Good Time to Visit

Myanmar (Burma) has a monsoon climate with three main seasons: a hot, relatively dry period from February to May, a rainy season from May to October, and a cooler, drier period from October to January. Yangon (Rangoon) has temperatures ranging from 19 to 32°C (average 25°C) in January, 25-36°C (average 30°C) in April and 25-30°C (average 27°C) in July. Little or no rain falls in Yangon from December to April, whilst July can see over 55 cm of precipitation.

Visitors are advised to bring linens and lightweight cotton clothing, with rainwear between May and October. Warmer clothes may be needed for some evenings and during the cooler period (October to January).

More information about the Burmese weather may be found in Climate in Myanmar (Burma).

Festivals

Myanmar celebrates a number of Buddhist festivals, many of which coincide with the full moon. The most well-known of these 12 monthly festivals is Thingyan, a four-day celebration of the coming lunar new year. It is held prior to the Burmese New Year (first day of Tagu, around 17 April). Other annual events include the Amanda Pagoda Festival in January/February; the Pindaya Cave Festival in March; Thihoshin Pagoda Festival, Pakkoku in June/July; and Thadingyut, the Festival of Light, in September/October. The Elephant Dance Festival, held in October is a thunderous event in Kyaukse.

Theatre, known as pwe, and traditional dance are an important part of Burmese culture. They sometimes form a ritual part of religious festivals and can also be witnessed at weddings, sporting events and even funerals.

Public Holidays

The following table shows the public holidays celebrated in Myanmar (Burma):