Peak Season
November to February (22°C – 28°C, blue skies)
Hot Season
March to May (Temperatures reach 38°C – 42°C in Bagan)
Monsoon Season
June to October (Heavy rains in Yangon, dry in central plains)
Bagan Balloons Season
Mid-October to mid-March only
Climate Patterns Across Myanmar
Myanmar enjoys a tropical monsoon climate with three distinct seasons. Because central Myanmar (Bagan and Mandalay) lies in a geographic 'dry zone' shielded by the Rakhine mountain range, it receives significantly less rainfall than coastal Yangon or the southern delta.
Season by Season Breakdown
- Cool & Dry Season (November – February): The absolute best time to travel. Daytime temperatures are pleasant, mornings on Inle Lake and Bagan are cool and misty, and skies are crystal clear. Hot air balloon flights over Bagan operate exclusively during these months.
- Hot Season (March – May): Temperatures soar above 40°C in Bagan and Mandalay. The joyous Thingyan Water Festival (Burmese New Year) in mid-April brings country-wide water fights and celebrations.
- Green Monsoon Season (June – October): Rain is heavy in Yangon and the beaches (Ngapali closes during monsoon). However, Bagan and Inle Lake remain accessible with vibrant emerald landscapes and dramatic cloudy skies.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do hot air balloons fly over Bagan?
Commercial hot air balloon flights operate strictly between mid-October and mid-March when morning thermal winds are gentle and predictable.