The climate of Myanmar
Burrowed between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator,
Myanmar displays a predominantly tropical monsoon climate, broadly affected by its geographical location and topographical diversity. The country's vast coastal regions, extending over 2,000 km, receive annual rainfall exceeding 5,0mm (0"). Conversely, the inland central dry zone sees an annual precipitation of less than 1,0mm (0"), making it the driest region of the country. Myanmar's northern highlands, featuring more temperate weather conditions, witness significant snowfall during winter months. The northern regions, marked by cooler climates, maintain average temperatures of 21°C (69.8°F). Coastal and delta regions contrastingly showcase a higher average maximum temperature of 32°C (89.6°F).
The Best Time to Visit Myanmar
For visitors planning a trip to
Myanmar, the winter season from
November to
February serves as the best period. The weather is comparatively cooler during these months, with average temperatures oscillating between 20°C (68°F) to 24°C (75.2°F). This time also marks a sharp decline in rainfall, fostering an ideal atmosphere for sightseeing and exploration. Particularly in the central dry zone, encompassing popular destinations like Bagan and Mandalay, the climate remains pleasant, offering travelers an opportunity to delve into the rich heritage of the country under clear, blue skies.
The Worst Time to Visit Myanmar
The period from
May to
October, accounting for the monsoon season, could be less favorable for visiting
Myanmar. This period is characterized by heavy rainfall, particularly in the coastal regions which receive more than 5,0mm (0") of rain annually. Outdoor activities and transportation can be significantly affected by persistent rain and occasional flooding. However, this period could offer a different perspective of Myanmar's lush landscape and rich biodiversity, especially for those not deterred by the rainfall.
Spring Weather in Myanmar
Spring, signifying the transition between winter and summer, does not strictly exist in the traditional sense in
Myanmar due to its tropical climate. The hot summer season starts in
March, heralded by rising temperatures that range from 30°C (86°F) to 35°C (95°F). The dry zone in the central region witnesses higher temperatures, making it particularly warm. Nevertheless, this period provides opportunities for cultural immersion through festivities such as Thingyan, the water festival marking the Burmese New Year.
Summer Weather in Myanmar
The summer in
Myanmar, spanning from
March to
May, is characterized by hot and dry conditions. During this time, temperatures in the dry zone can soar to 40°C (104°F), while coastal and delta regions report slightly lower highs, averaging 32°C (89.6°F). In the late summer, the southwest monsoon begins to influence the weather, gradually bringing an increase in rainfall, particularly along the western and southern coasts.
Autumn Weather in Myanmar
Similar to spring,
Myanmar does not experience a distinct autumn season. Instead, the period from late
May to
October signifies the monsoon season. The southwest monsoon brings substantial rainfall, with the coastal regions receiving the heaviest precipitation. Temperatures during this period range from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). Despite the heavy rainfall, the scenery during the monsoon season can be exceptionally lush and beautiful, especially in the rural and hilly areas.
Winter Weather in Myanmar
Winter in
Myanmar, spanning from
November to
February, is marked by cooler temperatures and reduced rainfall. The central dry zone experiences average temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 24°C (75.2°F), offering a pleasant climate for exploration and sightseeing. The northern regions, often reaching temperatures below 15°C (59°F), can occasionally experience snowfall, particularly in the higher elevations of the highlands. The winter period offers comfortable travel conditions, with less humidity and clear skies, making it an attractive time for tourism.
Weather in January
January in
Myanmar falls in the midst of the winter season, bringing in some of the coolest temperatures of the year. Particularly in the northern regions and the highlands, temperatures can descend to a chilly average of 13°C (55.4°F), often even lower at higher elevations.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
Myanmar heralds the tail end of the winter season and the onset of the hot summer season. The weather across the country remains largely dry and begins to warm slightly, though it still remains comfortably cool compared to the impending summer months. In the northern regions and the highlands, the average temperature sees a gradual rise but continues to remain relatively cool, averaging 15°C (59°F).
Weather in February » Weather in March
March is the gateway to the hot summer season in
Myanmar, with temperatures beginning to rise markedly across the country. The weather remains predominantly dry as the monsoon season is still a few months away. In the northern regions and the highlands, the temperatures rise but remain moderate.
Weather in March » Weather in April
April in
Myanmar marks the peak of the hot summer season, with temperatures across the country reaching their highest for the year. Despite the escalating heat, the weather remains predominantly dry, as the monsoon season is yet to set in. The northern regions and the highlands continue to experience a steady increase in temperature.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Myanmar marks the transition from the scorching summer season to the rainy monsoon season. Temperatures remain high during this period, but the onset of the southwest monsoon brings the first bouts of significant rainfall for the year. In the northern regions and the highlands, temperatures continue to stay high, ranging between 24°C (75.2°F) and 28°C (82.4°F).
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Myanmar heralds the full arrival of the monsoon season. The southwest monsoon brings substantial rainfall to most parts of the country, and temperatures begin to slightly decrease as a result. In the northern regions and the highlands, temperatures range from 23°C (73.4°F) to 27°C (80.6°F).
Weather in June » Weather in July
July in
Myanmar is deeply entrenched in the monsoon season, with the country experiencing heavy rainfall and marginally cooler temperatures. In the northern regions and the highlands, temperatures continue to hover around 23°C (73.4°F) to 26°C (78.8°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Myanmar continues to be dominated by the monsoon season. Heavy rainfall is prevalent across the country, and temperatures remain relatively stable but marginally cooler due to the persistent rain. In the northern regions and the highlands, the temperature ranges from 22°C (71.6°F) to 25°C (77°F).
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Myanmar marks the beginning of the end for the monsoon season. Rainfall starts to decrease gradually, but the weather conditions across the country remain largely wet, and temperatures continue to be relatively mild. In the northern regions and the highlands, the temperature ranges between 23°C (73.4°F) to 27°C (80.6°F).
Weather in September » Weather in October
October in
Myanmar is characterized by the retreat of the monsoon season and the onset of the cool and dry winter. Rainfall decreases significantly across the country, and temperatures begin to drop gradually. In the northern regions and the highlands, temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) to 24°C (75.2°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Myanmar marks the full arrival of the cool and dry winter season. The monsoon rains have receded entirely, and temperatures across the country have decreased, providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities and travel. In the northern regions and the highlands, temperatures range from 17°C (62.6°F) to 21°C (69.8°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Myanmar is well within the cool, dry winter season, offering some of the most comfortable weather conditions across the country for the entire year. Rainfall is minimal, and temperatures are relatively low, providing ideal conditions for travel and outdoor activities. In the northern regions and the highlands, temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) to 19°C (66.2°F).
Weather in December »