Haeju

Planning a trip to Haeju? In this section, you'll find the most up-to-date information on current weather conditions and accurate forecasts to help you perfectly plan your visit to this coastal city in North Korea.

The climate in Haeju is classified as a humid continental type with four distinct seasons, typical for the west coast of North Korea. The city's location on the shores of the Yellow Sea significantly influences weather conditions, moderating winter frosts and making the summer air more humid.

Throughout the year, the weather undergoes significant changes: from cold, dry winters to hot, rainy summers. Annual precipitation is approximately 1,160 mm, with most moisture falling during the summer monsoon period. This creates conditions for lush greenery and makes the region's coastal nature particularly picturesque during the warm season.

The seasons are clearly defined. Spring (March–May) brings gradual warming and blooming; summer (June–August) is characterized by high humidity and heat; autumn (September–November) delights with clear, moderately warm days; and winter (December–February) plunges the city into a bracing cold dominated by continental air masses.

The temperature regime in Haeju displays a classic continental range, moderated by its proximity to the Yellow Sea. The average annual temperature in the city is around +12–13°C. Winter months, especially January, are characterized by average lows of -6.7°C, though daytime temperatures often rise above freezing, making the local winter less severe compared to the northern regions of the country.

Summers in the city are quite hot and humid. The peak of the heat occurs in August, when the average daytime maximum reaches +28.7°C. Combined with the high humidity of the monsoon season, this can feel even hotter, but sea breezes provide welcome relief. Diurnal temperature fluctuations are most noticeable in winter and spring, sometimes reaching 10–12 degrees between day and night.

For swimming enthusiasts, Haeju offers excellent opportunities in late summer. Water temperatures in the bay begin to warm up actively in June (up to +20°C) and reach their peak in August (+26°C), remaining comfortable for swimming even into the first half of September. Autumn brings a gradual decrease in temperature to a pleasant +14…+18°C in October, creating ideal conditions for comfortable tourism without the sweltering heat.

Precipitation in Haeju is distributed very unevenly, following the annual monsoon cycle. The main rainy season occurs during the summer months—from June to September. During this period, intense downpours often accompanied by thunderstorms hit the coast. The wettest months of the year are July and August, when up to 195 mm of rain falls monthly, and the number of rainy days reaches 15 per month.

In contrast, the winter period is considered relatively dry. From December to February, precipitation falls mainly in the form of snow, though the volume is significantly lower than summer levels (about 20 mm per month). Snow cover can last from 40 to 60 days, creating beautiful winter landscapes, although the maritime air often causes the snow to melt quickly during temporary thaws.

Spring and autumn in Haeju are times of moderate humidity. In April and May, rainfall gradually increases, preparing nature for the summer burst of color, while in October and November, rain becomes rarer and more brief. The total number of days with precipitation per year is about 120–140, making the sunny autumn the most stable time for long outdoor excursions.

For a trip to Haeju in the summer (June–August), it is worth preparing a wardrobe of light, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen. Due to the influence of the monsoons, be sure to bring a reliable umbrella or a high-quality raincoat. Also, don't forget high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable sandals or light sneakers for walks along the coast.

A winter visit (December–February) will require a completely different set of items. You will need warm jackets, sweaters, and thermal underwear to protect against the cold wind. A hat, gloves, and a scarf are essential, as is waterproof footwear in case of snowfall. The principle of layering will allow you to stay comfortable when moving from the freezing outdoor air into buildings.

During the shoulder seasons—spring and autumn—the weather can be changeable, so light jackets, jeans, and mid-season shoes are the best choices. At any time of year, it is useful to have a small travel mug and a universal power adapter. If you plan to relax by the sea in August, be sure to pack swimwear, as the water temperature reaches its peak during this time.