October, you will notice that it can be chilly. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
If you go to the Korean War Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
November
November in Pyongyang is brisk and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about a third of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Pyongyang, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Pyongyang has some famous skiing If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you go to the Korean War Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
December
Traveling to Pyongyang in December, you will notice that it is frosty. Expect it to rain occasionally and snow 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Gloves
-
Sweaters
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Pyongyang, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is important here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Pyongyang has some good ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you go to the Korean War Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Enshi, China, Xikou, China, North Attleborough, Rhode Island, United States of America, Gour-Pandua, India, Bronckhorst, Netherlands, Nong Khiaw, Laos, Xàbia, Spain, Stuttgart Region, Germany, Luino, Italy, Gambela, Ethiopia, and Daman, Nepal.