Pyongyang in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Pyongyang
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect spring weather with mild temperatures averaging 18°C (64°F) - ideal for walking tours that can last 6-8 hours without overheating
- May Day celebrations on May 1st create the year's most spectacular mass performances at Kim Il-sung Square, with 100,000+ participants in synchronized displays
- Moranbong Park and Moran Hill are at peak spring beauty with cherry blossoms and azaleas - locals have weekend picnics making it the best month for people-watching
- Clear visibility for Juche Tower views extends 15km+ (9+ miles) on most days, compared to summer haze that reduces it to 5km (3 miles)
Considerations
- May Day week (April 28-May 5) sees limited tour availability and higher prices - accommodation rates increase 40-60% during this period
- Spring rain showers are unpredictable, occurring suddenly and lasting 30-90 minutes, which can disrupt outdoor itineraries without indoor backup plans
- Tourist crowds peak during May holidays, especially at Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where wait times can extend to 2+ hours versus 30 minutes in other months
Best Activities in May
Pyongyang Metro System Deep Station Tours
May's mild weather makes the temperature contrast between surface and the 110m (360ft) deep Revivals stations comfortable. Spring crowds mean more authentic commuter interactions, and stations like Puhung feature seasonal flower displays. The 17-station network is fully operational with no maintenance closures typical in winter months.
Kim Il-sung Square Mass Performance Viewing
May hosts the most elaborate synchronized performances of the year during May Day celebrations. 100,000+ performers create card section mosaics and choreographed displays. The mild 18°C (64°F) average temperature allows comfortable 3-4 hour outdoor viewing sessions. Spring lighting conditions are optimal for photography until 7:30pm.
Moranbong Park Spring Picnic Experiences
May transforms Moranbong into Pyongyang's social hub with families picnicking under cherry blossoms. This is the only month locals actively use the park for leisure, offering genuine cultural interaction opportunities. Walking trails through the 60-hectare park are dry and accessible, with wildflowers blooming throughout May.
Juche Tower Observatory Visits
May offers the year's clearest visibility from the 150m (492ft) tower, with 15km+ (9+ miles) views across the Taedong River valley. Spring weather eliminates summer haze and winter snow obstruction. The tower elevator operates reliably in May's stable temperatures, avoiding summer maintenance shutdowns.
Traditional Korean Restaurant Cultural Dining
May's spring ingredients create seasonal menu additions including fresh namul (mountain vegetables) and early summer kimchi varieties. Restaurant terraces and outdoor seating areas open for the first time since October, offering al fresco dining at places like Okryu-gwan. The comfortable 18°C (64°F) evenings extend dining experiences.
Taedong River Boat Excursions
Spring conditions make the Taedong River ideal for boat tours, with calm waters and clear skies 70% of days. May temperatures allow comfortable 90-minute river journeys viewing the city from water level. Ice concerns are completely eliminated, and summer's intense heat hasn't begun affecting boat schedules.
May Events & Festivals
May Day Mass Celebrations
The year's most spectacular display featuring 100,000+ performers in Kim Il-sung Square with synchronized card sections, traditional dancing, and military presentations. This is the only time tourists can witness North Korean mass organization culture at its peak scale.
Spring People's Sports Festival
Traditional Korean games and modern sports competitions held in various Pyongyang venues. Locals participate in ssireum (traditional wrestling), volleyball, and basketball tournaments. Offers rare opportunities to see recreational North Korean life.