Last updated: January 18, 2025
Rangoon, Myanmar, is characterized by a tropical monsoon climate, specifically classified as Köppen-Geiger climate class Am. The city experiences a significant temperature range throughout the year, with a minimum of 12°C (54°F) recorded in February, progressing to an average of 28°C (83°F). The peak temperature occurs in April, where it can soar to a maximum of 42°C (109°F). This climatic pattern underscores the region's distinct wet and dry seasons, profoundly influencing local weather and atmospheric conditions.
Rangoon, Myanmar, exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year, characterized by warm to hot conditions. The year begins with mild temperatures in January and February, where minimums drop to 12-13°C (54-55°F) and average around 26-27°C (78-80°F). As the dry season progresses into March and April, temperatures rise significantly, with April reaching a peak maximum of 42°C (109°F). The onset of May marks the transition to the monsoon season, leading to slightly cooler averages of 30°C (87°F), while nighttime lows remain relatively warm at 24°C (76°F). During the rainy months from June to September, temperatures moderate, hovering around 35°C (95°F) by day, with minimums staying consistently at 24°C (76°F) or above. As the year closes, cooler nights in November and December lead to a slight dip in temperatures, but the averages remain around 26-28°C (79-83°F), showcasing a warm climate overall despite seasonal fluctuations.
Yangon experiences a notable temperature range throughout the year, with February seeing a minimum of 14°C (57°F) and April peaking at a scorching 42°C (108°F). This significant variation highlights the climatic extremes faced in the region, making it essential to plan accordingly. For more detailed information on monthly temperatures in Yangon, visit monthly temperatures in Yangon.
Rangoon experiences a pronounced wet and dry season, with distinct variations in precipitation throughout the year. January and February are the driest months, with minimal rainfall, recording only 7 mm (0.3 in) and 0 mm respectively. March sees a slight increase, but it remains negligible at 1 mm (0.0 in). The onset of the monsoon season begins in April, where rainfall sharply rises to 46 mm (1.8 in), setting the stage for the heavy downpours that follow in May, with precipitation surging to 217 mm (8.5 in).
The summer months of June, July, and August experience the peak of Rangoon’s rainy season, with July receiving the highest monthly total at 548 mm (21.6 in). These months also witness frequent rainfall, averaging 29 to 31 days of precipitation. As the rainy season begins to taper off in September and October, rainfall decreases to 387 mm (15.2 in) and 221 mm (8.7 in), respectively. November and December bring an end to the rainy months, contributing only 32 mm (1.3 in) and 2 mm (0.1 in), with minimal rainfall days, underscoring the shift to a much drier climate.
Rangoon, Myanmar, showcases a dynamic pattern of sunshine duration throughout the year, with a prominent increase as it transitions from winter into summer. January starts the year off with a solid 259 hours of sunshine, gradually rising to 302 hours in February. The peak daylight hours are reached in March, where residents enjoy 343 hours of sunshine, marking it as one of the sunniest months of the year. Despite a slight reduction in April to 335 hours, the month still maintains a high level of sunlight, ensuring an abundance of brightness as the region approaches the monsoon season.
However, the onset of monsoon conditions from June to August significantly impacts sunshine duration, resulting in a decline. June sees 221 hours of sunshine, followed by July and August, which record their lowest at 194 hours and 186 hours, respectively. Following the rainy season, a recovery in sunshine hours is observed, with September experiencing 251 hours and a subsequent rise through October (297 hours) and November (308 hours). By December, the sunshine duration rebounds to 319 hours, highlighting a seasonal return to brighter days. This cyclical pattern underscores the relationship between precipitation and sunshine, emphasizing Rangoon's varying climates throughout the year.
In Rangoon, Myanmar, the UV Index reflects a significant fluctuation throughout the year, emphasizing the need for sun safety during the warmer months. Beginning in January, the UV Index starts at a notable 9, categorized as very high, with a burn time of just 15 minutes. As the year progresses into February and March, the UV levels escalate to an extreme category, hitting 11 and 13, respectively. Particularly intense conditions persist into April and May, where the UV Index reaches a peak of 14. These months serve as a critical reminder of the potential for skin damage due to excessive sun exposure, necessitating protective measures like sunscreen or protective clothing.
As the rainy season approaches, the UV Index remains consistently high, with values stabilizing between 13 and 14 from June to August. This shows that even during the wetter months, UV radiation remains a significant concern. The exposure category remains extreme, with burn times continuing at 10 minutes across this period. As the year closes, the UV Index slightly diminishes in October (12) before returning to very high levels in November and December (10 and 9, respectively). Overall, Rangoon’s UV Index underscores the importance of sun safety year-round, with particularly extreme conditions from February through October.
UV Risk Categories
In Rangoon, Myanmar, daylight duration exhibits a relatively stable pattern throughout the year, with minor fluctuations influenced by seasonal changes. Both January and February experience consistent daylight hours, totaling 11 hours, providing a steady rhythm as the year begins. As the spring months approach, March marks the first increase to 12 hours, a trend that continues into April and May, maintaining this length as the region transitions towards its warmer seasons. June then sees a slight extension, with daylight reaching 13 hours, offering longer afternoons and evenings as the days stretch out before the monsoon.
As the rainy season progresses into July, daylight duration reverts back to 12 hours, where it remains steady through several months until October. In October, daylight drops back down to 11 hours, a pattern mirrored in November and December, which also settle at the same duration. This cyclical pattern highlights the relatively consistent climate of Rangoon, where daylight duration does not vary immensely but rather reflects the subtle shifts of the seasons, enhancing the experiences of both locals and visitors alike.
Yangon, Myanmar experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and a distinct wet season. January to March sees warm days, with averages ranging from 26°C (79°F) to 29°C (85°F), while April often reaches highs of up to 42°C (108°F). The monsoon season, from May to October, brings significant rainfall, peaking in July with 529 mm (20.8 in) but also sees varied sunshine hours throughout the year. Consequently, visitors can enjoy plenty of sunshine from January (259 hours) to March (343 hours) before the rainy season sets in. For more details, visit Yangon climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Rangoon, Myanmar, is characterized by its tropical monsoon nature, marked by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The city experiences a significant temperature range, with peak heat during the dry months and a monsoon season that brings ample rainfall and lower sunshine hours. This climatic framework underlines the importance of sun safety, particularly during months when the UV Index reaches extreme levels. By understanding these patterns, residents and visitors can better prepare for the environmental conditions, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience in this vibrant region throughout the year.