Thinking about heading to Bagan in the fall? You’ll want to be ready for warm days, cooler nights, and the last few weeks of the rainy season. Daytime highs usually land in the low to mid-30s°C, but evenings cool off to the low 20s°C, which feels pretty good after a hot day out.
This mix of heat and relief makes fall a manageable time to wander the temples and open landscapes.
Rain sticks around in September and early October, but the showers start to fade as November comes closer. By late fall, you’ll see clearer skies, less humidity, and not many rainy days, so planning outdoor adventures gets a lot easier.
The changing weather also affects Bagan’s famous sunrises and sunsets. Early fall brings quick rain showers that can create dramatic skies, while the later months offer longer stretches of sunshine and more stable daylight. This shift shapes your daily plans and the kind of photos you’ll take.
Overview of Fall Weather in Bagan
Fall in Bagan means moving from the heavy rains of summer to drier, cooler days. Early in the season, humidity runs high, but skies clear and temperatures drop as fall goes on.
Typical Fall Climate Patterns
During fall, Bagan moves out of the monsoon and into the cooler dry period. September and October still get some rain, but it’s less than the downpours of July and August.
By November, rain nearly disappears and skies turn mostly clear.
Temperatures start around 32–36°C (90–97°F) in early fall, then ease down to 30–33°C (86–91°F) by late fall. Nights cool from the mid-20s°C in September to about 19–20°C in November.
Humidity stays above 70% in September and October. By November, you’ll notice much drier air, so walking around outside gets a lot more comfortable. That’s why Bagan’s busiest travel season kicks in around then.
Key Weather Characteristics
Three things really define Bagan’s fall weather: sticky humidity, slowly dropping temperatures, and less rain. Early fall can feel hot and muggy, especially if you’re out in the midday sun.
October still brings some afternoon showers, but they’re shorter and less common than in summer.
By November, rain barely shows up, with just a few light showers here and there. Days stay warm, but evenings are cooler, making activities like cycling, balloon rides, or river cruises a lot more enjoyable.
Winds usually stay calm, so you won’t have to battle strong gusts. The air clears up, and visibility improves, which is great if you’re hoping for sweeping views over the Bagan plains.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall feels less rainy and not as humid. You’ll still notice the heat in September and October, but it’s not nearly as intense as in March or April, when things can hit 40°C (104°F) or more.
Winter brings cooler weather, but fall doesn’t get quite that chilly. January nights can drop to 8–10°C, which is much colder than anything you’ll find in the fall months. November, though, strikes a nice balance of warmth and dryness that a lot of travelers appreciate.
Spring can be a bit more unpredictable, but fall usually brings steadier weather with fewer surprise showers. That makes it a reliable time to explore Bagan’s open-air temples and scenic spots.
Average Temperatures in Bagan During Fall
Bagan stays pretty hot in the fall, but the heat gradually fades as September turns into November. Days stay warm, nights get cooler, and things generally feel more comfortable as the rainy season winds down.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During fall, daytime temps in Bagan usually stay up there, especially in September when the average high hits about 92°F (33°C). By October, it slips a bit to 89–90°F (32°C). November cools things further, with highs near 86°F (30°C).
At night, the difference is more obvious. September nights hover around 78°F (25°C), which can feel sticky after a rain. October nights drop to about 75°F (24°C). By November, you’ll get cooler nights at 71°F (22°C), so sleeping feels a lot more comfortable.
This day-to-night temperature swing becomes clearer as fall goes on. By November, mornings and evenings feel milder, while afternoons can still get pretty warm.
Temperature Trends by Month
The fall months in Bagan show a steady drop in both daytime and nighttime temperatures.
- September: Highs near 92°F, nights around 78°F.
- October: Highs near 90°F, nights around 76°F.
- November: Highs near 86°F, nights around 71°F.
This pattern shows the shift from wet to dry season. September still feels hot and humid, October cools off a bit with less rain, and November is drier and less intense.
Travelers really notice the change. September might feel heavy and sticky, but by November, the air clears up and sightseeing becomes a lot more manageable.
Historical Temperature Data
Looking at climate records, Bagan’s average maximum temperature for the year is about 94°F (34°C), with the hottest months in late spring. Fall runs just below those peaks, cooling off bit by bit.
Sometimes, Bagan gets extreme highs above 100°F (38°C), but that’s rare in fall—it’s more of a summer thing. The coolest averages show up in December and January, when daytime highs are closer to 85°F (29°C).
Over the years, September has ranked as one of the wetter and hotter months. November, on the other hand, usually brings some of the year’s most comfortable temperatures. That’s why late fall is such a good time to explore outside around the temples.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
Rain in Bagan drops off fast as fall goes on. September still comes with heavy showers, but by November, most days are dry. This shift changes how much rain falls, how many wet days you’ll get, and how humid things feel.
Average Monthly Rainfall
Rainfall in Bagan during fall really drops as the monsoon wraps up. In September, average precipitation is around 155 mm, which is still pretty high. By October, it falls to about 128 mm. In November, you’re looking at just 21 mm.
So, September is often wet, but by November, things dry out quickly. The change happens fast, so if you want clear skies, November’s your best bet.
| Month | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | 155.4 mm |
| October | 128.2 mm |
| November | 21.5 mm |
The sharp drop in rainfall really marks the end of the monsoon and the start of the dry season.
Rainy Days and Dry Spells
The number of rainy days falls through the fall months. September averages about 10 rainy days, October has around 9, and by November, you’ll usually only see 2 days with rain.
So, you might still get caught in a shower or two in September or early October, but these rains usually come and go pretty quickly. By November, long dry stretches take over, giving you more predictable weather.
Planning things like outdoor tours, balloon rides, or temple visits gets much easier in late fall. If you visit earlier, just expect a few interruptions from showers.
Humidity Levels in Fall
Humidity in Bagan follows the rain pattern. September and early October feel heavy and damp thanks to the lingering monsoon. Nights and mornings can be especially muggy.
By late October and November, humidity drops as rain tapers off. Even though days are still warm, the drier air makes everything feel more pleasant.
Lower humidity also means better visibility, which is perfect if you want those clear temple views. The move from damp to dry air is a big reason November is such a favorite for travelers.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
Fall in Bagan brings steady sunshine and a slow change in the length of the day. These shifts affect how you plan sightseeing, temple hopping, and outdoor adventures.
Average Daily Sunshine
Bagan’s fall weather sits between the heavy summer rains and the clear winter skies. By late September, rain fades and sunny days become more common.
You’ll usually get 7 to 9 hours of sunshine per day in October and November. September is cloudier, but things brighten up as the month goes on.
The drier air in October and November means brighter, more reliable days. That makes outdoor plans like biking or exploring temples easier, without having to dodge storms.
If you like cooler weather, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. The midday sun can still pack a punch, even in fall.
Changes in Daylight Hours
Daylight in Bagan shortens gradually as fall moves along. In September, days last about 12 hours and 15 minutes. By November, you’ll have about 11 hours and 15 minutes of daylight.
The change is slow, so you probably won’t notice it week to week.
Sunrise usually happens between 5:45 AM and 6:15 AM. Sunset moves from about 6:00 PM in September to 5:30 PM by November.
Knowing these times helps you plan temple visits, balloon rides, or sunset views. With shorter evenings in November, you’ll want to start afternoon activities a bit earlier.
Weather Impact on Travel and Activities
Autumn in Bagan means a slow shift from wet months to the dry season. Rain drops off, temperatures cool a little, and you get more sunny days. All of this changes how you’ll plan sightseeing, outdoor fun, and your daily travel plans.
Best Times for Sightseeing
September still brings frequent showers, with about 10 rainy days and over 150 mm of rain. This can make temple visits tricky, especially in spots where paths get muddy.
October sees rain drop to around 128 mm with 12 sunny days, so you’ll get more reliable weather. Daytime temperatures stay warm, averaging 32°C, but evenings are more comfortable.
November is the sweet spot. Rain is rare, with only 2 rainy days and about 22 sunny days. Daytime highs drop closer to 30°C, and nights cool to around 21°C. You can spend long hours at temples, pagodas, and markets without feeling wiped out.
If you want fewer crowds, early fall brings less tourists, but you’ll need to be ready for less predictable weather. By late autumn, conditions are ideal for sightseeing, but expect more visitors.
Outdoor Activities and Safety
Hot air balloon rides start up in late October, once the skies clear out. Earlier in the fall, rain and wind might delay or cancel flights.
Cycling is popular, but in September and early October, wet ground can make dirt tracks slippery. November’s drier weather makes biking safer and more fun.
Heat is still something to watch out for. Even in November, afternoons can feel intense if you’re out for hours. Bring water, wear light clothes, and take shade breaks.
Mosquitoes are more active in September and October because of the rain. Using repellent and wearing long sleeves at night helps keep bites away.
Travel Tips for Fall Visitors
Pack light, breathable clothes for daytime and bring a light jacket for cooler November nights. A small umbrella or rain jacket comes in handy for September and October.
Try to visit temples early in the morning or later in the afternoon to dodge the midday heat and get better light for photos.
Hotel prices go up in November as peak season starts. Book early to snag better deals and locations.
Local transport, like e-bikes or horse carts, becomes more dependable later in the season when roads dry out. If you’re traveling in the wetter months, give yourself extra time to get between sites.
Climate Trends and Notable Weather Events
Bagan’s fall climate shifts steadily from the wet season into the dry season, with rainfall dropping sharply by November. If you spend time here, you’ll notice both gradual changes in temperature and rainfall, and sometimes you’ll get those oddball weather days that just feel out of place.
Recent Climate Changes in Bagan
Over the past few decades, Bagan’s fall weather has clearly warmed up. September and October usually hit daytime highs close to 89–92°F (32–34°C). By November, things cool off a bit to about 86°F (30°C). Nights start out in the upper 70s°F in September, but by November, they dip into the low 70s°F.
Rainfall patterns have changed as well. September tends to bring around 6 inches of rain. By the time November rolls around, you’re looking at less than 1 inch most years. That’s a pretty good sign the dry season is settling in earlier and sticking around longer than it used to.
You’ll probably notice the weather flipping more often from hot afternoons to cooler evenings. This makes a difference, especially if you’re wandering around the temples. These changes echo what’s happening across central Myanmar—dry zones like Bagan are getting warmer and just a bit less predictable.
Unusual Weather Occurrences
Fall usually brings steady conditions, but every so often, the weather throws a curveball. Some Septembers have surprised everyone with heavy late-season downpours, flooding low-lying spots and turning certain roads into muddy, tough-to-navigate messes.
Normally, rainfall drops off sharply after August, so these soggy spells really stand out.
Strong winds sometimes whip through with passing storms, even though that doesn’t happen all the time. When those winds hit, they kick up dust and make it tough to see around the temple plains.
Now and then, November gets unexpectedly cool, with night temperatures dropping into the upper 60s°F. Most folks don’t expect that kind of chill, and it can catch you off guard if you’re staying somewhere with thin walls or little insulation.
So, while these weather quirks don’t happen every year, they do remind you to pack for surprises, even during the so-called “reliable” travel season.