North Korea in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in North Korea

-5°C (23°F) High Temp

-15°C (5°F) Low Temp

12 mm (0.5 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Frozen landscapes create impressive winter photography opportunities - the Pyongyang is completely frozen, and Mount Paektu's crater lake transforms into a pristine white expanse
Minimal crowds at monuments and attractions - December is the quietest month for international visitors, giving you unobstructed access to Kumsusan Palace and Pyongyang
Traditional winter festivals including Kimjongilia Festival (December 16) celebrating Kim Jong-il's birthday with elaborate ice sculptures and performances
Clear, crisp air provides exceptional visibility for viewing the DMZ and distant mountain ranges - pollution is at its lowest during winter months

Considerations

Extreme cold limits outdoor activities to 2-3 hours maximum - temperatures below -10°C (14°F) make extended sightseeing uncomfortable even with proper gear
Limited daylight hours (8.5 hours) restrict daily itineraries and require careful scheduling around the 5:30pm sunset
Some outdoor attractions like Pyongyang and certain hiking trails may be inaccessible due to snow and ice conditions

Best Activities in December

Kumsusan Palace and Revolutionary Monuments Tours

December's cold weather makes indoor cultural sites ideal. The solemn atmosphere inside the mausoleum is enhanced by winter's contemplative mood. Crowds are minimal, allowing for more meaningful experiences at Kim Il-sung Square and the Arch of Triumph.

Booking Tip: Book 4-6 weeks ahead through approved tour operators. Tours typically cost $150-250 per day including guide and transport. Indoor sites require formal dress code - bring dress shoes as sneakers aren't permitted in the mausoleum.

DMZ Winter Viewing Tours

Crystal clear December air provides the best visibility of the year across the DMZ. Snow-covered no-man's land creates a stark, memorable scene. North Korea visits are particularly powerful in winter's silence.

Booking Tip: Reserve 6-8 weeks ahead as winter DMZ access is weather-dependent. Tours cost $200-300 and include heated transport. Check current political climate before booking as access can be restricted without notice.

Pyongyang Metro Underground Tours

Underground stations provide warm refuge from December cold while showcasing elaborate Soviet-era architecture. The 110m (360ft) deep Puhung station feels especially dramatic when escaping from sub-zero surface temperatures.

Booking Tip: Available through most tour packages at $30-50 per person. No advance booking needed but photography restrictions apply. Bring warm clothes as platforms can be cold despite being underground.

Mount Paektu Winter Expeditions

The sacred mountain covered in snow offers North Korea's most spectacular winter scenery. The frozen Heaven Lake crater surrounded by pristine white peaks is unforgettable. Best weather conditions occur in December before January storms.

Booking Tip: Requires special permits and 3-4 day commitment. Expeditions cost $800-1,200 including flights from Pyongyang. Book 8-10 weeks ahead as weather can cancel trips. Requires excellent physical condition for sub-zero hiking.

Traditional Korean Winter Cuisine Experiences

December showcases hearty Korean winter dishes like naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles) and hotpot meals. Hotel restaurants offer traditional ondol (heated floor) dining rooms perfect for escaping the cold.

Booking Tip: Included in most tour packages but special traditional meals cost $40-80 extra per person. Request traditional dining experiences when booking tours. Vegetarian options are very limited - specify dietary needs well in advance.

Ice Festival and Winter Cultural Performances

Pyongyang's ice sculptures and winter performances peak around Kim Jong-il's December 16 birthday. The Grand People's Study House hosts special exhibitions, and the Moranbong Theatre presents winter-themed shows.

Booking Tip: Cultural performances cost $20-40 per person and must be booked through tour operators. Festival dates vary annually - confirm current schedule when booking. Photography restrictions apply at most venues.

December Events & Festivals

December 25

Day of Songun (December 25)

Military-first policy celebration with special displays at the Revolutionary Museum and increased activity around military monuments. Provides insight into North Korean ideology through carefully curated exhibitions and ceremonies.

Mid December

Kimjongilia Festival

Elaborate flower exhibition and ice sculpture displays celebrating Kim Jong-il's December 16 birthday. Features impressive floral arrangements and winter artistic displays at the Kimilsungia-Kimjongilia Exhibition Hall.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Heavy winter coat rated for -20°C (-4°F) - December winds make temperatures feel 5-10 degrees colder

Thermal underwear (merino wool or synthetic) - cotton will make you dangerously cold in these temperatures

Waterproof insulated boots with good tread - icy sidewalks are common and medical facilities are limited

Multiple pairs of warm gloves - one waterproof outer pair and warm liner gloves for photography

Warm hat covering ears and insulated scarf - up to 40% of body heat is lost through the head and neck

Hand and foot warmers (10-15 pairs) - essential for outdoor monument visits lasting 2+ hours

Sunglasses for snow glare - UV reflection off snow can cause temporary blindness

Lip balm and heavy moisturizer - 65% humidity still causes severe chapping in sub-zero temperatures

Formal dress shoes for mausoleum visits - must be leather and dressy, no athletic shoes permitted

Portable phone charger - batteries drain rapidly in extreme cold temperatures

Insider Knowledge

Bring USD cash only - credit cards don't work and euros are less readily accepted. Tour operators prefer crisp, new bills without any markings or tears.

December hotel heating can be inconsistent due to power conservation - pack extra layers for sleeping and bring a small travel blanket if possible.

Photography restrictions are strictly enforced in winter when crowds are smaller - guards pay closer attention to individual tourists. Never photograph construction sites, military personnel, or poor conditions.

Tipping is officially prohibited but small gifts from your home country (pens, postcards, small flags) are appreciated by guides and create better rapport during the long indoor hours.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating the cold - many visitors pack for typical winter weather and are unprepared for Siberian-level temperatures that can cause frostbite in minutes

Wearing insufficient formal clothing for monument visits - sneakers or casual wear will get you denied entry to important sites, wasting precious daylight hours

Not bringing enough backup batteries and chargers - electronic devices fail rapidly in extreme cold, leaving you without cameras or phones when you need them most