When you think of winter, maybe you picture cold winds and heavy coats. Yangon, though, gives you something completely different. Winter here stays warm and comfortable, with daily highs usually landing somewhere between the upper 80s and low 90s Fahrenheit. Nights cool off to the upper 60s. Honestly, it’s one of the best times to get outside—no intense heat, and you can forget about heavy rains.
As the season moves on, you’ll see mostly clear skies. Cloud cover drops off, and rainfall barely makes an appearance. Humidity lets up compared to summer, so the air feels lighter but still tropical. It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to wander through Yangon’s landmarks, busy markets, or along the riverfront.
You get longer daylight hours and more sunshine as winter goes on. That means extra time to check out the city’s cultural sites or dig into the local food scene. The weather really sets the stage for comfortable travel, and knowing what’s ahead helps you make the most of your visit.
Overview of Yangon’s Winter Climate
Yangon’s winter brings steady warmth, barely any rain, and clearer skies compared to the rest of the year. Expect dry days, pleasant evenings, and a slow increase in daylight as winter rolls forward.
General Climate Classification
Yangon falls under a tropical wet and dry climate (Aw) in the Köppen system. So, you get a clear split between the rainy monsoon season and these drier winter months.
Yearly temperatures barely budge, hanging around 26–29°C (79–84°F). Winter feels less humid and just easier to enjoy. Rain drops off fast after October, leaving December through February almost bone dry. Yangon usually gets about 2,300–2,400 mm (90–95 inches) of rain a year, but only a tiny bit of that falls during winter.
Since Yangon sits just about 26 feet (8 meters) above sea level, temperatures don’t swing much. Winters are warm but not wild, and weather patterns stay pretty steady.
Typical Winter Weather Patterns
During winter, you’ll see daytime highs between 88–94°F (31–34°C). Nights drop to around 67–70°F (19–21°C), which feels great compared to the hotter months. The coldest days usually hit in early January.
Rain barely shows up. Most days, there’s only a 1–2% chance of measurable precipitation, compared to over 50% in August. January often gets less than 0.5 inches of rain.
Cloud cover keeps decreasing throughout the season. In December, skies might be partly cloudy about 45% of the time. By February, that drops closer to 30%. Winds shift too—starting from the east in December, then gradually moving south and west as winter moves along.
Humidity drops off as well. Yangon stays humid year-round, but muggy days fall from about 85% in December to 67% in February. That change makes outdoor activities a lot more comfortable.
How Winter Differs from Other Seasons
Winter really stands out as Yangon’s driest and clearest time. Monsoon months, from May to October, bring heavy rain, but in winter, you mostly get dry skies and way less cloud cover.
The summer monsoon brings daily showers and thick humidity. Winter, though, delivers much more stable weather. For example, August might dump 600 mm (23 inches) of rain in just one month, while January usually sees less than 15 mm (0.6 inches).
Daylight shifts too. In December, you get about 11 hours of sunlight, and by late February, almost 12 hours. Days slowly get longer as the dry season continues.
Sea surface temps barely budge, averaging around 79–81°F (26–27°C), so even coastal breezes feel warm in winter. This stability makes winter the most reliable season for travel and outdoor plans in Yangon.
Average Temperatures During Winter
Winter in Yangon brings warm days and mild nights. Temperatures stay steady, with only small changes as the months go by. It’s honestly one of the most comfortable times of the year.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
During winter, daytime highs usually land between 89°F and 94°F (32°C–34°C). It’s warm, but not overwhelming. Highs rarely dip below 83°F or rise above 98°F.
At night, things cool off nicely. Lows hover near 67°F to 70°F (19°C–21°C). Nights almost never fall below 62°F, so you won’t need heavy clothes. Evenings feel great for a walk or a meal outside.
This pattern of warm days and cooler nights creates a predictable rhythm. You can plan your days without worrying about sudden cold snaps or heat waves.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown
In December, highs average around 88°F to 90°F, with lows near 69°F. It marks the start of the cooler stretch, though it’s still pretty warm compared to a lot of places.
January brings the coolest weather. Highs hover near 88°F, and lows can drop to 67°F. It’s mild, and a lot of people say it’s the best month for travel.
By February, things start warming up again. Highs climb to about 93°F to 94°F, with lows around 70°F. Humidity is still lower than summer, even as things heat up.
This gradual change makes it easy to adjust, whether you’re here for a quick trip or staying longer.
Temperature Extremes and Records
The coldest stretch usually happens in early January, with nights down to 67°F and days around 88°F. Still, it’s mild compared to what most people call winter.
The warmest winter days show up in late February, with highs near 94°F. It’s not as hot as April, when things can hit 97°F, but you can feel summer creeping in.
Extreme temps are rare. Winter temperatures almost never fall below 62°F or go above 98°F. That narrow range keeps Yangon’s winter climate steady and easy to count on for outdoor plans.
Rainfall and Humidity in the Winter Months
Winter in Yangon means almost no rain and a drop in humidity to more comfortable levels. You’ll notice clear skies, drier air, and cooler nights—such a contrast to the monsoon season.
Precipitation Levels and Rainy Days
Rainfall during winter is barely noticeable. January averages about 3 mm, making it the driest month. December and February are also dry, often with less than 10 mm.
Expect 0–2 rainy days per month. Outdoor plans almost never get interrupted. You can explore pagodas, markets, and parks without carrying an umbrella.
The dry spell really improves air clarity, especially after the stormy summer months. In winter, bright blue skies make sightseeing a lot more enjoyable.
Humidity Trends
Humidity drops to its most manageable level in winter. In January, average relative humidity sits around 55–60%, which is way less stifling.
December and February usually stay below 70% humidity. The air feels lighter, and evenings are more comfortable. Sometimes nights even feel a bit cool, dipping into the high teens Celsius.
For travelers, lower humidity means you can walk farther without feeling sticky or overheated. Indoor places like museums or restaurants feel more pleasant too, since ventilation works better in drier air.
Comparison to Wet Season
The difference between winter and the monsoon is huge. From June to August, Yangon gets over 500 mm of rain per month, with humidity often above 85–90%. It rains almost every day, and flooding can mess up travel plans.
In winter, you barely get any rain and the air is much drier. That’s a big reason so many visitors prefer the dry season for sightseeing and day trips.
Lower humidity also means less risk of mold or dampness in hotels and homes. While the wet season can feel heavy and oppressive, winter brings a much more balanced and comfortable climate for everyone.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
Yangon’s winter brings way more sunshine than the rainy season. Daylight stays steady, and clear skies give you plenty of chances to get outside.
Average Daily Sunshine
From November through February, Yangon enjoys 8 to 10 hours of sunshine per day on average. January is especially bright, with about 9 hours and 40 minutes of sunshine daily—one of the sunniest months all year.
During the monsoon, sunshine can drop below 3 hours a day. Winter, by comparison, feels much clearer and brighter. It’s a fantastic time to explore markets, pagodas, or the riverfront without worrying about constant clouds.
More sunshine also helps lower humidity levels, so the weather feels even better. If you’re planning to be outdoors a lot, mornings and late afternoons are the most comfortable—midday sun can still get intense.
Length of Daylight
Daylight in winter stays pretty consistent. You get about 11 to 11.5 hours of daylight each day, with sunrise around 6:20 AM and sunset close to 5:40 PM in December and January.
The difference between the shortest and longest winter days is only about 30 minutes. You don’t really need to adjust your schedule, and you can count on steady daylight for sightseeing or travel.
Yangon’s spot near the equator means you won’t see extreme changes in daylight. Unlike places farther north, you don’t get those super short winter days.
Cloud Cover and Clear Days
Winter skies are much clearer than during the wet season. On average, 80–85% of daylight hours are sunny, with just a bit of cloud cover. December and January are especially reliable for outdoor plans.
You’ll see lots of days with bright, uninterrupted sunshine. Rain is rare, and haze is minimal compared to the hot season. Visibility across the city is great, whether you’re at the Shwedagon Pagoda or by the river.
If you love dry, bright weather, winter is when Yangon offers the best mix of sunshine and clear skies. It’s perfect for photography, walking tours, or day trips without constant interruptions from clouds or storms.
Other Winter Weather Conditions
In Yangon’s winter, you’ll notice shifts in wind direction, almost no rain, and clearer skies. Conditions stay pretty stable, but breezes, visibility, and the low risk of severe weather are worth mentioning.
Wind Patterns and Breezes
Winds in winter are light to moderate, averaging 6–7 miles per hour. The calmest days usually fall in early January, with speeds closer to 5–6 mph.
You’ll probably notice shifts in wind direction. Early in winter, breezes come from the east. By mid-January, they turn more southerly, and by late winter, winds often blow from the west.
These shifts can change how the air feels. Easterly winds bring drier air, while southerly or westerly breezes might feel a bit more humid. Still, outdoor conditions are comfortable, and strong gusts rarely disrupt activities.
Sailing, walking tours, and open-air dining aren’t usually affected by wind this time of year. Unlike monsoon months, you don’t need to worry about sudden squalls or strong coastal breezes.
Fog and Visibility
Fog doesn’t cause much trouble in Yangon’s winter, but you might see some light morning haze. This happens more often in December and January, when nights are cooler and humidity is higher at dawn.
The haze usually disappears quickly once the sun comes up. By late morning, visibility is clear across the city and the countryside.
Flights at Yangon International Airport don’t usually get delayed by fog in winter. If you’re driving early, expect only mild reductions in visibility—not the thick fog you’d see in colder places.
With clear skies, barely any rain, and longer daylight, sightseeing and photography are a breeze. Landmarks and river views are usually wide open and easy to enjoy after mid-morning.
Chance of Extreme Weather
The risk of extreme weather in Yangon during winter stays very low. Unlike the summer monsoon, winter brings minimal rainfall and stable atmospheric conditions.
Thunderstorms rarely show up, and cyclones pretty much leave the region alone at this time of year. The chance of a wet day hovers around 2%, and by February, rainfall totals drop below 0.5 inches per month.
Heat extremes don’t really happen. Daytime highs might reach the low 90s °F, but it’s unusual for them to go past 98°F.
Nights feel mild, usually hanging out in the upper 60s to low 70s °F.
You won’t need to worry about flooding or damaging winds in winter. Honestly, this season feels like one of the safest and most predictable times for anyone in Yangon.
Travel Tips for Visiting Yangon in Winter
Yangon’s winter months bring mild temperatures, lower humidity, and barely any rain. It’s honestly the comfiest time to get out and see the city.
You can check out outdoor sites, cultural events, and relax in the evenings without stressing about heavy rain or crazy heat.
Best Activities During Winter
Winter weather in Yangon usually sits around 20–28°C (68–82°F), which feels great for sightseeing. You can spend more time outside and not worry about sudden downpours ruining your plans.
Walking tours of Shwedagon Pagoda, Sule Pagoda, and the colonial downtown district get a lot more pleasant in the cooler weather. Shaded parks like Kandawgyi Lake and Inya Lake turn into popular hangouts for both locals and visitors.
Day trips become simpler in winter since roads don’t get flooded. Maybe you’ll want to check out Bago, about 90 minutes away, or hop on the circular train around Yangon for a slower look at daily life.
Evenings cool down and the humidity drops, which makes food tours and night markets way more fun. You can try local dishes like mohinga or freshly grilled seafood in open-air spots without sweating through your shirt.
Recommended Clothing
You won’t need heavy winter clothes in Yangon, but staying comfortable and respecting local customs matters. Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen work best for daytime exploring.
Bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler mornings and evenings, especially if you’re planning to be outside. Sometimes temperatures dip closer to 18°C (64°F) at night.
When you visit temples and pagodas, make sure to cover your shoulders and knees. A long skirt, loose pants, or a shawl usually does the trick and keeps things practical.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must because you’ll have to take them off at many attractions. Sandals that slip on and off easily are a solid choice.
A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen still come in handy since the sun can be pretty strong, even in winter. Carrying a small umbrella for shade is actually pretty common among locals.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
Winter lines up with some of Myanmar’s biggest cultural events. Locals and travelers alike flock to these festivals, eager to catch a glimpse of traditions that really shape the country.
In November, the Taunggyi Balloon Festival lights up Shan State. It’s not in Yangon, but honestly, a lot of travelers arrange their trips just to catch it.
Yangon itself gets into the spirit with smaller celebrations and pagoda festivals during the cooler months.
The Ananda Pagoda Festival happens in January and draws folks from all over Myanmar. Even though it’s held in Bagan, plenty of people use Yangon as their jumping-off point.
Around the city, you’ll stumble upon music, dance, and religious ceremonies at pagodas throughout the cool season. Most of these gatherings feel informal, giving you a window into everyday spiritual life.
Since winter is the busy season for tourists, I’d suggest booking your accommodations and transport early. That way, you’ll have a better shot at joining both city events and regional festivals without any hiccups.