Hapcheon-gun Climate and Weather Patterns
Hapcheon-gun is characterized by a landlocked geography—meaning it is entirely surrounded by land with no direct access to the sea. This geographic positioning results in a climate that is quite extreme, featuring significant temperature swings between the summer and winter seasons.
The region experiences a distinct seasonal cycle, with an average annual temperature of 13.0 °C. While the area sees moderate conditions on average, it is prone to intense temperature peaks and troughs, reflecting the volatility typical of inland regions in South Korea.
Key Facts
- Annual Average Temperature: 13.0 °C.
- Temperature Extremes: A record high of 39.5 °C and a record low of -16.9 °C.
- Annual Precipitation: Approximately 1,289.9 mm (noted as relatively low compared to other Korean regions).
- Peak Rainfall: Occurs during the summer months, specifically July and August.
- Sunshine: An average of 2,189.7 annual sunshine hours.
Temperature Trends and Extremes
The temperature in Hapcheon-gun varies sharply throughout the year. The hottest period occurs in the summer, with the mean daily maximum reaching 31.1 °C in August. The absolute record high for the region was 39.5 °C.
Conversely, winters are cold and harsh. The mean daily minimum in January drops to -5.9 °C, and the lowest temperature ever recorded in the region was -16.9 °C in 1974.
Precipitation and Humidity
Rainfall in Hapcheon-gun is unevenly distributed across the calendar. The region receives the bulk of its precipitation during the summer, with July and August averaging 289.5 mm and 294.8 mm respectively. In contrast, winter months like December and January are significantly drier, often seeing around 20 mm of precipitation.
Humidity levels also fluctuate with the seasons. Relative humidity is lowest in the spring (reaching a low of 56.2% in April) and peaks in the summer, with August averaging 74.8%.
| Metric | Winter (Jan) | Spring (Apr) | Summer (Aug) | Autumn (Oct) | Annual Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Daily Max (°C) | 7.0 | 20.7 | 31.1 | 22.3 | 20.1 |
| Daily Mean (°C) | -0.2 | 13.2 | 25.6 | 14.5 | 13.2 |
| Mean Daily Min (°C) | -5.9 | 5.8 | 21.5 | 8.7 | 7.5 |
| Avg Precipitation (mm) | 19.7 | 81.9 | 294.8 | 64.5 | 1,289.9 |
| Relative Humidity (%) | 60.5 | 56.2 | 74.8 | 70.6 | 65.1 |
Sunshine and Snowfall
The region enjoys significant sunshine, particularly during the spring. May records the highest mean monthly sunshine hours at 224.7. The percentage of possible sunshine is lowest in July (36.1%), coinciding with the heaviest rainfall of the year.
Snowfall is primarily a winter phenomenon, with the highest average of snowy days occurring in January (3.2 days) and February (2.4 days).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual temperature in Hapcheon-gun?
The average annual temperature is 13.0 °C.
When is the rainiest time of year in Hapcheon-gun?
The rainfall is heaviest in the summer, specifically during July and August.
What are the record temperature extremes for the region?
The record high temperature is 39.5 °C, and the record low is -16.9 °C (recorded in 1974).
Is Hapcheon-gun's rainfall high compared to the rest of Korea?
No, the rainfall of approximately 1,275.6 mm to 1,289.9 mm is considered quite low compared to other Korean regions.
Which month has the most sunshine hours?
May has the highest mean monthly sunshine hours, averaging 224.7 hours.