What is the weather like in Myanmar in winter?

The winter time in Myanmar starts from Mid October and finishes in February. The temperature during the day time is about 30 degree Celcius and drops to about 20 degree in the evening. It hardly rains during this period. 
All these make an ideal condition to travel to Myanmar. 

What to see in Myanmar in winter?

When it comes to the idea of what to experience in Myanmar in winter, you may have found different recommendations and here is ours:

Uncover the islands of Mergui Archipelago

The Myeik region is surrounded by unexplored coral reefs teeming with diverse marine creatures and aquatic life. It presents an ideal opportunity to venture into multiple islands, indulge in snorkeling, and immerse oneself in the wonders of scuba diving. The Mergui Archipelago, housing around 800 islands, remains largely untouched and wild.
Embarking on an ocean cruise to this area allows you to effortlessly find your own secluded slice of tropical paradise. Whether you seek incredible diving sites or sun-drenched beaches, the Mergui Archipelago won't disappoint.
Winter is the best time to unearth the beauty of Mergui Archipelago.
Related article: Mergui Archipelago Tours.

Experience the Allure of Yangon's Old and New

Take a journey in Myanmar usually entails arriving in Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, a city that still carries more familiarity with its previous name. While Yangon is gradually embracing cosmopolitan features like modern bars and increased street traffic, its colonial downtown area retains its pristine grandeur. This quality sets it apart from other Southeast Asian cities that have undergone development, sacrificing their historical charm.
Amongst all Yangon Tourist attractions, you'll be captivated by the magnificent golden stupa of Shwedagon, the intriguing National Museum, vibrant streets, and much more.

Discover the Timeless Pagodas of Bagan

Another must-do in Myanmar is to marvel at the sacred land of Bagan. Many travelers tend to concentrate on the larger temples, often visiting four or five of them. The pinnacle of their visit often involves witnessing the sunset from the top of the Shwesandaw temple, which can be daunting for those with a fear of heights. However, the lesser-known Pyathatgyi temple, located at the heart of the area, offers an easier approach to the platform while offering an equally breathtaking view of the temples illuminated by the evening sun.
For more activities in Bagan, check our guide for Best Things to do in Bagan. 

Explore the Waterways of Inle Lake

Unlike any other place in Myanmar, Inle Lake is a unique destination. Its shallow waters span 35 kilometers, forming an elongated teardrop-shaped body of tranquil blue water nestled in the central highlands. Surrounding the lake are villages inhabited by hill tribes, and the Intha people reside in stilted villages that extend from the lakeshore into the water. These communities bustle with activity, allowing visitors to witness the craftsmanship of silversmiths, blacksmiths, and weavers who create metal, silk, and cotton goods in workshops beneath their homes. If you come to Myanmar in winter, make sure to add some days of Inle Lake itinerary into your travel program. 

Encounter the Famous Mandalay Palace

The Mandalay Palace stands as the ultimate royal residence of the Burmese monarchy, serving as the final abode of the kings. Constructed between 1857 and 1859 as part of Mindon's establishment of the new royal capital, the city still resonates with the majesty of its regal past. Its narrow lanes echo with the sounds of skilled artisans, ranging from marble carvers to silversmiths to gold leaf makers. Unfortunately, World War II ravaged the magnificent Royal Palace at the heart of Mandalay. Today, only a watchtower, the Royal Mint, and the Shwenandaw Monastery remain from the original construction. Nonetheless, the reconstructed palace, utilizing contemporary materials in the 1990s, still offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of Burma's royalty. 
Mandalay has so much more to offer. Get more ideas at our Mandalay Travel Guide.

Embark on an Adventurous Trekking

Experience in Kalaw Nestled in the scenic Shan State, Kalaw serves as a charming hill station located just a stone's throw away from Inle Lake. It offers a variety of trekking opportunities ranging from two-day excursions to week-long journeys. During these treks, you'll have the chance to stay in local homestays, immersing yourself in the warmth of Myanmar's hospitality and relishing authentic home-cooked meals. Exploring the verdant forests and rolling hills on foot unveils a different facet of Myanmar, far from the traditional pagodas and dusty roads. Numerous trekking companies provide affordable tours and collaborate closely with local families to offer an enriching and immersive experience.

Behold the Sacred Golden Rock

Ascent Just a short journey east of Yangon awaits Mount Kyaiktiyo, home to one of Myanmar's most revered Buddhist relics—the Golden Rock. This awe-inspiring granite boulder seemingly defies gravity as it perches on a ledge amidst lush forests and verdant hills in the heart of south-central Burma. According to legend, it is held in place by a single strand of Buddha's hair. Male pilgrims undertake the ascent up winding steps to pay homage, leaving behind delicate gold leaf as a symbol of their devotion and seeking spiritual inspiration. The site is enveloped by a temple and pagoda complex, which includes captivating shrines dedicated to lesser-known Buddhist deities.
For more information, delve into our Golden Rock Travel Guide. 

See the Sacred Caves in Hpa An

The town of Hpa An, located in Mon State, harbors numerous wonders, including the Saddan Cave. This vast expanse is adorned with Buddha statues, pagodas, and murals. While mostly harmless, the cave does house bats that may flutter about if sudden movements startle them. Like all caves and temples in Myanmar, visitors are required to remove their shoes, allowing their toes to touch the muddy cave floor, which can flood during the rainy season. Visitors can either retrace their steps through the cave or hire a small boat to return to the entrance. The cave is open seven days a week from 6 am to 6 pm.

Witness the Enchanting U Bein Bridge at Sunset

Dating back to 1850, the U Bein Bridge holds the distinction of being the world's oldest and longest teak wood bridge. As you stroll across it during sunset, joining the company of numerous other visitors, you may feel a slight sway beneath your feet. Despite the increasing influx of tourists, the bridge's beauty remains undiminished. Stretching for 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) across the picturesque Taungthaman Lake, it provides a perfect addition to your travel itinerary in Mandalay and is truly one of the best things to experience in Myanmar.
For those, who love to have a real Myanmar Photography Tour, do not hesitate to contact us for further consultant. 

Marvel at the Unique Architecture of Hsinbyume Pagoda

The Hsinbyume Pagoda stands out from temples worldwide with its exceptional architecture. Its multiple tiers emulate undulating waves, symbolizing the seven mountain ranges encircling Mount Meru—a sacred site at the core of Buddhist cosmology, believed to be the center of the universe. This pagoda is just one of the many photogenic sites in Myanmar that you shouldn't miss during your visit.

Embark on Birding or Trekking Adventures in Mount Victoria

Nestled in the lesser-known Nat Ma Taung National Park, Mount Victoria, also known as Nat Ma Taung, beckons with its allure. This region is renowned for its rare and endangered flora and fauna, as well as the ethnic groups that embrace the tradition of women adorned with tattoos. The park's remarkable ecological diversity has earned it the esteemed title of an ASEAN Heritage Park, and UNESCO has acknowledged its exceptional universal value. Indulge in birding expeditions or embark on treks amidst this captivating natural landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions about Travel to Myanmar in Winter

Is winter a good time to visit Myanmar?

Ingeneral, the entire winter is good to explore Myanmar. Apart from the comfort of weather, you`ll also have chance to soak up many cultural events, unique festivals and authentic encounters. 

How many days of trips do I need to explore Myanmar?

We strongly recommend you to spend from 8 to 12 days to capture the best that Myanmar has to show. Obviously, we understand that you may have different time frame for your Myanmar trip, our article of how many days to spend in Myanmar should be useful for you in this case. 

What is needed to visit Myanmar now?

Myanmar welcomes international visitors again in 2023 after the Covid-19. All what you need to show up when you land/ cross the border to Myanmar is a valid Myanmar Visa. 
Kindly note that Myanmar Visa service has changed with certain conditions like vacination certificate or travel insurance. It is better to check the official Myanmar Visa site before you go: https://evisa.moip.gov.mm/

What should I book in advance in 2023 - 2024?

It is always a good practice to book your flight and accommodation in advance. There are possibilites to purchase air tickets online now for all the domestic flights. Since the flight frequency is low in Myanmar, it is good to browse different airline websites to make sure you have a seat for your travel route. 

Can I book a Myanmar Tour package online?

There are many trusted Myanmar Tour operators like us that offer private, tailor made Myanmar Tour. You can easily design your own itinerary with our travel expert who can suggest and arrange all the travel services needed from professional drivers to experienced tour guides or simply work on ticketing for you. 

What are the best Myanmar beaches in winter ?

The most famous Myanmar beach is Ngapali. Another beach with many resorts and things to delve into is Ngwe Saung. For a sort of secluded beach, the Dawei peninsula or Mergui Archipelago are the places to go. 

Is there mountain with cold weather in winter in Myanmar?

A small part of Myanmar belongs to the dramatic Himalaya range. The highest peak of Myanmar is Hkakabo which situates on the elevation of 5,881m. The area which is home to this peak has European-like weather with cold winter and cool summer. 

Suggested Myanmar Travel Itinerary in winter

As there are many ways to uncover the charm of Myanmar, there are also different itineraries to choose. This is our suggestion for first time travelers who want to get the best of Myanmar in a week:
Day 01: Arrive in Yangon. Explore Yangon Major attractions.
Day 02: Leave Yangon to Bagan by flight. Spend full day to see Bagan`s heritages.
Day 03: Continue your Bagan tour to less-visited villages, traditional workshops and secret point for sunset.
Day 04: Depart for Mandalay. See the highlights of Mandalay city.
Day 05: Travel out of Mandalay to see its ancient capitals like Amarapura or Mingun.
Day 06: Fly to Shan State. Taking a road trip to Inle and see its enchanting waterways.
Day 07: Navigate through Inle`s cannals and see one of Inle`s markets. Return to Yangon by air.
Day 08: Learn about Yangon history and culture through museum, markets and famous monuments. Departure.