North Korea in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in North Korea

18°C (64°F) High Temp

4°C (39°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Peak cherry blossom season across Pyongyang parks - temperatures of 12-16°C (54-61°F) create perfect viewing conditions without summer crowds
Lowest tourism numbers of the year - group sizes average 8-12 people versus 20-25 in summer, allowing more personalized interactions with guides
Spring agricultural activities visible in countryside - farmers planting rice paddies and tending collective farms, offering authentic glimpses of rural life
Comfortable walking weather for Pyongyang's extensive Metro System and monument tours - cool 18°C (64°F) highs prevent overheating during 3-4 hour guided walks

Considerations

Unpredictable spring weather can disrupt outdoor itineraries - 40% chance of rain on any given day may force indoor museum visits instead of planned park tours
Limited heating in some accommodations during chilly 4°C (39°F) nights - budget hotels may feel uncomfortably cold
Some rural roads become muddy and inaccessible after spring rains - tours to North Korea or North Korea occasionally get rerouted

Best Activities in April

Pyongyang City Monument Tours

April's cool 18°C (64°F) temperatures make extensive walking tours of Kim Il-sung Square, Pyongyang, and Pyongyang comfortable. Cherry blossoms frame the monuments beautifully, and low tourist numbers mean better photo opportunities without crowds. Morning tours (9am-12pm) avoid afternoon showers that occur 60% of April days.

Booking Tip: Book through state-approved tour operators 6-8 weeks ahead for April departures. Tours typically cost $150-200 per day including guide and transport. All bookings must be made through authorized agencies - independent travel is not permitted.

Metro System and Underground Palace Tours

Perfect rainy day activity when April showers hit. The world's deepest Metro System maintains 15°C (59°F) year-round temperature. April's lower tourist numbers mean less crowded platforms at Puhung and Yonggwang stations. Underground murals and chandeliers are best photographed with fewer people around.

Booking Tip: Metro access is included in most city tour packages costing $120-180 per day. Book morning slots (10am-11am) when locals commute and trains run most frequently. Photography permits may require additional fees of $20-30.

DMZ and Panmunjom Border Tours

Spring weather provides clear visibility across the 4km (2.5 mile) wide demilitarized zone. Cool temperatures make the 2-3 hour outdoor experience comfortable, while April's dry conditions ensure good road access from Pyongyang (160km/99 miles, 3-hour drive each way).

Booking Tip: Must be booked minimum 14 days ahead due to military coordination requirements. Tours cost $200-280 including transport from Pyongyang. Bring passport - strict dress codes apply (no jeans, sandals, or military-style clothing).

Countryside Agricultural Tours

April planting season offers authentic views of collective farming life. Temperatures of 12-16°C (54-61°F) make rural walking tours comfortable, and spring agricultural activities provide genuine cultural insights unavailable in tourist-focused summer months.

Booking Tip: Rural tours cost $180-250 per day including meals at cooperative farms. Book through operators offering authentic farm visits rather than staged demonstrations. Weather-dependent - have indoor backup plans for rainy days.

Mount Myohyang Temple Hiking

Spring temperatures make moderate hiking comfortable at 1,909m (6,263ft) elevation. Trail conditions are optimal before summer heat, and April's 8 rainy days are manageable for outdoor activities. Ancient Buddhist temples are less crowded, allowing peaceful contemplation.

Booking Tip: Mountain tours typically cost $220-300 including overnight temple accommodation. Book 10-12 days ahead as temple stays require special permissions. Bring layers - temperature drops 6°C (11°F) per 1,000m elevation gain.

Cultural Performance and Arts Tours

April's unpredictable weather makes indoor cultural experiences valuable backup plans. Mass games rehearsals often begin in April, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses. Performances at Mansudae Art Theatre showcase traditional Korean arts in climate-controlled comfort.

Booking Tip: Performance tickets cost $30-80 depending on seating. Book cultural tours ($100-150 per day) that include multiple venues. Evening performances (7pm-9pm) work well after daytime outdoor activities.

April Events & Festivals

April 15

Day of the Sun Festival

April 15th celebrates Kim Il-sung's birthday with parades, performances, and public celebrations. Mass dancing events occur in Kim Il-sung Square, and special cultural performances run throughout the week. Tourist access to some events requires advance coordination.

Mid April

Cherry Blossom Season

Peak blooming occurs mid-April in Pyongyang's parks and along the Taedong River. Locals gather for informal picnics under blooming trees, offering rare glimpses of casual North Korean social life. Moran Hill and Ryugyong Park offer best viewing spots.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing from 4°C (39°F) at dawn to 18°C (64°F) afternoon, requiring adaptable clothing options

Waterproof jacket with hood - April showers are frequent but brief, lasting 20-30 minutes with little warning

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - expect 5-8km (3-5 miles) of walking daily on various surfaces including wet pavements

Warm sleepwear and extra blanket - accommodations may have limited heating during chilly nights

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 6 and spring sun reflects strongly off concrete monuments

Portable phone charger/power bank - electrical outlets may be limited and power outages occasional

Cash in euros or Chinese yuan - credit cards not accepted, and currency exchange options are extremely limited

Modest conservative clothing covering arms and legs - shorts, tank tops, and revealing clothing are not permitted at monuments or public spaces

Small backpack for day tours - useful for carrying layers as weather changes throughout the day

Personal medications with original prescriptions - medical facilities have limited Western medicines available

Insider Knowledge

Local guides appreciate genuine curiosity about agriculture and rural life - asking about spring planting schedules often leads to more authentic conversations than political topics

Hotel WiFi is virtually non-existent for tourists, but some guides can help send essential messages through approved channels for genuine emergencies

Photography restrictions are strictly enforced - never photograph soldiers, construction sites, or poverty. Always ask permission and respect 'no photo' guidance immediately

April 2025 sees new restrictions on electronic devices - all phones, laptops, and tablets must be declared at customs and may be temporarily confiscated for inspection

Avoid These Mistakes

Bringing insufficient warm clothing for cold nights - many tourists pack only for daytime temperatures and suffer in unheated accommodations

Attempting to deviate from planned itineraries - all movements are strictly controlled and supervised, with no opportunity for independent exploration

Underestimating currency needs - bring 20% more cash than estimated, as there are no backup payment options or emergency cash access