Myanmar weather & when to go: March
March overview
It doesn’t get any better than March in Myanmar, often considered the best time of the year to travel here. The downside to the great weather is of course the tourist numbers, and although not excessive, the limited choice of hotels in key destinations makes it important to book early to avoid disappointment.
March's weather in detail
With no rain expected throughout the month and the chilly winter feel in the highlands now a distant memory, you can expect excellent weather across Myanmar in March.
In the south and along the west coast, the beaches will be basking in sunshine, whilst the chill has lifted off foothills and Shan region. The central plains will also be dry and hot, although more manageable than in the months to come.
On the waterways, the levels are close to the lowest of the year meaning any cruise plans should be carefully considered and we would advise against many. The lower sections of the Ayeyarwady River should continue to be sailable however.
Temperatures in the lowlands average highs of 35°C and even the eastern and northern highlands will be in the low 30s°C.
You may be wondering whether you should be travelling to Myanmar. It's a complex situation, and Selective Asia's Gemma has shared some insightful thoughts on travelling responsibly in Myanmar - you can read them here.
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Where's the sun and sand?
Ngapali, Ngwe Saung
Our recommended journeys
Delving deep into this diverse country, An Insider's Myanmar takes in the bustle of Yangon and Mandalay, Bagan’s awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage temples, and the beauty of Inle Lake, then steps off the well-trodden trail into the Kalaw hills, and south into remote Kayah State, only recently opened up to visitors.
See all our itineraries in Myanmar
Key Festivals & Religious Ceremonies
Shwedagon Pagoda Festival
A great time to be in Yangon - see the Shwedagon Pagoda in its full glory.
Peasant's Day
2nd March is Peasant’s Day in Myanmar – a national holiday that recognises the importance of the country’s rural workers. Apparently those working in the agricultural sector make up 65% of the country’s population. Interestingly, this is also the day Ne Win staged his notorious military coup back in 1962. His government ushered in land reform policies that aimed to protect those working in the high yielding, yet low paid agricultural industry.