Pyongyang in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Pyongyang

3°C (37°F) High Temp

-7°C (20°F) Low Temp

15 mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Thinnest tourist crowds of the year - major sites like Kim Il-sung Square and Kumsusan Palace require minimal waiting, allowing more intimate experiences with guides
Winter illuminations transform the city - LED displays on major buildings run extended hours through February, creating dramatic photo opportunities unavailable other months
Authentic winter cultural experiences including ice fishing on Taedong River and traditional Korean winter foods like naengmyeon served properly cold
Clearest air visibility of the year due to reduced industrial activity and wind patterns - North Korea views from Mansudae Hill extend 15 km (9.3 miles) on clear days

Considerations

Extreme cold limits outdoor sightseeing to 30-45 minute intervals before requiring indoor warming breaks, significantly extending tour schedules
Several outdoor monuments and Juche Tower observation deck close or operate reduced hours due to safety concerns with ice formation
Limited daylight from 7:30am-5:30pm restricts photography opportunities and requires compressed itineraries

Best Activities in February

Underground Metro Art Tours

February's bitter cold makes Pyongyang's heated metro stations a perfect refuge while exploring elaborate Soviet-style artwork. Stations maintain comfortable 18°C (64°F) temperatures while outside temperatures plummet. The contrast enhances appreciation for the warm, ornate underground spaces. Fewer tourists mean better photo opportunities of chandeliers and mosaics without crowds.

Booking Tip: Book through approved tour operators 3-4 weeks ahead. Tours typically cost $45-65 per person and include 6-8 stations. Look for operators offering heated transport between stations. Reference booking widget below for current metro tour options.

Traditional Korean Winter Bathhouse Experiences

Authentic jjimjilbangs (bathhouses) provide essential warmth and cultural immersion during February's freeze. These facilities maintain 38-42°C (100-108°F) pools and offer traditional Korean spa treatments unavailable to tourists other times of year. Local families use these as winter social spaces, providing genuine cultural interaction opportunities.

Booking Tip: Arrange through cultural experience tour operators, typically $25-40 per session including towels and basic amenities. Sessions last 2-3 hours. Book 1-2 weeks ahead as February is peak local usage time.

Kim Il-sung Square Winter Ceremony Viewing

February's cold weather creates dramatic atmospheric conditions for witnessing morning ceremonies and formations. Steam from participants' breath and crisp air create unique photographic opportunities. Ceremonies run shorter in winter (15-20 minutes vs 45 minutes in summer) but are more visually striking against snow backdrop.

Booking Tip: Coordinate with official guides minimum 2 weeks ahead. Viewing positions cost $15-25 per person. Bring chemical hand warmers as standing still for observation in -7°C (20°F) becomes challenging after 10 minutes.

Traditional Korean Winter Food Tours

February showcases authentic Korean winter cuisine at its peak - naengmyeon (cold noodles) served at proper seasonal temperatures, plus hearty stews like kimchi-jjigae that locals actually eat for warmth. Restaurant interiors provide cozy refuges heated to 22-25°C (72-77°F) with extended meal experiences lasting 90+ minutes.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost $35-55 per person including 4-5 restaurants. Book 10-14 days ahead through approved cultural tour operators. February menus feature seasonal specialties unavailable other months.

Mansudae Grand Monument Winter Photography

Snow coverage and frost create dramatic backdrops for the bronze statues impossible to capture other times of year. February's low-angle winter sun (elevation 25-30 degrees) provides optimal lighting conditions 11am-2pm. Clear air offers exceptional detail in wide-angle shots extending 8 km (5 miles) across the city.

Booking Tip: Photography permits through tour operators cost $20-35 depending on equipment. Best conditions occur after fresh snowfall typically 3-4 times in February. Professional photography tours available $85-120 per half day.

Juche Tower Indoor Exhibitions

While the outdoor observation deck closes in severe weather, heated indoor exhibitions on floors 20-25 remain open and uncrowded. Interactive displays about Juche philosophy provide 60-90 minutes of warm, educational content. Floor-to-ceiling windows still offer city views without wind chill exposure.

Booking Tip: Indoor access costs $12-18 per person. Available daily except during extreme weather below -12°C (10°F). Book day-of through hotel concierge or 2-3 days ahead during your tour planning.

February Events & Festivals

February 16th (preparation events February 14-15)

Kim Jong-il Birthday Celebrations

February 16th marks the Day of the Shining Star with city-wide celebrations including ice sculpture displays in Kim Il-sung Square and special cultural performances at Pyongyang Grand Theatre. Public festivities include traditional Korean winter games and communal meals featuring seasonal specialties.

Late January to Early February (follows lunar calendar)

Lunar New Year Cultural Activities

Traditional Korean Seollal celebrations blend with state-organized events featuring folk games adapted for winter weather. Indoor venues host traditional music performances, calligraphy demonstrations, and seasonal food preparations that provide authentic cultural experiences.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots rated to -20°C (-4°F) - sidewalks have 2-5 cm (0.8-2 inches) of packed snow/ice throughout February

Multiple thermal layers including merino wool base layer - buildings maintain 16-20°C (61-68°F) requiring adaptable clothing

Chemical hand/foot warmers (bring 20+ packets) - outdoor monument visits require 30-45 minutes of exposure to -7°C (20°F) conditions

Insulated camera battery pack - standard camera batteries drain 60-80% faster in subzero temperatures

Heavyweight down jacket rated to -25°C (-13°F) with wind protection - actual wind chill reaches -15°C (5°F) regularly

Moisture-wicking synthetic socks (avoid cotton) - feet sweat despite cold due to heavy boots, creating frostbite risk if cotton holds moisture

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated crucial in dry 70% humidity, but regular bottles freeze within 2 hours outdoors

Lip balm with SPF protection - UV index of 2 still causes chapping combined with dry air and wind exposure

Touchscreen-compatible insulated gloves - phone/camera operation impossible with regular gloves in -7°C (20°F) weather

Compact umbrella for snow - 10 precipitation days in February include wet snow that soaks through jacket shoulders

Insider Knowledge

Heating in most buildings runs on scheduled intervals (typically 6am-9am, 5pm-10pm) - plan indoor activities during these peak warmth periods when venues are most comfortable

February is prime season for traditional Korean heating systems called ondol - request ondol-heated accommodations for authentic cultural experience plus superior warmth

Local residents use subway system as warming stations during extreme cold - riding the complete loop takes 45 minutes and costs minimal won while providing full-body warmth

Photography equipment requires 30-minute gradual temperature adjustment when moving between -7°C (20°F) outdoors and 18°C (64°F) indoors to prevent condensation damage

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating wind chill factor - tourists pack for -7°C (20°F) but actual feels-like temperatures reach -15°C (5°F) with 20 km/h (12 mph) winds

Scheduling too many outdoor activities consecutively - safe outdoor exposure limited to 30-45 minutes before requiring 15-20 minute indoor warming breaks

Bringing cotton clothing layers - cotton retains moisture from indoor heating/outdoor cold transitions, creating dangerous cooling effect against skin