Asia
North Korea
One of the world's most closed and controlled countries: monumental Pyongyang, the DMZ and Mount Paektu, seen only on strictly guided state tours.
- Currency
- North Korean Won (KPW)
- Language
- Korean
- Best time
- February – May & September – October
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to North Korea
See which areas are affected
Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — the definitive source. Check it close to your travel dates.
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Why North Korea
One of the world's most closed and controlled countries: monumental Pyongyang, the DMZ and Mount Paektu, seen only on strictly guided state tours.
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North Korea (the DPRK) is among the most isolated and tightly controlled countries on Earth, and travel here is unlike anywhere else. Independent travel is not possible; all visits take place on structured, state-supervised group tours with official guides at all times.
What draws the deeply curious is its singularity: the monumental architecture of Pyongyang, the tense divide of the DMZ, the sacred volcanic slopes of Mount Paektu and glimpses of a society few outsiders ever see.
This is a destination that demands care and responsibility. Access is often restricted or closed entirely, and travel advisories can be severe, so current official guidance must always come first.
North Korea in pictures
Weather & timing in North Korea RIGHT NOW 12°C mostly clear
Best Apr–May, Oct · Shoulder Feb–Mar, Sep
Units
Next 7 days
Forecast · Met Office · updated 13 Nov · Powered by Met Office data
Typical · climate data
Best time to visit
February – May & September – October
Units
Spring (Mar–May)
What to expect — Daytime highs average about 17°C with overnight lows near 6°C.
What's best — Cool & crisp, then Mild, then Wet.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
What to expect — Daytime highs average about 28°C with overnight lows near 20°C — the wettest stretch of the year.
What's best — Wet.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
What to expect — Daytime highs average about 18°C with overnight lows near 9°C, with plenty of rain.
What's best — Wet, then Mild, then Cool & crisp.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
What to expect — Daytime highs average about 2°C with overnight lows near -7°C, and it stays largely dry.
What's best — Winter, then Cold.
- Korea Meteorological Administration (South Korea; peninsula typhoon warnings) · National service
- Japan Meteorological Agency: typhoon information (RSMC Tokyo) · western North Pacific typhoons
Know before you go
The practical back-matter — safety, drones and the essentials, in one place.
Safety
Official UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office guidance is the definitive source — check it close to your travel dates.