Myanmar weather in off-season
 

Am I crazy for planning a trip in May to go to Myanmar? I'll be starting and ending in Yangon and visiting Bagan, Inle and Mandalay during a 15 day trip.

I've read a number of weather guides, but other than "Go in Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb" they all differ. Has anyone been there in late May/early June? Experiences?

There are only a few places where you really can't go in bad weather - like Mrauk U. And only a few things you can't do in off-season - like Balloons Over Bagan. I haven't been there then, but I know lots of people who have gone during the off-season. If that is the only time you can go, then go.

I use www.weatherbase.com of weather info in various localities.

Thanks Kathie, I just read FromDC's trip report about going in July. I may explore going later in the summer versus May (seems it may be cooler?) I already know I most likely won't be able to do Balloons over Bagan, but I'm hoping to get back to Myanmar with my SO in the upcoming years and do it then (he is unable to join me on any travel this year).

I went in the "rainy season" in August. Weather was fine. Only thing we couldn't do was Balloons over Bagan.

I'm in Yangon right now in the lobby of the Sule Shangri La hotel. I've been here for the last two weeks with three other photographers, and it has been hot--VERY hot. Above 100 F almost every day and up to 105+F on some days. There is no humidity however, and we planned our photoshoots so that we were out early, took a break in the middle of the day for photoshop/lightroom training/discussions, and then went out in the lovely cool evenings. We did many shoots inside temples, which are naturally cooler.

May is the hottest month. I would skip may and go in the summer months. I seriously could not have taken any hotter weather--but then I'm from Boston Summer can be rainy, but from what I have heard from other photographers, the rain is not at all constant and the clouds are simply gorgeous.

With the exception of the blisteringly hot weather, I simply loved Myanmar. Trip report and photos to follow upon my return to Boston. Flying out tonight. Cheers.

FYI, Balloons over Bagan is starting summer balloons this year for the first time (our balloon pilot told us) It may just be Oriental Balloons (which is a great company--all British pilots) . They are doing a trial this summer to see how it goes and it there is enough demand to continue. So, you should be able to do the balloon ride--which is great fun. Check the schedule online at Oriental balloons.

Also, FYI, Smartphones work everywhere I went, including Mrauk U. I picked up a sim card at the airport. I was able to get my email everywhere as well as internet on my phone. It's a tad slow in Mrauk U, but not bad at all. I checked CNN easily. Get the "MPT" sim card, not one of the others. It is the government network, has been around longer and has far more coverage.

Thanks so much Boston! I spent many, many summers in Newport, so I am familiar with how BEAUTIFUL the summers are there :)

Guess I will be pushing my trip back, I believe the latest I can go is July! I don't think I'll be picking up a SIM card, (but good info if I change my mind!) I look forward to being 'off the grid' - which is why I pick far away places that my coworker haven't been to- they believe there is no cell service!!

Very much looking forward to your trip report.

Monsoon usually hits mid May and prior to that the locals are praying for rain as the heat and humidity is oppressive and many suffer severe headaches.Up country in Bagan the temperature hits 42C+ (not sure what that is in pecks and bushels)
After the rains the temperature plummets and the best garb is a longhi which you can pull up between your legs and tuck it into the front waist band so the better to paddle.
Life goes on,it does not rain 24/7 and transport can be affected but as long as your expectations are moderate it could be great as tourism is less,as are prices.Personally I am bit of a wimp when it comes to flying in a turboprop in a monsoon!
SS
This is a useful website for weather averages.click on the blue Myanmar on the website to change the location
" > Myanmar "
http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/w...Myanmar&units=

Thanks so much! I was set on may, but very glad I checked!

Yes, we didn't have problems with the weather in early July, we brought those thin plastic rain jackets but never took them out of the packages. Have a wonderful trip.

Silver swimmer, those "averages" are pretty worthless. I just got back from a 15 day Myanmar trip on Thursday. The weather throughout Myanmar was between 102-107F (39-41+C) every day. It was oppressive and hotter than I have ever been in my life. I still had a good time, but I would just cross March, April and May off the "travel to Myanmar" list forever. I was praying for the monsoon--it would have been glorious and I would have danced.

BTW, your tip on MPT sim card was great. Worked like a champ everywhere.

Boston, In all of the reading I did about the country before I went the first time, the thing that struck me was how much the writers complained about the heat. After my first stay in Yangon, I suddenly understood why.

I find the weather base info useful, not the average daily temp, but the average high and average low and the monthly rainfall.

Yes, I was deterred by the monthly rainfall, however I'd prefer rain to extreme heat! Thanks again!!