North Korea in October

April through May offers the best weather - mild temperatures and cherry blossoms in Pyongyang's parks. September and October bring comfortable temperatures and clear skies perfect for those mandatory photos at monuments. Avoid summer if possible - July and August are swelteringly hot and humid, plus you'll deal with monsoon rains. Winter tours run from December to March, but temperatures drop well below freezing and heating in hotels can be unreliable. The Mass Games spectacular happens sporadically - usually in summer or fall - and tours book up fast when it's running. Political tensions can affect tour availability, so book through established operators who monitor the situation closely.