Weather & Climate in Samch’ŏn, North Korea
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Samch’ŏn experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.7 inches. The area receives 2.3 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 151 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.3°F |
| 7% below US avg | |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 151 ft (46 m) |
| Area | 131.3 sq mi (340.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 655/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.3594°N, 125.3259°E |
| Timezone | Asia/Pyongyang |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.8.
| May 17, 2013 | 80 km WSW of Ongjin, North Korea | M4.8 | 107 km | 10 km |
| Jul 24, 1995 | 78 km WSW of Changy?n, North Korea | M4.7 | 102 km | 33 km |
| Nov 11, 1992 | 8 km NW of Chunghwa, North Korea | M4.3 | 73 km | 10 km |
| Aug 11, 1995 | 62 km WSW of Changy?n, North Korea | M4.0 | 86 km | 10 km |
| Mar 17, 2002 | 49 km WSW of Changy?n, North Korea | M3.9 | 73 km | 33 km |
| Jun 27, 2019 | 10 km W of Chunghwa, North Korea | M3.6 | 63 km | 10 km |
| Jan 8, 2023 | South Korea | M3.6 | 103 km | 17 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Hurricane History
4 hurricanes (Category 1+) recorded within 500 km since 1980. Strongest on record: Category 2.
| Year | Name | Category | Max Wind | Closest |
| 2020 | Bavi | Category 2 | 81 mph | 54 km |
| 2019 | Lingling | Category 1 | 75 mph | 52 km |
| 2010 | Kompasu | Category 1 | 69 mph | 136 km |
| 2000 | Prapiroon | Category 1 | 69 mph | 120 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Category 1+, 1980-2026).
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km. Closest: Ch'uga-ryong (175 km).
| Name | Type | Elevation | Last Eruption | Distance |
| Ch'uga-ryong | Shield | 452 m (1,483 ft) | Unknown | 175 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23°F (-5°C) | 0.8 in | Coldest |
| February | 27°F (-3°C) | 0.6 in | Driest |
| March | 37°F (3°C) | 1.0 in | |
| April | 50°F (10°C) | 2.2 in | |
| May | 60°F (15°C) | 2.6 in | |
| June | 68°F (20°C) | 4.2 in | |
| July | 74°F (23°C) | 10.4 in | Wettest |
| August | 75°F (24°C) | 8.5 in | Warmest |
| September | 66°F (19°C) | 4.5 in | |
| October | 55°F (13°C) | 1.7 in | |
| November | 41°F (5°C) | 1.4 in | |
| December | 29°F (-2°C) | 0.8 in |
Samch’ŏn has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 23°F in January to 75°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 38.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (10.4") and February the driest (0.6").