Yangon in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Yangon

36.7°C (98°F) High Temp

20.6°C (69°F) Low Temp

15.2 mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Prime pre-monsoon weather - dry mornings and short afternoon showers that clear quickly, perfect for sightseeing with minimal disruption
Fewer crowds at major pagodas like Shwedagon - March falls between peak tourist season and monsoon arrival, meaning shorter queues and better photo opportunities
Ideal temperatures for early morning temple visits - 20-25°C (68-77°F) at dawn makes walking around massive complexes like Bagan comfortable before heat peaks
Best visibility for photography - clear skies and lower humidity in mornings provide excellent conditions for capturing Yangon's golden architecture

Considerations

Afternoon heat can be intense - temperatures reaching 36.7°C (98°F) between 1-4pm make midday outdoor activities uncomfortable, especially for first-time visitors
Unpredictable rain timing - while showers are brief, they can disrupt walking tours and outdoor market visits without warning
Higher accommodation prices than monsoon season - March pricing sits 20-30% above low season rates as hotels prepare for the hot season rush

Best Activities in March

Shwedagon Pagoda Sunrise Visits

March offers perfect conditions for early morning pagoda exploration with temperatures around 22°C (72°F) at 6am and crystal-clear skies. The golden stupa photography is unmatched during this season, and you'll avoid the crushing afternoon heat and tourist crowds. Morning light creates incredible contrast against the marble walkways.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for independent visits. Entry costs 10,000 kyat for foreigners. Arrive by 6:30am for best light and comfortable temperatures. Bring socks as shoes must be removed - marble stays cool in morning hours.

Circular Train Heritage Journeys

The 46 km (28.6 mile) circular railway loop is perfect in March - windows stay open for breeze without monsoon rain concerns, and you'll experience authentic local life as Yangonites commute. March's variable weather means you might catch both sunny countryside and brief refreshing showers during the 3-hour journey.

Booking Tip: Buy tickets at Yangon Central Station for 200 kyat - no advance booking required. Start between 7-9am to complete the loop before afternoon heat peaks. Bring water and light snacks as onboard options are limited.

Colonial Architecture Walking Tours

March's pre-monsoon conditions are ideal for exploring downtown Yangon's British colonial buildings before the wet season causes closures for maintenance. Clear morning skies provide excellent photography conditions for buildings like the Strand Hotel and former High Court, while afternoon rain gives authentic monsoon-approach atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks work best - start at 8am from Sule Pagoda and end by noon before heat intensifies. Guided walking tours typically cost 25,000-35,000 kyat and should be booked 3-5 days ahead during March's moderate tourist season.

Bogyoke Market and Street Food Exploration

March's weather pattern creates perfect conditions for covered market exploration - morning coolness for comfortable browsing, and afternoon rain drives locals into food stalls creating authentic dining atmosphere. The market's colonial-era covered structure provides shelter during March's brief but intense downpours.

Booking Tip: Independent exploration recommended - market opens 10am-5pm except Mondays. Food tours through local operators cost 20,000-30,000 kyat including tastings. Book through hotel concierge rather than street touts for safety and real feels.

Kandawgyi Lake Sunset Viewing

March's variable weather creates spectacular sunset conditions over Kandawgyi Lake, with passing clouds adding drama to golden hour photography. The 5 km (3.1 mile) lake loop is comfortable in early evening temperatures of 28-30°C (82-86°F), and you'll catch the illuminated Shwedagon Pagoda reflection.

Booking Tip: Free public access to lake walkway. Best viewing spots are near Karaweik Palace between 5:30-6:30pm. Boat tours cost 3,000-5,000 kyat per person and operate weather permitting - have backup indoor plans during March's unpredictable showers.

Inya Lake Area Temple Cycling

March conditions are perfect for cycling between lesser-visited temples around Inya Lake - morning temperatures stay comfortable, afternoon showers provide cooling breaks, and pre-monsoon clarity offers excellent views across Myanmar's largest artificial lake. The 8 km (5 mile) circuit includes several small pagodas rarely seen by tourists.

Booking Tip: Rent bicycles from guesthouses for 3,000-5,000 kyat per day. Start early morning around 7am to complete circuit before afternoon heat. No guide needed but bring temple-appropriate clothing and plastic bags to protect belongings during sudden showers.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Tabaung Full Moon Festival

Myanmar's second most important Buddhist festival typically occurs in March, featuring elaborate temple ceremonies and traditional performances. Locals make offerings at pagodas throughout the night, creating an authentic cultural experience with chanting, flower offerings, and community feasts.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid synthetic fabrics in 70% humidity which trap sweat and become uncomfortable

Compact quick-dry rain jacket - March showers last 20-30 minutes but can be intense, and you'll want protection without bulk

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflects strongly off golden pagoda surfaces

Comfortable walking socks - required for temple visits and marble floors stay surprisingly cool in mornings but heat up by afternoon

Portable water bottle with purification tablets - staying hydrated is crucial in variable weather and local water quality varies

Light cotton scarf or shawl - essential for temple dress codes and provides neck protection from intense UV reflection

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - sudden showers can damage electronics during temple visits and market exploration

Comfortable walking sandals with back straps - for easy temple shoe removal but secure enough for uneven colonial-era sidewalks

Small umbrella that fits in daypack - provides both rain and sun protection during midday temple visits

Electrolyte packets or oral rehydration salts - March's variable temperatures and humidity can cause unexpected dehydration

Insider Knowledge

Yangon's power grid struggles in March's variable weather - bring portable chargers and backup batteries as outages increase during afternoon storms

Local buses run more frequently in March mornings to beat afternoon heat - use this for authentic transport between 7-11am when temperatures are comfortable

Many temple ceremonies happen at dawn during March to avoid heat - arrive at 5:30am at major pagodas to witness authentic daily rituals with devotees

Street food vendors set up earlier and later in March, avoiding midday heat - best authentic meals available 6-9am and after 5pm when locals actually eat

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor sightseeing between 1-4pm when temperatures reach 36.7°C (98°F) - even locals stay indoors during these hours

Wearing dark colors or synthetic fabrics that trap heat and show sweat stains prominently in humid conditions

Not carrying cash in small denominations - many vendors can't change large kyat notes during the transitional March economy