Yangon Weather in March

March feels hot

Yangon is already in its hot season in March. Afternoons can feel punishing, with highs around 39°C and little rain to cool things down. February is cooler, while April stays just as hot and gets wetter.

You'll get plenty of sun for a visit to Kandawgyi Lake or the colonial streets around downtown, but long walks are tough in the afternoon. Save Shwedagon Pagoda for the cooler morning or evening, and use air-conditioned museums or cafés during the hottest hours. The Yangon Circular Railway can also feel uncomfortable in the heat.

Festivals and crowds

The Full Moon Day of Tabaung falls in March in some years. It's marked by religious gatherings, including at Shwedagon Pagoda. The exact date follows the lunar calendar, so it can shift between years. Thingyan, Myanmar's water festival, is usually in April, not March.

If you hate crowds, March is often quieter than the cooler November-to-February high season. Hotels and flights may cost less than during those peak months, though prices vary. You'll trade fewer visitors for much harsher heat.

Make the heat easier

Humidity is lower than in the rainy season, and rain is rare, so outdoor plans are less likely to be washed out. Still, March's poor comfort rating is worth taking seriously. Keep sightseeing near downtown's shaded streets and air-conditioned stops, rather than planning a full day on foot.

Travelling with kids? Keep the Shwedagon visit short and go after sunset, when the marble paths are cooler. Take off your shoes at the entrance, as required at the pagoda, and carry them with you.