Pyongyang in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Pyongyang

17°C (63°F) High Temp

6°C (42°F) Low Temp

46 mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Cherry blossom season in Moranbong Park and Kim Il-sung Square - trees bloom mid-April with pink kimilsungia flowers adding spectacular color to guided walks
Perfect hiking weather at 17°C (63°F) highs for Mount Taesong and Mangyongdae - comfortable for the mandatory 3-4 hour guided nature walks without summer's oppressive humidity
Spring festival season with Day of the Sun (April 15) celebrations - mass games, fireworks at Kim Il-sung Stadium, and special cultural performances only available this month
Shoulder season pricing for Koryo Hotel and Yanggakdo International - rates drop 20-30% compared to October peak season, plus easier booking for the limited Western tour slots

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings from 6°C (42°F) mornings to 17°C (63°F) afternoons require constant layering and repacking during site visits
Rain on 10 days means 30% chance of outdoor activities like DMZ bus tours being modified or conducted in poor visibility conditions
Day of the Sun holiday (April 15) creates 3-day period where many museums and cultural sites have restricted hours or limited foreign access for preparation

Best Activities in April

Kumsusan Palace of the Sun Memorial Tours

April's cool 17°C (63°F) weather makes the lengthy 2-3 hour formal dress code visits comfortable. Spring timing coincides with fresh flower displays for Day of the Sun preparations. The strict photography rules and reverent atmosphere require proper attire - suits for men, conservative dress for women.

Booking Tip: Book through approved Western tour operators 6-8 weeks ahead as April slots fill during Day of the Sun period. Tours typically cost $200-350 per person including mandatory formal wear rental. Reference booking widget for current authorized operators.

Metro System and Underground Station Tours

Perfect indoor activity for April's 10 rainy days. The ornate Puhung and Yonggwang stations showcase socialist realist art in climate-controlled comfort. April renovations often add fresh propaganda displays. The 110m (360 ft) deep stations maintain constant 15°C (59°F) temperatures.

Booking Tip: Always included in standard tour packages. Independent metro access impossible - must be part of guided city tours. Book standard 4-day packages typically costing $1,200-1,800 per person through licensed operators listed in booking section.

Moranbong Park Cherry Blossom Walking Tours

Peak blooming occurs mid-April when temperatures hit 17°C (63°F) daily. The 1.2 km (0.7 mile) guided walks through socialist landscaping feature both natural cherry trees and cultivated kimilsungia flowers. Morning tours at 9am avoid afternoon rain showers and capture best photography light.

Booking Tip: Schedule outdoor activities for morning hours to avoid afternoon showers. Park access only through approved guides - typically included in complete packages costing $1,500-2,200 for 5-day tours. See current tour options in booking section below.

Arirang Mass Games Preparation Viewing

April features special Day of the Sun rehearsals at May Day Stadium (150,000 capacity). The 90-minute performances showcase 20,000+ participants in choreographed displays. Cool weather makes the outdoor stadium comfortable, unlike summer's oppressive heat reaching 35°C (95°F).

Booking Tip: Extremely limited availability - only 200-300 Western visitors permitted during April rehearsal period. Book 10-12 weeks ahead through specialized North Korea tour operators. Premium experiences cost $2,800-4,200 per person. Check booking widget for rare availability.

Mangyongdae Revolutionary Site Hiking

Spring weather perfect for the 2.5 km (1.6 mile) uphill walk to Kim Il-sung's birthplace. April's 17°C (63°F) highs and low humidity make this mandatory 3-hour guided hike comfortable. Fresh spring foliage enhances the historical site's presentation during Day of the Sun season.

Booking Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes for uneven terrain and 150m (492 ft) elevation gain. All visitors must complete this hike as part of standard itineraries. Book complete packages 8-10 weeks ahead, typically $1,400-2,000 per person including transport and guide.

Juche Tower Observatory Visits

Clear spring air in April provides best visibility from the 150m (492 ft) high observation deck. Morning visits before 11am offer clearest views across the Taedong River to Kim Il-sung Square. The elevator ride and tower tour takes 45 minutes, perfect for avoiding afternoon rain showers.

Booking Tip: Always included in city tours but timing matters for visibility. Request morning scheduling when booking. Standard packages include tower access - typically $1,200-1,700 for 4-day Pyongyang tours through authorized operators in booking section.

April Events & Festivals

April 15

Day of the Sun (Kim Il-sung's Birthday)

April 15th national holiday featuring mass celebrations at Kim Il-sung Square, special cultural performances, fireworks displays, and restricted access to key sites for preparation ceremonies. The most significant political event of the year with elaborate flower displays and mandatory citizen participation.

Early to Mid April

Kimilsungia Flower Exhibition

Annual orchid exhibition running throughout April showcasing thousands of the pink flowers named after Kim Il-sung. Held at dedicated exhibition hall with elaborate displays created by work units across the country. Foreign visitors get rare glimpse into domestic cultural participation.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 6°C (42°F) while afternoons reach 17°C (63°F), requiring easy removal of outer layers during site visits

Formal conservative clothing - dark suit for men, knee-length dress with sleeves for women, required for Kumsusan Palace and other memorial sites

Waterproof walking shoes - 46mm (1.8 inches) of rain across 10 days creates muddy conditions at outdoor historical sites like Mangyongdae

Compact umbrella - afternoon showers last 30-45 minutes and occur during scheduled outdoor activities like park walks and monument visits

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 at high altitude observation decks like Juche Tower causes rapid burning despite cool air temperatures

Power bank and universal adapter - limited charging opportunities during long guided tour days, and North Korean outlets use European-style plugs

Cash in euros or Chinese yuan - no international cards work, and currency exchange only possible at hotels with significant markup

Basic medications - bring full supplies as international brands unavailable and local pharmacy access restricted for foreign visitors

Insider Knowledge

Request morning scheduling for outdoor activities - afternoon rain showers from 2-4pm occur on 60% of April days and can force indoor alternative programs

April 13-17 sees restricted access to major sites due to Day of the Sun preparations - book tours arriving April 18+ for full access to museums and cultural sites

Locals wear lighter spring clothing in April after harsh winter - foreign visitors often overdress and appear conspicuous during guided walks through residential areas

Hotel restaurants serve seasonal spring vegetables in April including early kimchi varieties and mountain herbs not available other months

Avoid These Mistakes

Underpacking formal wear - many first-timers don't realize multiple memorial sites require dress code compliance and hotel formal wear rental costs $50+ daily

Scheduling arrival during April 15 Day of the Sun holiday - creates 3-day period with limited site access and modified itineraries, disappointing first-time visitors

Bringing insufficient cash - April shoulder season pricing still requires $1,500+ per person minimum, and no ATMs or card payments available for any purchases