Pyongyang in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Pyongyang

6°C (43°F) High Temp

-4°C (25°F) Low Temp

38 mm (1.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Clear skies and excellent air quality - November averages only 3 heavily polluted days compared to 15+ in summer months, making it ideal for photography of monuments and skyline views
Indoor heating is at peak efficiency - all museums, theaters, and cultural venues maintain comfortable 20°C (68°F) temperatures, perfect for extended cultural immersion
Autumn foliage in Kim Il-sung Square and along the Taedong River creates impressive contrast against socialist architecture - peak colors last through mid-November
Fewer tour groups mean more personalized experiences with guides and better access to popular photo spots at monuments without crowds

Considerations

Extreme cold requires significant winter gear investment - temperatures can drop to -10°C (14°F) with wind chill, making outdoor sightseeing uncomfortable for more than 30-45 minutes at a time
Daylight hours are limited to 9.5 hours (sunrise 7:15am, sunset 4:45pm), restricting outdoor photography and monument visits to a narrow window
Occasional early snow and ice make walking between monuments treacherous - proper winter boots with grip are essential for navigating marble steps at major sites

Best Activities in November

Underground Metro Art Tours

November's cold weather makes the heated Pyongyang Metro System perfect for extended exploration. Stations like Puhung and Yonggwang feature elaborate mosaics and chandeliers best appreciated when you're not rushing between outdoor sites. The 20°C (68°F) underground temperature provides comfortable relief during your city touring.

Booking Tip: Book through authorized tour operators 2-3 weeks ahead for ₩50,000-80,000 range. All tours include English-speaking guides and metro tokens. Reference booking widget for current available metro tour packages.

Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery Winter Photography

The cemetery's elevated position offers spectacular views of snow-dusted Pyongyang skyline. November's clear, dry air (humidity drops to 60%) creates perfect conditions for landscape photography. Early morning visits (8-10am) capture golden light on bronze statues before temperatures become uncomfortable.

Booking Tip: Photography permits typically cost ₩30,000-50,000 additional. Book morning slots to maximize daylight hours. Professional camera equipment requires advance approval through tour operators.

Kumsusan Palace Indoor Tours

Extended indoor cultural experiences are ideal when outdoor time is limited by weather. The palace maintains strict climate control year-round, offering 2-3 hours of comfortable exploration. November scheduling is more flexible due to reduced tourist volume.

Booking Tip: Advance booking required 4-6 weeks minimum. Dress code strictly enforced - formal attire mandatory. Tours typically range ₩120,000-200,000 including required formal photography sessions.

Hot Pot Restaurant Experiences

November marks peak season for traditional Korean hot pot dining. Local specialties like Pyongyang naengmyeon are served hot during winter months. Indoor dining venues provide cultural immersion while escaping sub-zero temperatures. Group dining experiences last 2-3 hours.

Booking Tip: Reserve through tour operators for authentic local restaurants. Meals typically cost ₩40,000-80,000 per person including traditional accompaniments. Some venues require advance notice for foreign visitors.

Juche Tower Observation Deck Morning Visits

Clear November mornings offer exceptional visibility from 150m (492 ft) height before afternoon temperatures drop below comfortable levels. The elevator ride and indoor observation areas provide respite from outdoor cold while maximizing cityscape photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Book morning time slots (9-11am) for best visibility and lighting. Elevator access typically costs ₩25,000-40,000. Professional photography equipment requires permits arranged through official channels.

Grand People's Study House Library Tours

This 30-story library offers hours of indoor cultural exploration perfect for November weather. The building's advanced heating system maintains comfortable temperatures while you explore reading rooms, computer centers, and cultural exhibits. Ideal for escaping harsh outdoor conditions.

Booking Tip: Tours last 1.5-2 hours and cost ₩35,000-60,000 including guide services. Book afternoon slots (1-4pm) to maximize indoor time during coldest part of day. Special interest tours available for educational groups.

November Events & Festivals

Early to Mid November

Autumn Art Exhibition at Korean Art Gallery

Annual showcase of contemporary DPRK artists featuring winter and revolutionary themes. Provides heated indoor cultural experience with local art purchases available through official channels.

Throughout November

Kimchi-making Season Cultural Demonstrations

Traditional November kimchi preparation demonstrations at cultural centers. Hands-on experiences include learning preservation techniques essential for Korean winter cuisine.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated winter boots with aggressive tread - marble monument steps become deadly slippery with morning frost, and you'll walk 3-5 km (1.9-3.1 miles) daily on various surfaces

Layered clothing system including base layer, insulating layer, and windproof outer shell - you'll transition between -4°C (25°F) outdoors and 20°C (68°F) indoors 8-10 times daily

Thermal underwear rated for temperatures down to -10°C (14°F) - essential for early morning monument visits and outdoor photography sessions lasting 30+ minutes

Waterproof winter gloves that allow camera operation - November sees 10 rainy/snowy days and you'll need dexterity for photography at outdoor sites

Warm hat covering ears completely - wind chill along Taedong River can make temperatures feel 5-8°C (9-14°F) colder than actual temperature

High-SPF chapstick and face moisturizer - dry winter air and UV reflection off snow/ice causes rapid skin damage during outdoor sightseeing

Portable phone battery pack rated for cold weather - smartphone batteries drain 40-60% faster in sub-freezing temperatures during day-long tours

Cash in small denominations (₩5,000-10,000 notes) - indoor venues, photography permits, and cultural site fees require exact change in local currency

Formal dress shoes for indoor cultural sites - many locations require shoe changes, and heated indoor venues maintain dress codes year-round

Insider Knowledge

Morning monument visits (8-10am) offer the best photography conditions before crowds arrive and while your camera batteries are still warm - afternoon visits become uncomfortable as temperatures drop and daylight fades by 4:45pm

Local guides increase indoor venue time during November to accommodate weather - this actually provides deeper cultural discussions and more detailed explanations than summer rushed outdoor tours

November hotel heating bills are included in standard rates unlike some shoulder seasons - request rooms facing south for maximum natural warming during limited daylight hours

Street food vendors operate from heated indoor markets during November rather than outdoor stalls - head to covered markets near metro stations for authentic local snacks and warm drinks between monument visits

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how quickly camera and phone batteries die in sub-zero temperatures - bring multiple backup batteries and keep devices inside jacket pockets between use

Wearing cotton clothing as base layers - cotton retains moisture from indoor heating transitions and becomes dangerous when wet in freezing temperatures, always choose synthetic or wool base layers

Planning too many outdoor activities after 3pm - November daylight disappears rapidly and most outdoor photography becomes impossible after 4:30pm, front-load outdoor activities to morning hours