Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Shan, Myanmar is characterized by a distinct transition between two Koppen-Geiger climate classes: Cwa (humid subtropical) and Aw (tropical savanna). Throughout the year, temperatures exhibit notable fluctuations, with a minimum of 2°C (36°F) in December, rising to an average of 22°C (72°F). The warmest month, May, can reach scorching highs up to 41°C (107°F), highlighting the region's tropical variability. These climatic conditions significantly influence the local ecosystem, agriculture, and the daily lives of its inhabitants.
The temperature patterns in Shan, Myanmar exhibit a clear seasonal trend, with noticeable variations throughout the year. Winter months, from December to February, are characterized by cooler temperatures, starting at a minimum of 2°C (36°F) in December and gradually rising to 5°C (41°F) in February, while average temperatures hover around 17°C (63°F) to 18°C (65°F). As spring arrives in March and April, temperatures begin to climb significantly; March sees averages reaching 22°C (72°F) and maxes of 38°C (101°F), while April peaks at 40°C (105°F). The summer months, particularly May through July, are marked by even higher temperatures, with May experiencing the highest extremes, reaching up to 41°C (107°F), and maintaining an average of 25°C (77°F). By August and September, the heat begins to moderate slightly as averages stabilize around 24°C (76°F), but maximum temperatures remain high, ranging from 36°C (98°F) to 38°C (100°F). Transitioning into autumn, October through November sees a gradual decrease in temperatures, with November closing the year at an average of 21°C (69°F), signaling the onset of cooler months once again.
Indein experiences a temperature range from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) in January to a maximum of 33°C (92°F) in May, while Taunggyi has slightly cooler temperatures with a minimum of 5°C (41°F) in December and peaks at 35°C (95°F) in May. Keng Tung boasts the lowest minimum temperature of 2°C (36°F) in December, with the highest temperature reaching 38°C (100°F) in May. For more detailed monthly temperature information, visit monthly temperatures in Indein, monthly temperatures in Taunggyi, and monthly temperatures in Keng Tung.
Precipitation patterns in Shan, Myanmar reveal a pronounced seasonal variability, heavily influenced by the monsoon. The year begins with relatively low rainfall, particularly in February and March, where average monthly totals are only 10 mm (0.4 in) and 9 mm (0.4 in) respectively. This dry spell gives way to a significant increase in April, where rainfall jumps to 74 mm (2.9 in), signaling the onset of the wet season. May marks a pivotal shift, with precipitation rising to 120 mm (4.7 in) as daily rainfall becomes more frequent, setting the stage for the monsoon months ahead.
The peak of the rainy season occurs from June to August, with July witnessing the highest precipitation at 272 mm (10.7 in) and 28 rainy days. August follows closely with an impressive 305 mm (12.0 in), contributing to the lush landscapes that characterize the region. After the monsoon, rainfall begins to taper off, with September seeing 209 mm (8.2 in) and October dropping to 133 mm (5.2 in). By the time November and December arrive, precipitation decreases significantly to 45 mm (1.8 in) and 23 mm (0.9 in) respectively, thus concluding the wet season and ushering in drier conditions for the winter months.
In Shan, Myanmar, sunshine duration exhibits a compelling seasonal trend that correlates with temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Starting from January, the region enjoys about 245 hours of sunlight, gradually increasing as the year progresses. This upward trend continues into March, where sunshine peaks at 337 hours, demonstrating the approach of warmer months. April and May follow closely behind with 322 hours and 342 hours, respectively, marking the height of brilliant sunshine just before the onset of the monsoon season. It is during this period that Shan experiences its most extensive solar exposure, making it ideal for outdoor activities and agriculture.
As the rainy season sets in during June, sunshine hours begin to decline, dropping to 280 hours. This decrease is accompanied by the natural cloud cover and increased precipitation characteristic of the summer months. July and August see further reductions in sunlight, with only 253 hours and 247 hours, respectively. However, as the season transitions towards autumn, sunshine duration rebounds slightly, reaching 292 hours in October. November maintains a similar trend with 297 hours, and December follows closely at 308 hours, providing a brief resurgence of sunlight before the cycle begins anew. Overall, the yearly pattern highlights the striking influence of the monsoon on sunshine duration, shaping both the climate and lifestyle in Shan.
The UV Index in Shan, Myanmar, reveals an alarming intensity of solar radiation, particularly from January through September. Beginning with a UV Index of 9 in January, which falls under the very high exposure category, residents are cautioned to limit sun exposure to just 15 minutes. As the months progress, the UV Index escalates dramatically, peaking at 15 from May through August, categorizing it as extreme and necessitating reduced sun exposure of only 10 minutes. This notable increase highlights the risks associated with prolonged outdoor activities during these months, emphasizing the importance of protective measures such as sunscreen and UV-blocking clothing.
As the rainy season commences, the UV Index begins to decline in September to 14, followed by a gradual decrease through October (12) before further dropping to 10 in November and 8 in December, both of which are classified as very high. Although the burn time slightly increases to 15 minutes during these later months, the UV exposure remains significant enough to warrant caution. Overall, the sustained levels of high to extreme UV radiation throughout much of the year necessitate awareness and preparedness among residents and visitors to mitigate the risks of sunburn and skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
In Shan, Myanmar, daylight duration exhibits a predictable annual cycle that closely aligns with seasonal changes. January begins with approximately 10 hours of daylight, gradually increasing to 11 hours in February and reaching 12 hours by March. This trend of extending daylight continues into April, where it holds steady at 12 hours, before peaking in May with 13 hours of sunlight. The consistent increase signifies the arrival of summer, providing residents with ample daylight for agriculture and outdoor activities.
As the summer months advance, June, July, and August maintain a stable daylight duration of 13 hours, offering extended opportunities for productivity and leisure. However, a subtle shift occurs in September when daylight starts to recede back to 12 hours, transitioning into the shorter days of autumn. By October and November, daylight is further reduced to 11 hours, and December completes the cycle with only 10 hours of daylight. This rhythm of daylight duration, oscillating from shorter days in winter to longer days in summer, encapsulates the cyclical nature of Shan's climate and its impact on the local lifestyle.
Indein, Myanmar experiences a tropical climate characterized by distinct temperature variations and seasonal rainfall. Average temperatures range from a cool 16°C (61°F) in January to a warm 23°C (73°F) in May, peaking at a maximum of 33°C (92°F) in April and May. Rainfall is significant from May to September, with June receiving the highest precipitation at 236 mm (9.3 in). The region enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in February and March, with over 300 hours of sunlight on average. For more detailed information, visit Indein climate.
Keng Tung, Myanmar, experiences a diverse climate with distinct temperature variations throughout the year. January temperatures range from a chilly 3°C (38°F) to a warm 29°C (84°F), while summer months see highs reaching up to 38°C (100°F) in May. Precipitation is significant, particularly from June to August, with July receiving the highest rainfall at 284 mm (11.2 in). The region enjoys abundant sunshine, peaking in March with 331 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit Keng Tung climate.
Lashio, Myanmar experiences a diverse climate characterized by distinct seasonal variations. January marks the coldest month with temperatures ranging from 4°C to 29°C, while March and April see peaks of up to 37°C. The monsoon season, spanning from June to August, brings substantial rainfall, peaking in August with 372 mm. Despite the heavy rains, Lashio enjoys ample sunshine, especially in May, which records the highest at 352 hours. For more detailed information, visit Lashio climate.
Tachilek, Myanmar experiences a tropical climate characterized by hot temperatures and a distinct wet season. January marks the coolest month with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 32°C, while temperatures peak in May, reaching up to 41°C. Rainfall begins to increase significantly in April, peaking during the monsoon months of June to August, where it can exceed 430 mm. Despite the rain, sunshine is abundant, with the brightest months being February and March, offering up to 328 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Tachilek climate.
Taunggyi, Myanmar experiences a diverse climate with a significant variation in temperature and precipitation throughout the year. Temperatures range from a chilly 5°C (42°F) in January to a warm 35°C (95°F) in May, while average monthly temperatures hover around 22°C (71°F) to 24°C (75°F) from March to June. The region sees its peak rainfall in the monsoon months of June to August, with July receiving up to 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain. Conversely, January and February are relatively dry, with only 33 mm (1.3 in) and 6 mm (0.2 in) of precipitation, respectively. For a more detailed understanding of the weather patterns, visit Taunggyi climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Shan, Myanmar is characterized by its distinct seasonal patterns in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight length. The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations, with hot summers and cooler winters, while the monsoon season brings substantial rainfall and decreased sunshine. The consistently high UV Index throughout the year highlights the importance of sun safety, especially during the summer months when exposure reaches extreme levels. Moreover, the variation in daylight duration offers residents a dynamic environment that influences both agricultural practices and daily activities. Overall, understanding these climatic trends is crucial for effective planning and risk management in Shan, ensuring that local inhabitants can adapt to the changing seasons while optimizing their connection to the land and its resources.