Pyongyang in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Pyongyang

1°C (34°F) High Temp

-7°C (19°F) Low Temp

18mm (0.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak heating season means all indoor attractions, hotels, and restaurants maintain comfortable 20-22°C (68-72°F) temperatures - perfect for extended museum visits and cultural sites
December marks the height of winter cultural programming with special performances at Pyongyang Grand Theatre and increased art exhibitions at Korean Central History Museum
Minimal rainfall (only 18mm/0.7 inches) creates excellent conditions for outdoor photography with crisp, clear air and dramatic winter lighting
Tourist numbers are at annual lows, allowing for more intimate experiences at major sites like Kumsusan Palace Of The Sun and closer interaction with guides

Considerations

Extreme cold with temperatures dropping to -7°C (19°F) requires significant winter clothing investment and limits outdoor activities to 30-45 minute intervals
Shortened daylight hours (8.5 hours) compress sightseeing schedules and eliminate evening outdoor activities
Occasional heavy snowfall can disrupt transportation and force itinerary changes with 2-3 days notice

Best Activities in December

Mansudae Grand Monument Winter Photography Tours

December's clear, dry air and low-angle sunlight create exceptional conditions for photographing Pyongyang's monuments. The bronze statues contrast beautifully against snow-covered backgrounds, and fewer tourists mean unobstructed shots. Morning light between 9-11am provides the best contrast.

Booking Tip: Photography tours typically cost $80-120 per day through approved operators. Book 14-21 days ahead as December slots fill early. Ensure your operator provides hand warmers and heated transport between sites.

Korean Central History Museum Extended Visits

December is ideal for Pyongyang's world-class museums as you can comfortably spend 3-4 hours indoors during the coldest parts of the day. The museum's heating system maintains perfect viewing conditions, and December features special winter exhibitions on Korean history.

Booking Tip: Museum access is included in most tour packages ($150-200 per day). Request extended time allocations when booking - most operators default to 90 minutes but 3+ hours is possible in December weather.

Pyongyang Metro Deep Station Tours

The world's deepest metro system (110m/360ft underground) maintains 15°C (59°F) year-round, making December perfect for extended underground exploration. The ornate stations like Puhung and Yonggwang are tourist-free in winter, allowing detailed photography of mosaics and chandeliers.

Booking Tip: Metro tours cost $40-60 and are best combined with other indoor activities. Book operators who allow 2+ station visits - many tourists get rushed through in warmer months but December allows leisurely exploration.

Traditional Korean Spa and Jjimjilbang Experiences

December is peak season for Korean spa culture in Pyongyang. The Munsu Water Park complex offers heated pools, saunas, and traditional treatments - a perfect respite from -7°C (19°F) outdoor temperatures. Locals flock here in winter, providing authentic cultural immersion.

Booking Tip: Spa access through tour operators runs $60-100 for half-day experiences. Book afternoon slots (2-6pm) when facilities are busiest with locals. Bring swimwear as rentals are limited.

Indoor Market and Department Store Cultural Tours

Kwangbok Department Store and other indoor markets become social hubs during December's harsh weather. You'll see authentic daily life as locals shop for winter provisions and warm clothing. The heated spaces allow for extended observation of North Korean consumer culture.

Booking Tip: Market visits are usually included in cultural tours ($120-180 per day). Request morning visits (10am-noon) when selection is best and locals are most active. Guides can explain pricing and product availability.

Heated Restaurant Cultural Dining Experiences

December showcases North Korean winter comfort food at its best - hearty stews, grilled meats, and warming rice wines. Restaurant interiors are kept at 22°C (72°F), and winter menus feature seasonal specialties unavailable in summer months.

Booking Tip: Multi-restaurant food tours cost $80-150 per day. Book evening experiences (6-9pm) when restaurants are warmest and most atmospheric. Specify interest in winter seasonal dishes when booking.

December Events & Festivals

Late December

Constitution Day Cultural Celebrations

December 27th marks Constitution Day with special performances at the Pyongyang Grand Theatre and increased cultural programming throughout the city. Indoor venues host traditional music and dance performances that showcase North Korean artistic heritage.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated winter boots rated to -15°C (5°F) with good tread - sidewalks become icy and you'll walk 3-5km (1.9-3.1 miles) daily between heated buildings

Layering system with merino wool base layer, fleece mid-layer, and windproof outer shell - indoor venues are 20°C (68°F) warmer than outside

Insulated gloves that allow phone/camera operation - you'll want to photograph quickly in 30-45 minute outdoor intervals

Thermal underwear rated for extreme cold - essential for early morning monument visits when temperatures hit daily lows

Warm hat covering ears completely - wind chill makes -7°C (19°F) feel like -15°C (5°F)

Hand and foot warmers (bring 20+ pairs) - electronics and extremities suffer in prolonged cold exposure

Lip balm and heavy moisturizer - 70% humidity drops to 30% outdoors, causing rapid skin drying

Portable phone charger and protective case - batteries drain 50% faster in temperatures below -5°C (23°F)

Sunglasses for snow glare - UV index of 2 becomes amplified by snow reflection, especially during photography sessions

Scarf or balaclava for face protection during outdoor walking segments between attractions

Insider Knowledge

Hotel heating is centrally controlled and runs 6am-10pm - request extra blankets at check-in as room temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) overnight

Carry small denomination Chinese RMB for emergency taxi rides - regular transport can be delayed by snow and private cars provide heated alternatives

Restaurant meals are served hotter in December with more soup courses - arrive hungry as winter portions are 30% larger than summer servings

Photography equipment needs 20-30 minutes to acclimate when moving between -7°C (19°F) outdoors and 20°C (68°F) indoors to prevent condensation on lenses

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating clothing needs - many tourists pack for 0°C (32°F) weather but December regularly hits -7°C (19°F) with wind chill making it feel like -15°C (5°F)

Planning too many outdoor activities - limit exterior monument visits to 2-3 per day and focus itinerary on heated indoor cultural sites

Not bringing enough hand warmers - pharmacies and shops in Pyongyang don't stock tourist-grade warming supplies