Yangon Weather in May

May: hot and turning wet

May feels sticky, with hot days and warm nights. Rain falls often, and heavy cloud leaves little sunshine. It's still drier than June, but much wetter than April, so you may need to change plans during the day.

Visit the National Museum or browse Bogyoke Aung San Market when showers arrive. For outdoor time, go to Kandawgyi Lake in the cooler part of the day. Long walks around downtown can feel draining in the heat. Save them for shorter stretches, and don't count on a full day at the lake without rain.

Kason and quieter streets

The full moon of Kason, usually in May, is an important Buddhist holiday. At pagodas, people pour water on sacred Bodhi trees to mark the Buddha's birth, awakening and death. Dates follow the lunar calendar, so the holiday doesn't always fall in May.

If you hate crowds, May is calmer than the peak months of November and December. It's low season, and visitor demand is usually softer, which can mean better hotel rates. The trade-off is uncomfortable weather and more rain. Thingyan, Myanmar's New Year water festival, is usually in April, so don't expect its big street celebrations in May.

Make the pagoda visit easier

Travelling with kids? Keep outdoor visits short, then take a break indoors during the sticky afternoon.

At Shwedagon Pagoda, you must remove your shoes before entering. Rain can leave the marble walkways wet, so carry your shoes in a small bag and take care on the steps. Go in the late afternoon, when the sun is less harsh, and stay for the gold stupa as it lights up after dusk.