If you step into Yangon during summer, you’ll find yourself in a season shaped by the tropical monsoon. Days stay warm, nights get muggy, and thick clouds often hang overhead.
Expect average daytime highs in the mid-80s °F, with humidity that makes the air feel heavier than you might expect.
Rainfall really drives daily life this time of year. The southwest monsoon sweeps in with frequent showers, and July and August bring the heaviest downpours.
Streets can flood quickly, but the rain cools things off and keeps the city’s greenery thriving.
Sunlight filters through for fewer hours as the season goes on, and the sky stays mostly gray. Still, you can find a rhythm in the mix of rain, heat, and clouds.
Understanding these patterns helps you prepare, whether you’re exploring markets, visiting pagodas, or just adjusting your pace to Yangon’s summer vibe.
Overview of Summer Weather in Yangon
Summer in Yangon means steady warmth, high humidity, frequent rainfall, and long stretches of clouds. You get a tropical monsoon climate with temperatures that barely budge, but rain and humidity really set the tone.
Typical Temperature Ranges
During summer, daily highs in Yangon usually hit 84°F to 93°F (29°C–34°C). The temperature rarely climbs higher, so the heat feels steady rather than extreme.
Nighttime lows hover around 75°F to 80°F (24°C–27°C), so evenings stay warm and humid. You won’t get much cooling after sunset.
Yangon’s tropical setting keeps temperatures stable, unlike places with big swings. Warm mornings, hot afternoons, muggy nights—it’s all pretty predictable.
April is usually the hottest month, just before the monsoon starts, but by summer, the heat eases a bit thanks to clouds and rain.
Packing is pretty simple: lightweight, breathable clothes work day and night. You’ll find air conditioning in most hotels and restaurants, but outdoor heat still feels intense, especially with all that humidity.
General Climate Characteristics
Yangon has a tropical monsoon climate. Summers come with heavy rainfall, lots of clouds, and relentless humidity.
Skies stay overcast or mostly cloudy about 90% of the time. This keeps direct sunshine away but also prevents big spikes in temperature.
Humidity levels stick close to 100% of days rated as muggy, so the air feels sticky nearly all the time. Even moderate heat can feel overwhelming.
Monsoon winds bring in extra moisture from the southwest, making things even damper.
Rain falls often, and you’ll get showers almost every other day. Storms can be heavy but usually pass quickly, leaving behind wet streets and some cooler air.
This climate helps keep Yangon lush and green during the summer. The city’s tropical landscape really comes alive.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Yangon’s summer runs from June through August, lining up with the peak of the southwest monsoon. Rainfall tops out in July and August, with monthly totals over 20 inches (500–600 mm).
Some days, you might see several inches of rain in just a few hours.
There’s about a 50% chance of rain each day through the season, so you’ll want to plan for wet weather. Cloud cover is pretty much constant, and only a handful of days offer clear or even partly sunny skies.
Day length shortens a bit as summer goes on, from around 13 hours in June to 12.5 hours by late August.
Winds shift from the south early in the season to the west by late summer, but they usually stay moderate at 8–10 mph.
Nearby sea surface temperatures stay warm, around 82°F–85°F (28°C–29°C), which just adds to the humidity.
All these factors combine to create a season that’s warm, wet, and unmistakably tropical.
Temperature Trends During Summer
In Yangon, summer days are reliably warm, and there’s not much difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Humidity and cloud cover keep things from cooling off much after sunset.
You’ll feel steady heat all season long.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime highs in summer usually reach 84–93°F (29–34°C). The average sits near 86°F (30°C), and it almost never gets above 95°F.
At night, temperatures stay close to 75–80°F (24–27°C). Unlike places where nights cool off, Yangon’s climate keeps the air warm and muggy.
You won’t get much relief after dark, since humidity stays near 100% most of the time.
This pattern means you’ll feel about the same level of warmth both day and night. Air conditioning or a fan becomes a must, especially with all that humidity.
Monthly Variations from June to August
The main summer months—June, July, and August—don’t really differ much in temperature.
- June: Highs average around 86°F, lows near 77°F.
- July: Conditions stay almost the same, but this is when rainfall and clouds peak. There’s not much direct sunlight.
- August: Highs are steady, maybe a bit lower in early August at around 84°F.
Rainfall is highest in July and August, but temperatures barely drop, even with all the storms.
Clouds, which cover the sky more than 90% of the time, trap the heat near the ground.
When you plan outdoor activities, focus more on dodging rain than worrying about temperature changes. The air feels heavy and damp, but the thermometer doesn’t move much.
Comparison to Other Seasons
If you compare summer to other seasons in Yangon, the big difference isn’t the heat—it’s the rain and humidity.
In April, the hottest month, temperatures can reach 97°F (36°C), way higher than summer averages.
January, the coolest month, brings highs around 88°F (31°C) and lows near 67°F (19°C).
Summer sits between these two extremes, offering steady warmth with constant clouds and frequent rain.
You’ll see fewer temperature spikes than in spring and less cooling at night than in winter.
The steady range makes summer feel predictable, but honestly, the muggy air can get a bit uncomfortable.
Rainfall and Monsoon Influence
The tropical monsoon shapes Yangon’s summer climate, bringing heavy rainfall, high humidity, and lots of cloudy days.
The wet season rules the middle of the year, and rainfall patterns really define the city’s weather.
Average Rainfall Amounts
Once summer hits, rainfall in Yangon jumps as the southwest monsoon arrives. From June to August, monthly totals often go over 400–600 mm (15–24 inches), with August usually the wettest.
This is a huge jump from the dry season, when monthly rain can drop below 10 mm (0.4 inches).
Such a dramatic change highlights just how much the monsoon impacts Myanmar’s biggest city.
Heavy rain doesn’t just affect outdoor plans; it shapes daily life. Roads can flood fast during downpours, and travel schedules often get thrown off.
If you’re visiting, you’ll need to plan around these conditions—especially if you’re heading outside the city center.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rainy days pile up in summer. In June, you’ll see 20–24 days of measurable rainfall, and July and August often have 25–26 days.
Most days bring at least some rain.
Showers aren’t always steady, but they’re usually heavy and can last a while. Afternoon and evening storms happen a lot, though rain can fall at any time.
Clouds dominate, so you only get a few hours of sunshine each day.
During the dry season, rain might show up on fewer than 2 days a month, so the difference is pretty stark.
With so many wet days, waterproof gear and flexible plans are a must.
Impact of Monsoon Season
The summer monsoon changes more than just the rainfall; it shifts the city’s whole climate. Temperatures stay warm, usually 30–33°C (86–91°F), but humidity above 80% makes the air feel even heavier.
Frequent rain and high humidity can make outdoor activities tough.
The monsoon keeps Yangon’s vegetation lush and refills water supplies across Myanmar. At the same time, localized flooding and less sunshine—sometimes only 2–3 hours a day—affect transport, farming, and tourism.
If you’re traveling, you’ll need to prepare for slow travel, wet conditions, and limited visibility. Still, this rain is part of what makes the region’s monsoon climate so unique.
Humidity and Cloud Cover
In Yangon’s summer, high humidity and frequent clouds really set the mood. These conditions affect your comfort, how much sunshine you get, and how easy it is to plan outdoor activities.
Typical Humidity Levels
Humidity in Yangon during summer usually sits above 80%, and in July and August, it often climbs to 85–87%.
This much moisture in the air makes the heat feel even more intense, even when temperatures range from 29°C (85°F) to 33°C (92°F).
You’ll notice it most in the afternoons, when sweating barely cools you down. Nights stay sticky, with little relief because the air is so saturated.
Compared to drier months, the difference is huge. In March, humidity averages around 62%, but by June it’s already jumped.
By August, the air feels heavy and almost oppressive, especially after long spells of rain.
These conditions are classic for a tropical monsoon climate, where summer brings both heat and loads of moisture.
Cloudiness and Overcast Conditions
Summer skies in Yangon are mostly overcast. By June, clouds take over, and in July and August, you might only see the sun for 2 to 3 hours a day, even though there are more than 12 hours of daylight.
Thick cloud layers block direct sun and give the city a dim, gray look. Sometimes the air feels cooler, but the humidity still makes things muggy.
Rain clouds often build up in the afternoons and evenings. Sudden downpours are common, and even when it’s not raining, the sky stays gray and heavy.
If you’re hoping for clear blue skies, summer in Yangon probably isn’t for you. Clouds are the rule, not the exception.
Effects on Daily Life
Humidity and cloud cover shape how you get around the city. Outdoor sightseeing gets tough during midday, when the air feels sticky and heavy.
Even short walks can leave you tired.
Laundry takes ages to dry, and dampness hangs around indoors unless you’ve got good ventilation. Locals rely on fans or dehumidifiers to stay comfortable.
Tourist spots like the Shwedagon Pagoda or street markets are best visited in the morning, when it’s not quite as oppressive.
Afternoon rains and dark skies can mess with your plans, so it’s smart to stay flexible.
For most residents, summer means adjusting routines to dodge the stickiest parts of the day and working around frequent showers.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Yangon’s summer brings long, humid days with a mix of cloud cover and steady daylight.
You’ll notice a real difference between how much sunshine you actually get and how long the days are, which makes the city feel dimmer than you’d expect in a tropical summer.
Average Hours of Sunshine
Cloud cover really shapes how much sun you see during summer in Yangon. Even though the days stretch out, skies tend to stay overcast.
You’ll usually get 2 to 5 hours of direct sunshine per day during the wettest months. July feels the gloomiest, with only about 2.6 hours daily. May and June offer a little more, but not by much.
A quick glance at January’s 10 hours of sunshine makes the summer difference pretty obvious. Those heavy monsoon clouds block most of the sun, so if you love bright, clear skies, you’ll want to plan around that.
Daylight Duration and Changes
Daylight hours in Yangon don’t really swing wildly like they do in places farther from the equator. The city averages 12 to 13 hours of daylight year-round.
Summer brings the longest days, but honestly, winter days aren’t that much shorter. For example, June gives you about 13 hours of daylight. December drops closer to 11.3 hours.
This steady rhythm means you never get those super short or endless days. Still, summer daylight often comes filtered through thick clouds and rain, making it feel dimmer than the clock says.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
Sunrise and sunset in Yangon stick to a pretty steady routine. In summer, the sun rises around 5:30–6:00 AM and sets between 6:15–6:45 PM. These times only shift a little as the season goes on.
You won’t get those super early sunrises or late sunsets—Yangon’s near the equator, so the schedule stays consistent. That does make planning a bit easier.
Clouds often cover the sky at sunrise and sunset, though. Even if it’s technically daylight, the horizon can look hazy, and you might not see those dramatic colors you’d hope for in clearer months.
Travel Tips and Local Insights
Yangon’s summer brings steady heat, high humidity, and frequent rain showers. Careful planning helps you stay comfortable and make the most of your time in Myanmar’s largest city.
Best Practices for Visiting in Summer
You’ll face warm temperatures—think 84–93°F during the day and 75–80°F at night. Lightweight, breathable clothes are a must. Don’t forget a light rain jacket or umbrella since rain is basically a given.
Waterproof footwear makes city walks less of a hassle when sudden downpours hit. Bring insect repellent too, since all that rain means more mosquitoes.
Staying hydrated matters, because the humidity can be relentless and it makes sweating less effective.
When you’re getting around, remember that traffic slows during heavy rain. Leave extra time for travel. Taxis or ride-hailing apps usually beat walking long distances in soggy weather.
Weather Considerations at Yangon International Airport
Yangon International Airport sits about 12 kilometers from downtown. In summer, flights sometimes get delayed by thunderstorms and heavy rain, especially later in the day. Always check your flight status before heading out.
The airport keeps the runways open even when it’s wet, but strong winds and low visibility can shuffle schedules around. Arriving early gives you a bit more wiggle room if things change.
Inside, the terminal’s air conditioning feels chilly compared to the muggy air outside. Toss a light sweater or shawl in your bag—you might want it while you wait.
It’s smart to keep your travel documents in a waterproof pouch, just in case you get caught in the rain moving between vehicles and the terminal.
Recommended Activities During Wet Season
Yangon’s summer brings lots of clouds and plenty of rain. So, it just makes sense to pick activities that don’t depend much on the weather.
You can visit Shwedagon Pagoda, check out museums, or wander through indoor markets like Bogyoke Aung San Market. These spots let you explore without spending too much time outside.
Cafés and teahouses are perfect for escaping the rain for a while. You get to enjoy local food and watch daily life go by—honestly, it’s a cozy way to pass the time.
If you carry some rain gear, you can handle short walks between attractions pretty easily. It’s not always fun, but it works.
You could try boat rides on the Yangon River, though storms might make things uncomfortable. Maybe it’s better to look into neighborhood tours or cultural workshops that mostly happen indoors, where the weather can’t really mess up your plans.