Pyongyang in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Pyongyang

-1°C (31°F) High Temp

-10°C (14°F) Low Temp

10 mm (0.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Crystal clear winter air creates perfect visibility for photography at Juche Tower and Kumsusan Palace - visibility can exceed 30 km (18.6 miles) on clear days
Frozen Taedong River transforms into a winter wonderland with ice fishing and skating activities unavailable other months
Lowest tourist numbers of the year mean more intimate experiences and easier photo opportunities at major sites
Winter festivals including Ice Sculpture Festival at Moranbong Park showcase North Korean artistry at its finest

Considerations

Extreme cold requires extensive winter gear - temperatures can feel like -18°C (-0°F) with wind chill
Limited daylight hours (sunrise 7:45am, sunset 5:20pm) restrict sightseeing time to roughly 9.5 hours daily
Some outdoor attractions like Munsu Fun Fair operate reduced hours or close sections due to weather conditions

Best Activities in January

Kumsusan Palace of the Sun Winter Tours

January's crisp air and minimal crowds make this the ideal time to visit North Korea's most sacred site. The palace's heated interior provides relief from outdoor cold, and shorter queues mean more contemplative viewing time. Winter lighting creates dramatic photography opportunities of the building's exterior.

Booking Tip: Book through approved tour operators 4-6 weeks ahead as January slots fill quickly despite low overall tourism. Tours cost ₩150,000-200,000 ($167-222 USD) and require formal dress code. See current tour options in booking section below.

Taedong River Ice Activities

The frozen river becomes North Korea's winter playground in January. Locals ice fish, skate, and walk across sections that are 30+ cm (12+ inches) thick. This is the only time of year you can experience this uniquely North Korean winter tradition alongside residents.

Booking Tip: Join organized winter activity tours through licensed operators, typically ₩80,000-120,000 ($89-134 USD) for half-day experiences including equipment. Book 2 weeks ahead as weather conditions affect availability.

Underground Metro System Extended Tours

January's bitter cold makes Pyongyang's beautifully heated metro stations even more appealing. The ornate Puhung and Yonggwang stations feel like underground palaces when it's -10°C (14°F) outside. Longer station visits are welcomed by both guides and travelers seeking warmth.

Booking Tip: Extended metro tours cost ₩60,000-100,000 ($67-111 USD) and can be combined with other underground sites. Book through operators offering winter packages that maximize indoor time.

Moranbong Park Ice Sculpture Festival

January transforms this central park into an outdoor art gallery featuring elaborate ice sculptures created by local artists. The sub-zero temperatures preserve intricate details throughout the month, and evening lighting displays run from 6pm-9pm daily.

Booking Tip: Festival viewing is included in most city tours during January, typically adding ₩30,000-50,000 ($33-56 USD) to standard packages. Evening viewing tours require advance arrangement and warm transport between sculptures.

Traditional Korean Spa and Jjimjilbang Experiences

After hours in sub-zero temperatures, Pyongyang's traditional spas become essential recovery spaces. The Changgwangsan Hotel spa and local jjimjilbangs offer authentic Korean bathing culture and are where locals retreat during harsh January weather.

Booking Tip: Spa experiences cost ₩40,000-80,000 ($45-89 USD) for 2-3 hour sessions. Book afternoon slots (2pm-5pm) to warm up before evening activities. Most luxury hotels offer spa packages for non-guests.

Indoor Cultural Performances and Museums

January is peak season for indoor cultural activities. The Grand Theatre hosts special winter performances, and museums extend hours to accommodate weather-driven indoor tourism. The Revolution Museum and Korean Art Gallery become cozy refuges with world-class collections.

Booking Tip: Performance tickets range ₩100,000-250,000 ($111-278 USD) depending on show and seating. Book cultural packages 3-4 weeks ahead as January performances often sell out to both tourists and locals seeking indoor entertainment.

January Events & Festivals

January 1st

New Year's Day Sunrise Ceremony at Juche Tower

Locals gather to watch the first sunrise of the year from the 170m (558 ft) tower despite frigid temperatures. This patriotic ceremony includes traditional music and represents hope for the coming year.

Mid January

Winter Sports Festival at Kim Il-sung Stadium

Annual celebration of winter athletics including ice hockey demonstrations, figure skating performances, and traditional Korean winter games. Local families attend despite the cold, creating authentic cultural immersion opportunities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Arctic-rated parka capable of -20°C (-4°F) conditions - standard winter coats are insufficient for Pyongyang's January temperatures

Insulated waterproof boots with deep treads for icy sidewalks - ice persists on streets throughout January

Thermal base layers (merino wool preferred) as you'll transition between -10°C (14°F) outdoors and 20°C (68°F) heated interiors frequently

Face mask or balaclava to protect against windchill that can reach -18°C (-0°F)

Multiple pairs of insulated gloves - one waterproof for outdoor activities, one thinner for photography and phone use

Sunglasses for snow glare - UV still reflects strongly off snow despite low UV index of 2

Hand and foot warmers for extended outdoor photography sessions at monuments

Portable phone battery pack - cold weather drains batteries 40% faster than normal conditions

Thick wool socks and sock liners to prevent frostbite during long walking tours

Moisturizer and lip balm with SPF - dry winter air and heated buildings create severe skin dehydration

Insider Knowledge

Request heated vehicle transfers between sites - many operators offer this January upgrade for an additional ₩50,000 ($56 USD) daily and it's worth every won

Locals eat extra portions of kimchi and ginseng soup in January for warmth - joining communal meals at designated restaurants provides authentic winter cultural experiences

Photography batteries last 60% longer if kept inside your jacket and only inserted when shooting - the extreme cold kills battery life rapidly

Many hotels increase heating costs in January bills - negotiate inclusive pricing upfront or budget an extra ₩30,000-50,000 ($33-56 USD) daily for heating surcharges

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating the severity of January cold - tourists regularly end tours early due to inadequate clothing, losing money on pre-paid activities

Scheduling too many outdoor activities - limit outdoor time to 2-3 hours maximum before seeking indoor warmth to avoid health risks

Not bringing backup gloves for photography - removing gloves for camera operation in -10°C (14°F) weather causes frostbite risk within 10 minutes