Mandalay Climate

Last updated: January 18, 2025

Mandalay, Myanmar, experiences a dynamic climate characterized by the Köppen-Geiger classifications Aw and Cwa. With minimum temperatures dipping to 5°C (41°F) during December's cooler months, the region thrives under an average temperature of 25°C (78°F) throughout the year. However, it is during May that the heat peaks, with maximum temperatures soaring up to a sweltering 45°C (113°F). Such climatic variability not only influences the local ecology but also shapes the lifestyle and cultural practices of its inhabitants.

Mandalay temperature by month

Mandalay, Myanmar, showcases a marked seasonal temperature pattern that transitions from the cooler, drier months of December through February to the intense heat of the summer months. Starting with January's minimum of 5°C (42°F) and an average of 20°C (68°F), temperatures gradually rise, reaching 6°C (42°F) in February and peaking at 10°C (50°F) in March. As April approaches, the heat intensifies, with averages climbing to 29°C (84°F) and maxima soaring to 43°C (110°F). May marks the zenith of this warmth, with maximum temperatures hitting a blistering 45°C (113°F), before slightly easing in June and July, where they remain high but more stable around 41°C (107°F). The late monsoon months of August and September bring a slight reprieve with cooler temperatures averaging 27°C (81°F), but still retain maximums near 39°C (102°F). October sees a further decline, introducing pre-winter temperatures, and finally, December returns to cooler conditions, completing the cyclical temperature pattern.

Monthly Temperatures in Mandalay, Myanmar

The chart illustrates Mandalay's temperature patterns throughout the year, with values aggregated from various locations across the region. It highlights seasonal variations and temperature changes across the months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec677179838482818080797569
Data source: Mandalay temperature data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

Mandalay experiences a temperature range from a minimum of 11°C (52°F) in January to a scorching maximum of 44°C (111°F) in May, making it a hot destination during the peak of summer. In contrast, Nyaungshwe has milder temperatures, with a low of 5°C (41°F) in December and a high of 35°C (95°F) in May, offering a cooler alternative. Pyin Oo Lwin shows a similar pattern, starting from a minimum of 7°C (44°F) in February and peaking at 38°C (100°F) in May. For more details, visit monthly temperatures in Mandalay, monthly temperatures in Nyaungshwe, and monthly temperatures in Pyin Oo Lwin.

Precipitation Patterns in Mandalay

Mandalay, Myanmar, exhibits a distinct precipitation pattern that aligns closely with the seasonal monsoon climate. The year begins with relatively low rainfall, as January records 27 mm (1.1 in), and February sees a dramatic drop to just 3 mm (0.1 in), typical of the dry season. As March nears its end, precipitation begins to rise modestly to 6 mm (0.2 in), with April experiencing a more significant increase to 46 mm (1.8 in), signaling the onset of the pre-monsoon season. May marks a pivotal shift as rainfall surges to 127 mm (5.0 in), setting the stage for the monsoon, which reaches its peak in the summer months.

From June through August, Mandalay endures its wettest period, with July alone receiving an impressive 187 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while August tops this with 232 mm (9.1 in), often accompanied by heavy monsoon showers nearly every day. The rains gradually recede in September (201 mm) and October (144 mm), allowing for a reprieve as November and December bring only 41 mm (1.6 in) and 12 mm (0.5 in) respectively. The yearly precipitation cycle reflects the region's monsoonal climate, with a concentrated rainy season that significantly impacts both agriculture and water resources in Mandalay.

Monthly Average Precipitation in Mandalay, Myanmar

The average monthly precipitation in Mandalay, providing insights into seasonal rainfall patterns and the region's precipitation trends throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2736461271721872322011444112
Data source: Mandalay precipitation data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.
Choose your preferred precipitation unit

Sunshine Duration in Mandalay

In Mandalay, Myanmar, the duration of sunshine reflects a clear seasonal trend, with hours peaking in the summer months. The year kicks off with January recording 253 hours of sunlight, gradually increasing as winter recedes. This rise continues through February, which boasts 302 hours, and culminates in March with a significant 340 hours. The sun's presence remains strong through April (331 hours) and May (352 hours), marking these months as some of the sunniest of the year. This consistent solar gain not only enhances the region's climate but also plays a vital role in agricultural productivity.

However, as the monsoon season approaches in June, sunshine hours begin to dwindle, dropping to 300 hours. The trend continues into the peak monsoon months of July and August, where sunshine reduces to 283 hours and 271 hours, respectively. While the clouds dominate, some respite returns in early autumn, with September recording 289 hours and October regaining momentum at 304 hours. The year closes with a resurgence of sunlight in November (303 hours) and December (312 hours), illustrating a seasonal cycle that emphasizes the importance of sunshine in shaping both the environment and lifestyle in Mandalay.

Monthly Sunshine in Mandalay, Myanmar

Monthly sunshine duration represents the total hours of direct sunlight Mandalay receives each month, excluding periods when the sun is obscured by clouds or other obstructions.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec253h302h340h331h352h300h283h271h289h304h303h312h
Data source: Mandalay sunshine duration data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.

Mandalay UV Index Trends

In Mandalay, Myanmar, the UV Index consistently indicates intense sunlight exposure, particularly during the peak months from February to July. January begins with a high UV Index of 9, categorized as very high, allowing for a burn time of just 15 minutes. However, as the year progresses, February sees an escalation to 11, shifting into the extreme category with burn times dropping to 10 minutes. This trend continues into March and April, where the UV Index remains at 13, exposing residents and visitors alike to heightened risks from sun exposure. The month of May reaches the apex with an alarming UV Index of 15, necessitating vigilant sun protection.

The extreme UV levels persist through the summer months, with June, July, and August each recording a UV Index of 14 and 15, reinforcing the importance of sun safety measures. As the monsoon season winds down in September, the UV Index slightly decreases to 14, followed by a gradual decline in October to 12. The cooler months of November and December see a return to very high UV levels, dropping to 10 and 8 respectively, with burn times of 15 minutes. Therefore, understanding the UV Index in Mandalay is crucial for promoting awareness regarding skin protection and overall health throughout the year.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Mandalay, Myanmar

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Mandalay. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9111313151415151412108
Data source: Mandalay UV Index data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Daylight Hours in Mandalay

In Mandalay, Myanmar, daylight duration exhibits a predictable pattern throughout the year, closely tied to the seasonal changes. The year begins with 10 hours of daylight in January, gradually increasing to 11 hours in February. As spring unfolds, March sees a notable rise to 12 hours, which is maintained through April. The days continue to lengthen in May, reaching their peak at 13 hours and remaining consistent throughout June and July. This extended daylight not only enhances outdoor activity but also contributes positively to agricultural cycles in the region.

As the monsoon season gives way to autumn, the trend begins to shift. August still enjoys 12 hours of daylight, but this gradually decreases to 11 hours in October and November, reflecting the approach of winter. By December, daylight returns to 10 hours, completing the yearly cycle. This rhythmic fluctuation in daylight hours highlights the interplay between environment and activities in Mandalay, emphasizing the importance of sunlight in daily life and cultural practices throughout the year.

Average Monthly Daylight Hours in Mandalay, Myanmar

This chart shows the total daylight hours Mandalay receives each month, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec657h684h721h757h788h803h796h769h734h697h665h649h
Data source: Mandalay daylight hours, calculated based on aggregated data for various regional locations, determined by the times between sunrise and sunset.

Climate Highlights of Mandalay's Popular Destinations

Mandalay, Myanmar experiences a tropical climate characterized by hot temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to April, temperatures gradually rise from a mild 21°C (70°F) to a peak of 43°C (109°F) in April, with minimal rainfall. The monsoon season starts in May, bringing significant precipitation, peaking in August with 196 mm (7.7 in) of rain. Despite heavier rainfall in the summer months, sunshine remains abundant, especially in March and May, with over 350 hours of sunshine. For more details, visit Mandalay climate.

Mogok, Myanmar experiences a tropical climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. January sees cooler temperatures with lows around 5°C (42°F) and peaks of 28°C (83°F), while May marks the onset of the hotter season, reaching maximums of 37°C (99°F). The region faces substantial rainfall, especially from May to August, where precipitation can exceed 400 mm (16 inches) in August alone. Despite the rainy season, sunshine is plentiful, peaking at 350 hours in May. For more detailed climate information, visit Mogok climate.

Nyaungshwe, Myanmar, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to March, temperatures gradually rise from cool to warm, peaking in May at an average of 24°C (76°F) before the onset of the rainy season, which begins in June with heavy rainfall, reaching up to 199 mm in August. The dry months, particularly February and March, see minimal precipitation and abundant sunshine, offering over 300 hours of sunlight. This combination of warmth and rain creates a lush environment, particularly vibrant during the monsoon. For more details, visit Nyaungshwe climate.

Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar experiences a mild climate with distinct seasonal variations. Temperatures range from a chilly 7°C (45°F) in January to a warm 38°C (100°F) in May, with average monthly temperatures hovering between 18°C (64°F) and 26°C (79°F). Rainfall is heaviest from June to August, with August receiving up to 307 mm (12.1 in) of precipitation, while the dry season spans from December to February. Sunshine is plentiful, particularly in March and May, each boasting over 330 hours of sunshine. For more detailed information, visit Pyin Oo Lwin climate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mandalay, Myanmar, presents a unique climatic tapestry characterized by its temperature variations, precipitation trends, abundant sunshine, and significant UV exposure throughout the year. With warm summers and distinct wet and dry seasons, the region's climate plays a crucial role in shaping the lifestyle and agricultural practices of its inhabitants. The substantial daylight duration enhances opportunities for outdoor activities and supports the vitality of local ecosystems. However, the consistently high UV Index during peak months emphasizes the need for sun safety awareness. Understanding these climatic elements together provides a comprehensive insight into Mandalay's environment, fostering a deeper appreciation for its natural rhythms and informing the practices essential for health and well-being in this vibrant region.

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