Yangon, located in Myanmar (formerly Burma), experiences a distinctive tropical monsoon climate marked by striking contrasts in weather throughout the year.
The hottest month of the year in Yangon is April, with an average high of 97°F and a low of 78°F.
Rainy summers and significant yearly precipitation characterize the climate here, driven by the southwest monsoon that begins in mid-May and continues until mid-October.
During the cooler season, which lasts from June to September, the average daily high temperature is below 87°F.
January stands out as the coldest month with average lows around 67°F and highs reaching 89°F.
Rainfall peaks in August, with more than 23.7 inches of rain falling over approximately 26 days.
This high level of rainfall during the monsoon season plays a crucial role in defining Yangon’s lush landscape and vibrant ecosystems.
Yangon offers appealing weather patterns for different preferences, from warm, dry winters to hot, wet summers.
For more detailed information on monthly weather averages and a yearly guide, you can explore resources like Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Yangon and Yangon Climate by Month.
Average Temperature in Yangon, Myanmar
The average yearly temperature in Yangon is around 84.7°F. The city experiences significant temperature variations throughout the year.
Monthly Temperature Averages
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 89 | 67 |
| February | 93 | 71 |
| March | 96 | 75 |
| April | 97 | 78 |
| May | 90 | 77 |
| June | 85 | 75 |
| July | 84 | 75 |
| August | 84 | 75 |
| September | 85 | 75 |
| October | 88 | 74 |
| November | 90 | 70 |
| December | 89 | 67 |
Hottest and Coldest Months
The hottest month of the year is April, with an average high of 97°F and a low of 78°F.
January is the coldest month, featuring an average high of 89°F and a low of 67°F. Night temperatures in January can dip significantly, making it the coolest period in Yangon.
Temperature Trends
Yangon’s annual high temperature is close to 100°F, while the annual low temperature is around 64°F. These numbers highlight the city’s range of perceived temperatures throughout the year.
Daily and Hourly Variations
Daily temperatures can vary, with warm days and cooler nights being common.
Even during the hottest months, nights remain relatively cooler, offering some relief from the daytime heat.
For more detailed information about what temperature variations to expect throughout the year, check out this resource.
Average Precipitation in Yangon, Myanmar
Yangon experiences a tropical monsoon climate with a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year. The city sees very little variation in temperature, but precipitation patterns are more pronounced.
Average Rainfall in Yangon, Myanmar
Yangon receives substantial rainfall, particularly during the monsoon season.
The wettest month is typically August, with an average precipitation of 22.93 inches.
The monsoon season, running from May to October, is characterized by frequent and heavy rain showers.
Here is a table detailing average monthly rainfall in Yangon (in inches):
| Month | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|
| January | 0.2 |
| February | 0.1 |
| March | 0.5 |
| April | 2.1 |
| May | 12.0 |
| June | 20.2 |
| July | 22.1 |
| August | 22.93 |
| September | 16.1 |
| October | 9.7 |
| November | 2.1 |
| December | 0.4 |
The high precipitation during the monsoon season leads to numerous rainy days. Conversely, the driest month is usually February, with just 0.1 inches of rain.
Average Snow in Yangon, Myanmar
Yangon, located in a tropical region, does not experience snowfall. The city’s climate remains warm and humid year-round, precluding any possibility of snow. The temperatures stay quite high even in the coolest months, making snowfall impossible in this part of Myanmar.
Understanding that there is no snow can help visitors and residents focus on preparing for the plentiful rain instead.
They can expect warm temperatures and heavy showers during the monsoon period, rather than cold, snowy conditions.
Average Sun in Yangon, Myanmar
Yangon experiences a significant amount of sunlight throughout the year, with variations in daily solar energy and daylight hours depending on the season.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in Yangon, Myanmar
Yangon’s average daily shortwave solar energy is an essential factor in understanding its climate.
Shortwave solar energy measures the intensity of sunlight reaching the ground. Here is a breakdown of the average daily shortwave solar energy by month in kilowatt-hours per square meter (kWh/m²):
| Month | kWh/m² |
|---|---|
| January | 5.7 |
| February | 6.0 |
| March | 6.4 |
| April | 6.3 |
| May | 5.8 |
| June | 4.9 |
| July | 4.3 |
| August | 4.4 |
| September | 4.6 |
| October | 5.0 |
| November | 5.3 |
| December | 5.5 |
Yangon receives the most solar energy in March and the least in July. Factors like cloud cover and seasonal variations in daylight affect these measurements.
The longest day in Yangon typically falls in June, with over 12 hours of daylight.
Conversely, the shortest day occurs in December, with around 11 hours of daylight.
This variation influences the amount of sunlight received each month, impacting daily life and activities.
Average Humidity in Yangon, Myanmar
Yangon experiences high humidity levels year-round. The climate is characterized by a tropical monsoon atmosphere, which contributes to the overall moisture in the air.
Humidity Levels by Month:
| Month | Average Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| January | 72% |
| February | 70% |
| March | 73% |
| April | 74% |
| May | 78% |
| June | 85% |
| July | 87% |
| August | 89% |
| September | 88% |
| October | 85% |
| November | 80% |
| December | 75% |
During the wet season, from May to October, the relative humidity is particularly high. In August, it reaches its peak.
The dry season, from November to April, sees slightly lower humidity levels. Even then, it remains quite muggy.
Average Wind in Yangon, Myanmar
Wind in Yangon, Myanmar varies throughout the year. The average wind speed typically ranges from 5 to 9 miles per hour.
Wind conditions are generally calm, making it a comfortable place to visit most of the year.
During certain months, wind speed can increase, bringing a cool breeze to help with the heat.
Monthly Average Wind Speed (MPH):
| Month | Average Wind Speed |
|---|---|
| January | 7 |
| February | 8 |
| March | 9 |
| April | 8 |
| May | 8 |
| June | 7 |
| July | 7 |
| August | 6 |
| September | 5 |
| October | 6 |
| November | 7 |
| December | 8 |
April has an average wind speed of about 8 miles per hour.
The windiest month is March with an average wind speed of 9 miles per hour.
During the rainy season (June – September), wind speeds usually decrease. This period has average winds around 5 to 7 miles per hour. Rainfall and humidity are higher during these months.
In contrast, the dry season, which includes December and January, experiences higher wind speeds. Winds during these months can reach up to 8 miles per hour. This helps disperse the humidity, making the air feel crisper and cooler.
Average Air Quality in Yangon, Myanmar
Yangon experiences varying air quality throughout the year. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Yangon often shifts between ‘moderate’ and ‘good’ categories.
Monthly PM2.5 Levels in Yangon
| Month | PM2.5 (µg/m³) | AQI Category |
|---|---|---|
| January | 29 | Moderate |
| February | 31 | Moderate |
| March | 35 | Moderate |
| April | 30 | Moderate |
| May | 25 | Moderate |
| June | 18 | Good |
| July | 15 | Good |
| August | 14 | Good |
| September | 16 | Good |
| October | 22 | Moderate |
| November | 28 | Moderate |
| December | 30 | Moderate |
PM2.5 measures particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers, affecting visibility and health.
The UV index is another important factor, with higher values in the summer.
It can often exceed 10 between March and May, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
Forecast and Visibility
Yangon’s air quality forecast generally shows a mixture of moderate and good days.
Real-time updates on pollution can be vital for those with respiratory conditions.
Visibility can be affected by pollution, particularly during the dry season when dust and particles are more prevalent.
This is noticeable in months such as March and April.
Checking the AQI forecast regularly can help residents and visitors plan outdoor activities and take precautions as needed.
Topography of Yangon, Myanmar
Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar, sits at a latitude of approximately 16.8°N and a longitude of 96.2°E.
It lies near the Gulf of Martaban and is primarily located within the Irrawaddy Delta.
The city stands just 16 feet above sea level, and its topography consists of flat, low-lying areas.
The proximity to the delta means much of Yangon is prone to flooding, especially during the monsoon season.
Elevation
- Downtown Yangon: Mostly flat, around 16 feet above sea level.
- Northern Districts: Slightly higher elevations, but still relatively flat compared to other regions.
Key Features
- Rivers: Yangon is intersected by the Yangon River, which plays a crucial role in the city’s geography.
- Lakes: Inya Lake and Kandawgyi Lake are significant water bodies within the city, also influencing its topography.
The combination of low elevation, river systems, and proximity to the sea shapes the climate and living conditions in Yangon.
The geography also impacts infrastructure planning and flood management.
Located where rivers and the sea meet, Yangon exemplifies how geography and human settlements intertwine to create a unique urban landscape.
Extreme Weather Events that Occur in Yangon, Myanmar
Yangon, Myanmar experiences a variety of extreme weather events mostly driven by its monsoon season. The monsoon typically spans from June to September, bringing heavy rainfall and the risk of flooding.
Monthly Rainfall and Temperature
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 89 | 67 | 0.5 |
| April | 97 | 78 | 3.0 |
| June | 87 | 75 | 14.5 |
| September | 86 | 74 | 15.4 |
During the monsoon season, Yangon can receive substantial rainfall, resulting in severe flooding.
For instance, in recent years, heavy flooding in southern Myanmar displaced more than 14,000 people. This kind of flooding impacts not only Yangon but also surrounding areas such as Bago and Mon State.
In addition to flooding, Yangon is also subjected to extreme heat.
The hottest month, April, sees temperatures soaring to an average high of 97°F. Heatwaves during this period can cause significant discomfort and health issues.
Cyclones are another threat, with the most devastating one in recent history being Cyclone Nargis in 2008, which resulted in over 138,000 deaths.
Although such intense cyclones are rare, they pose a considerable risk whenever they occur.
Yangon typically experiences less varied but extreme weather conditions.
The combination of high temperatures and heavy rainfall during the monsoon plays a significant role in the city’s climate-related challenges.
Sources:
- Heavy flooding in southern Myanmar displaces more than 14,000 people
- Yangon Climate and Average Weather Year Round
Best Time of the Year to Visit Yangon, Myanmar
Yangon, Myanmar, offers visitors a unique experience year-round. The best time to visit depends on your preference for weather, events, and activities.
What is Yangon, Myanmar Like in Spring
Spring in Yangon, spanning from March to May, is characterized by hot temperatures.
March and April are particularly warm, with highs reaching around 98°F.
Visitors can experience local festivals, but it’s important to stay hydrated and wear light clothing due to the heat.
Rain is rare, making it easier to explore the city’s outdoor attractions.
This period is great for those who prefer sunny weather, but caution is needed to avoid heat-related illnesses.
What is Yangon, Myanmar Like in Summer
The summer months of June, July, and August mark the beginning of the rainy season.
Expect frequent showers and high humidity. The average temperature during this time is around 82°F.
Although it rains often, the showers are typically short-lived.
This makes visiting attractions like the Shwedagon Pagoda and Bogyoke Aung San Market feasible.
The lush green landscapes are a plus for nature lovers, but travelers should carry umbrellas and waterproof gear.
What is Yangon, Myanmar Like in Fall
Fall encompasses September to November, transitioning from the rainy season to the dry season.
September still experiences significant rainfall, but October and November are drier with average temperatures around 85°F.
This period is ideal for exploring Yangon’s outdoor attractions.
It’s also less crowded, making it perfect for those who prefer a quieter vacation.
Cooler temperatures in November make it more comfortable for walking tours and sightseeing.
What is Yangon, Myanmar Like in Winter
Winter lasts from December to February and is the best time to visit Yangon. The weather is dry and cooler, with average temperatures around 75°F.
December and January are particularly pleasant, offering comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.
The beach/pool score is high during these months, as conditions are ideal for visiting nearby beaches. Travelers can also enjoy festivals and events without worrying about rain.
This is peak tourist season, so expect more crowds and higher prices for accommodations.