Best time to visit Myanmar

Visiting Myanmar in February

In February, Myanmar is still in its dry season, although the temperatures begins to rise once more. This is the perfect climate to cruise down the iconic Irrawaddy River aboard the all-balcony Sanctuary Ananda. Relax and watch the landscape gently roll by.

February in Myanmar is also harvest time, when the rice paddies are stripped of their prized crop. Some locals celebrate the season with Tabodwe (the Harvest Festival), traditionally serving up helpings of htamane – a sticky rice made with sesame seeds, peanuts and ginger.

Visiting Myanmar in March

Myanmar is easing out of the cooler dry season into its hot transitional season by March, when temperatures average 30 degrees Celsius in Yangon. Though humidity is high, rain remains a rarity, making this a good time to island hop. Offering solitude, sunshine and sparkling waters to swim in, the Mergui Archipelago is a scattered paradise of more than 800 tropical islets worth a visit.

During the full moon between late February and early March, Myanmar’s people celebrate Magha Puja. As with most Buddhist festivals here, worshippers are drawn to the pagodas like moths to a flame. The gold-gilded Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon is a beacon for pilgrims. Visitors, dressed in their best, travel across the country to make offerings during this sacred time.

Visiting Myanmar in April

The heat tends to peak during April, with an average temperature in Yangon of 31 degrees Celsius, and the weather is generally dry.

Midway through April is Tagu – the month of the new year, according to Myanmar’s calendar. In celebration, the Myanmarese throw a four-day festival called Thingyan, which kicks off with one big water fight. Whilst rural communities tend to sprinkle water ritualistically, those in major cities prefer to splash each other using everything from garden hoses to water pistols. The dousing is often a welcome relief from the thermometer-melting heat.

Visiting Myanmar in May

With the temperature still sizzling, early May is when the days are longest, and Myanmar’s bodies of water reach their lowest levels.

While the weather is hot, enjoy a visit to Inle Lake. Lined by stupas, monasteries and temples, sailing along this sacred body of water is always atmospheric. It’s also a great spot for people-watching; fishermen leg-row from catch-to-catch, while silversmiths hewn intricate trinkets and local women roll cheroot cigars in the surrounding villages.

Typically coinciding with May, the people of Myanmar mark Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death during the Full Moon Day of Kasong. As a mark of respect, locals process to pagodas as well as water Bodhi trees.

Visiting Myanmar in June

Though still warm, monsoon clouds gather on the horizon as Myanmar slides into the rainy season. The showers centre around the south-west, and can make travel difficult in some remote areas – so always check forecasts ahead of time. The central region surrounding Mandalay, aptly referred to as the dry zone, tends to avoid the worst of the rain.

June corresponds with Nayon, the third month of Myanmar’s calendar. It’s the time when the nation’s monks nervously sit the Pariyatti Sasana examinations; each candidate must remember thousands of Buddhist passages in order to earn one of the coveted religious titles. Staggered over five years, it’s one of the longest examinations in the world.

Visiting Myanmar in July

It’s the height of Myanmar’s rainy season, which renders some popular spots such as Ngapali beach inaccessible. You can expect sporadic, torrential downpours and humidity, especially in the south-west region.

All that rain doesn’t dampen the spiritual mood during Vassa, though. The three-month long lent begins on the Waso Full Moon Festival – either coinciding with the end of July or the beginning of August. It’s a restrained affair. Many monks retreat to their monasteries and Buddhists flock to pagodas to make offerings.

Visiting Myanmar in August

Myanmar’s rainy season continues into August. Because of the downpours, tourists tend to avoid this time of year. The upsides to booking during this off-peak period are hotels tend to be cheaper and the crowds thinner.

To escape the rain, head to the high-ground. The plains surrounding Bagan and Mandalay remain relatively dry throughout the year, and offer plenty to explore. Each August, the Taungbyon Festival takes place near Mandalay. One of the major nat festivals – when guardian spirits are honoured –  thousands of worshippers descend upon the village of its namesake. It’s a spectacle not to be missed, but make sure your transport is sorted in advance, as trains and roads can become crowded.

Visiting Myanmar in September

Myanmar’s monsoon season starts to ease off a little by the end of September, much to the locals’ relief – but you can still expect regular downpours and some areas closed to visitors.

As this is the off-season for tourism, it’s a good time to explore Yangon – the ‘garden city of the east’. Here you’ll find ancient architecture and sacred structures alongside bustling markets and a lively culture. Eat, drink and sight-see around this exciting place.

The rain means the rivers aren’t short of water – perfect for a good old-fashioned regatta. Each year during Tawthalin (roughly September in Myanmar’s calendar), the traditional regatta is held on Kandawgyi Lake. In a tradition harking back to the country’s colonial era, the festival features a grand opening ceremony with traditionally dressed oarsmen and flotillas of ornate vessels. It’s an unforgettable spectacle.

Visiting Myanmar in October

With the downpours due to subside, coastal resorts shuttered up during the rainy season start to re-open. The average temperature slips to around 28 degrees Celsius. As is the case throughout the year, the highlands are cooler and drier, whilst the lowlands and coast remain warm.

October roughly corresponds with the national month of Thadingyut. The full moon between September and October marks the end of the three-month Buddhist lent, and is celebrated with the Myanmar Festival of Lights. Locals flock to pagodas, light candles, exchange gifts and pay gadaw – respect to their monks and elders. During the event, spectate one of the traditional theatre performances for a flavour of authentic Myanmarese culture.

Visiting Myanmar in November

The dry season begins in Myanmar, when the monsoon showers of the summer have lifted until next year, the humidity has eased, and the average temperature sits at a pleasant 24 degrees Celsius. This fresher, cooler climate, along with the newly re-opened resorts, is a big draw for tourists. November is the beginning of the peak season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.

This is a great time to head to the beach – Nagpali is especially popular for its palm-fringed sands, and the glistening Bay of Bengal is begging to be dived into. The weather at this time of year is perfect for a hot-air balloon ride over Bagan; soar high up over ornate pagodas, riding gentle zephyrs as the sun rises.

The Kyi Ma No Festival takes place on the full moon during Tazaungmon – approximately November in the Myanmarese calendar. Buddhists celebrate by throwing delicious vegetarian feasts and playing traditional pranks on each other.

Visiting Myanmar in December

December in Myanmar remains cool and dry – the ideal climate for more high-octane activities.

The Karen people of Myanmar’s south-eastern region have their own distinct traditions. The first day of Pyatho (the tenth month in the Myanmarese calendar) marks the Karen New Year. Expect to see bamboo dances, singing, alcohol imbibing and feasting across the country.

During the full moon of Nadaw (roughly December in the national calendar), the largest festival honouring the Buddhist guardian spirits – or nats – takes place. Pilgrims descend upon the exquisite temples of Mount Popa, markets buzz, music blares and there’s a sense of excitement in the air.