When is the Best Time to Go to Myanmar?
Published on: July 25th, 2017
Last updated: July 27th, 2023
The best time to go to Myanmar is from November to mid-February, when temperatures are warm and there is a very low chance of rain.
The hottest months are late March until rain starts in May, when temperatures average 30-35C. The rainy season runs from mid-May to mid-September, with July and August seeing the most rainfall.
Festivals happen year round, so there is always something going on. October and November see the most activity but Thingyan Water Festival (Burmese New Year) takes place in April.
When is peak season in Myanmar?
November to mid-February offers the best weather in Myanmar, when the days are almost always sunny. The temperatures are warm, but not too hot, and the nights can even get a little cool at places with a higher altitude like Inle Lake. These months are the busiest time of year to visit, so it can be very difficult to avoid crowds. It’s best to book in advance if you want to visit Myanmar during this time. That said, it’s also peak season for a reason (less rain)!
Best time to go...
For the festivals
Festivals are held year-round, but there are more in October and November than any other time of year. This includes the Elephant Dance festival outside of Mandalay, the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda festival in Inle, and the Taunggyyii Baloon festival. The biggest festival in Myanmar, Thingyan (which is the Burmese New Year), is in April. At this time of year, temperatures can get quite hot and it can be difficult to travel around the country, so you should keep that in mind if you’re planning your trip to coincide with Thingyan.
To avoid the crowds
September is a great time to visit Myanmar to avoid the crowds. The rains start to subside in the middle of the month, and peak tourist season is just about to start, so it won’t be too busy. Temperatures are still quite high (averaging 25 to 30C). The beaches all usually open on 1 October, so look to plan a visit at the end of September, finishing with a few days on the beach in October if that’s something you’re looking for.
What is Myanmar like in the hot season and in the rainy season?
Hot season in Myanmar
The hottest months are from late March until the rains start in May. During this time, the temperatures can be incredibly hot, especially in Bagan and Mandalay. The river and lake’s water levels tend to be quite low, so it is difficult for cruises and Inle visits. With temperatures sometimes exceeding 35 degrees, travelling during this time is not for the faint hearted!
Rainy season in Myanmar
The rainy season is from mid-May until mid-September, with July and August being the heaviest months. During this time, the beaches are all closed and Yangon receives a lot of rain. However, if the rain doesn’t phase you, it is one of the best times of year to visit Bagan and Inle.
Bagan is a semi-arid desert, so even in the monsoon season, it doesn’t receive a lot of rain. There are hardly any crowds during this time, so tourists have the place to themselves and it makes for a really special experience. Plus, the land is a lush green, which makes photos of the area incredible.
In Inle, it still rains during this time of year, but the heavy rains occur more in the hills surrounding the lake. Photos here won’t be as amazing as in the high season as it will probably be cloudy, but again, tourists will have most sights to themselves.
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