Best time to visit Myanmar

The best and most popular time to visit Myanmar is between November and February, the country’s driest months and when daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm. After this the heat builds towards the monsoon of June to October.

Enjoy the tropical climate, wet or dry

Myanmar can be visited at any time of year although most people prefer to avoid the hottest months of March to May. The rainy season is by no means no go as some areas are less afflicted that others and visitors are fewer.

Monks on bridge at sunset, Burma/Myanmar

Myanmar's seasons

There are three seasons in the year, one hot, one wet and the other dry. That is of course simplistic but largely accurate and helps make sense of Myanmar’s weather and pinpoint the best times to visit.

March to May

In March the heat begins to rise, continuing through to May. These are dry months but with temperatures of 40°c and over in many areas it is too hot for comfortable touring and sightseeing and few people choose to visit at this time of year.

June to October

The monsoon brings most rain to the coast, delta and mountains while the central plains and destinations such as Bagan and Mandalay are less affected. Some travellers like the beginning or end of the monsoon or green season as rainfall is less intense and there are fewer visitors and less crowds.

November to February

Post-monsoon temperatures are warm rather than hot and this is the driest and least humid time of year, ideal for travelling and sightseeing and the most popular time for holiday makers. The main drawback is that river levels are lower and this can make cruises slower.

Weather in Myanmar

The tropical climate encompasses the entire country and the hot, wet and dry seasons are common to all with slight variations due to location and topography.

Dry conditions prevail from October to May, with temperatures peaking in March and April. The monsoon of June to September varies in intensity in different areas. Yangon, the south and west coast are worst affected and some beach resorts close. Central plains including Bagan and Mandalay have lighter more sporadic rainfall which is less disruptive. Hill stations and Himalayan foothills have cooler temperatures year-round than the lowland and coastal areas.