Weather in Mandalay

Planning a trip or a walk around Mandalay? Here you will find the most up-to-date weather information, including detailed forecasts and visual charts.

Mandalay welcomes travellers with a hot tropical climate, characteristic of the central part of Myanmar. Since the city is located in the country's so-called "dry zone", less precipitation falls here than in coastal regions, yet seasonality is quite distinct. Overall, the weather here remains warm year-round, never dropping to extremely low temperatures, which makes the destination accessible for tourism in any season.

The year can be roughly divided into three periods: hot, wet, and cool. The highest temperatures are recorded in spring, especially in April, when the air warms up to an average of +31°C, and days can be significantly hotter. The rainy season lasts from May to October: during this time, the number of "wet" days increases sharply, reaching a peak in July and August (up to 23–24 days with precipitation), although the temperature remains comfortable, hovering around +28...+29°C.

The winter months are considered the most pleasant time to visit. From November to February, dry and clear weather settles in Mandalay. During this period, the sweltering heat retreats, and the average air temperature is a comfortable +21...+25°C. This is the ideal time for long walks around ancient attractions and exploring the city's culture without the risk of getting soaked in the rain or overheating in the sun.

The temperature regime in Mandalay changes significantly depending on the season, even though the city is famous for its hot tropical climate. The sultriest period is spring: starting in March, the thermometer rapidly climbs, reaching its peak in April. During this month, the average daily maximum is about 37.8°C, while nights remain very warm, not dropping below 25°C. This is a time of dry heat that precedes the rainy season.

Winter months, conversely, bring pleasant coolness and are considered the most comfortable for travel. In January and December, the average temperature holds at 21–22°C. However, tourists should be prepared for noticeable daily fluctuations: while the air warms up to a comfortable 27–28°C during the day, at night the temperature can drop to 14–16°C. Such a contrast requires having light outer clothing in your wardrobe for evening walks.

In the summer period and early autumn (from June to October), the heat subsides slightly thanks to cloud cover and precipitation, stabilizing at average marks around 28–29°C. At this time, the difference between day and night temperatures becomes minimal, creating a steady and warm background, although high humidity can intensify the sensation of heat compared to the "dry" winter months.

In Mandalay, there is a clear division of the year into a dry season and a rainy season, which is typical for the climate of Myanmar. From November to April, there is practically no precipitation. The driest months are December, February, and March, when the number of rainy days tends towards zero, and rainfall levels are minimal. This time is considered the most comfortable for tourists who prefer clear skies and the absence of rain during walks.

The rainy season begins in May and lasts until October. The transition occurs quite abruptly: while only about 4 rainy days are recorded in April, their number increases to 16 in May. During this period, precipitation becomes a regular occurrence. Despite the high frequency of rains, the total volume of falling moisture is distributed evenly, which often manifests as short-term but frequent tropical downpours.

The peak of the wet season falls on July, August, and September. The rainiest month in terms of precipitation frequency is August, when rain can occur up to 24 days a month. At this time of year, travellers should definitely carry an umbrella or raincoat, as sunny weather can be quickly replaced by precipitation almost daily.

A trip to Mandalay requires a thoughtful approach to packing luggage, as the climate here is predominantly hot, especially in the spring months, when the daytime temperature often exceeds 35°C. The basis of your wardrobe should be light, loose clothing made of natural breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen, in light shades. Be sure to take care of sun protection: take a wide-brimmed hat, quality sunglasses, and cream with a high SPF protection factor, which will be useful in any season.

If you plan a trip during the rainy season, which lasts from May to October, be prepared for frequent precipitation: the number of rainy days in this period reaches 24 per month. At this time, indispensable items will be a compact umbrella or a light rain poncho, as well as quick-drying clothing, since air humidity increases significantly. Despite the rains, the temperature remains high (around 28–30°C), so warm clothes are unlikely to be needed during this period, but a change of clothes will come in very handy.

In the winter months, from December to February, the weather becomes more comfortable and dry, however, daily temperature fluctuations should be considered. Days remain warm, but nights and early mornings can be cool, with temperatures around 14–16°C. For evening walks, it is recommended to use the layering principle: bring a light jacket, cardigan, or hoodie. Also, comfortable footwear that is easy to take off and put on (for example, sandals or flip-flops) is critically important, since it is necessary to remove shoes when visiting the numerous Buddhist temples and pagodas of Myanmar.