Yangon in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Yangon

35°C (95°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 2.5mm (0.1 inches) expected, making it ideal for pagoda hopping and street photography
Cooler morning temperatures around 18°C (64°F) perfect for dawn visits to Shwedagon Pagoda before crowds arrive at 8am
Thingyan Water Festival preparation creates busy street energy with pandal construction and cultural rehearsals throughout the city
Clear skies provide exceptional visibility for Yangon's colonial architecture photography and rooftop sunset viewing from places like Sakura Tower

Considerations

Afternoon temperatures reach 35°C (95°F) with 70% humidity, making midday outdoor activities uncomfortable without frequent shade breaks
Peak tourist season means higher accommodation prices and crowded popular sites like Bogyoke Aung San Market between 10am-2pm
Occasional dust storms from central Myanmar can reduce air quality and visibility for 1-2 days during the month

Best Activities in February

Shwedagon Pagoda Dawn and Sunset Sessions

February's clear skies and moderate morning temperatures make this the perfect month for both sunrise (6:30am) and sunset visits. The pagoda's golden stupa catches exceptional light during dry season, and cooler morning air makes the barefoot walking comfortable. Avoid midday visits when marble surfaces become burning hot.

Booking Tip: Entry costs 10,000 kyat (around $5). Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise or sunset for best positions. No advance booking needed, but bring socks for marble surfaces during hot afternoon hours. See current guided tours in booking section below.

Yangon Colonial Architecture Walking Tours

February's dry conditions and morning coolness create ideal circumstances for exploring downtown's British colonial buildings. Start at 7am to cover the 3 km (1.9 mile) circuit including City Hall, High Court, and Strand Hotel before temperatures climb. The lack of rain means excellent photography conditions for building facades.

Booking Tip: Self-guided routes cost nothing, guided architectural tours typically range 25,000-40,000 kyat ($12-20). Book morning slots 3-5 days ahead during peak season. See current walking tours in booking section below.

Circular Train Cultural Immersion

The 3-hour, 46 km (28.6 mile) loop provides relief from February heat while offering authentic local interaction. Trains are less crowded in morning departures (5:30am-8am). February's dry weather means clear views of suburban Yangon life, markets, and rural areas without rain-fogged windows.

Booking Tip: Tickets cost 200 kyat (10 cents) at Yangon Central Station. No advance booking needed. Board car 1 or 12 for easier exit access. Bring water as no refreshments onboard. See current cultural tours using the train in booking section below.

Inya Lake and Kandawgyi Lake Evening Activities

February evenings offer perfect conditions for lakeside walking, food stalls, and local socializing. Temperatures drop to comfortable 22°C (72°F) by 6pm. Kandawgyi's 1.8 km (1.1 mile) boardwalk becomes busy with locals exercising, while Inya attracts university students and offers quieter reflective walks.

Booking Tip: Free access to both lakes. Kandawgyi Park entry 300 kyat for gardens. Street food around lakes costs 1,000-3,000 kyat ($0.50-1.50) per item. No booking required. See current evening food tours in booking section below.

Bogyoke Aung San Market and Gem Exploration

February's dry season brings the best selection of gems and handicrafts as suppliers stock up for peak tourist season. The covered market provides relief from afternoon heat, and lower humidity means better preservation of textiles and wooden crafts. Peak browsing hours are 9am-11am before crowds.

Booking Tip: Free entry, open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm (closed Sundays and full moon days). Gem authentication services available 5,000-15,000 kyat. Bargain prices drop 30-50% from initial quotes. See current shopping tours in booking section below.

Bago Day Trip Ancient Capital Exploration

February's excellent road conditions and clear weather make the 80 km (50 mile) day trip to Bago optimal. Shwemawdaw Pagoda and reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha are best visited in cooler morning hours. The drive takes 2 hours each way with minimal rain delays.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost 35,000-60,000 kyat ($17-30) including transport and guide. Book 5-7 days ahead during peak February season. Departure times usually 7am-8am to avoid afternoon heat. See current Bago tours in booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

Throughout February

Thingyan Preparation Festival Activities

Throughout February, neighborhoods construct elaborate pandals (stages) for April's Water Festival. Visitors can observe traditional craftsmanship, attend rehearsals of classical dance and music, and participate in community preparation activities. This offers authentic cultural immersion unavailable during the actual festival chaos.

February 12

Union Day Celebrations

February 12th marks Myanmar's Union Day with parades, traditional performances, and cultural displays in Yangon's parks and public spaces. Government offices close, but cultural activities increase throughout the city with food festivals and traditional craft demonstrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity as it traps moisture and becomes uncomfortable by midday

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 with intense reflection off pagoda marble surfaces

Comfortable socks or footwear covers - required for pagoda visits and protects feet from hot marble during 35°C (95°F) afternoon temperatures

Light scarf or shawl - covers shoulders/knees for temple visits and provides protection during occasional dust storms

Portable water bottle with cooling features - dehydration happens quickly in dry heat, especially during 3+ hour walking tours

Camera with lens cleaning supplies - dust accumulation common in dry season, particularly around construction sites and unpaved areas

Cash in small denominations - many vendors, transport, and entry fees require exact change in kyat notes

Power bank and charging cables - long days of photography and navigation drain devices faster in heat

Basic first aid supplies including electrolyte packets - medical facilities may be limited in suburban areas during Circular Train journey

Insider Knowledge

Visit pagodas between 6-8am when marble surfaces are cool and local worshippers create authentic atmosphere before tourist groups arrive at 9am

February is gem shopping season - dealers receive fresh inventory for tourist season, but also employ more aggressive sales tactics. Bring a local friend or guide for authentic pricing

Use the new YBS bus system for 200 kyat rides instead of taxis during peak traffic hours (8-10am, 4-6pm) - saves money and provides local experience

Book accommodations by mid-January for February visits - this is peak season and quality hotels fill up, with prices increasing 40-60% over low season rates

Avoid These Mistakes

Attempting midday pagoda visits without foot protection - marble surfaces reach 50°C+ (122°F+) and cause immediate burns to bare feet

Exchanging money at hotels or tourist areas instead of licensed money changers downtown where rates are 3-5% better

Booking internal flights during Union Day weekend (February 12-14) when domestic travel peaks and prices triple