Yangon in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Yangon

33°C (92°F) High Temp

21°C (69°F) Low Temp

53 mm (2.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Cool season begins with refreshing evening temperatures dropping to 21°C (69°F) - perfect for exploring pagodas and night markets without wilting in the heat
Festival season peaks with Tazaungdaing Light Festival (mid-November) - witness thousands of hot air balloons and elaborate light displays throughout the city
Post-monsoon clarity offers exceptional photography conditions with crisp visibility extending to distant mountains around Yangon
Local produce season brings street food renaissance - pomelo, rambutan, and fresh river fish create November-only dishes at markets like Bogyoke

Considerations

Unpredictable rain patterns with 53 mm (2.1 inches) over 10 days - sudden afternoon downpours can flood streets within 20 minutes
Tourist season acceleration means popular pagodas like Shwedagon become crowded between 4-7pm when lighting is optimal
High humidity at 70% combined with warm days creates sticky conditions - cotton clothes become damp and uncomfortable

Best Activities in November

Shwedagon Pagoda Evening Visits

November's cooler evenings make the golden hour ascent to Myanmar's most sacred pagoda comfortable rather than exhausting. The post-monsoon air clarity enhances the pagoda's golden glow against crisp blue skies. Arrive at 4pm for optimal lighting and manageable crowds before the 6pm prayer rush.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed but bring exact change for the 10,000 kyat foreigner fee. Avoid tour groups by using the southern entrance. See current guided tour options in the booking section below for cultural context.

Yangon Circular Railway Dawn Journeys

November's pleasant morning temperatures of 21°C (69°F) transform this 3-hour local train circuit into a comfortable cultural immersion. Watch suburban Yangon wake up while avoiding the scorching midday sun that makes this journey unbearable in hot season.

Booking Tip: Purchase tickets directly at Central Railway Station for 200 kyat. Start at 6am for the full local experience. Private compartment tours typically cost $25-40 through operators listed in booking options below.

Bagan Day Trip Excursions

November's stable weather patterns and clear skies create ideal conditions for the 1-hour flight to Bagan. Post-monsoon clarity offers impressive aerial views of the Irrawaddy River and temple plains. Cool mornings perfect for sunrise balloon rides over 2,000+ temples.

Booking Tip: Book flights 2-3 weeks ahead as November marks peak domestic travel season. Day trips typically range $180-280 including flights. Check current tour packages in booking section below for complete options.

Traditional Longyi Weaving Workshop Tours

November's comfortable indoor temperatures make extended visits to traditional workshops pleasant. Visit during post-harvest season when artisans have more time for demonstrations. The cool mornings are perfect for walking through textile neighborhoods like Tamwe Township.

Booking Tip: Half-day workshops typically cost $30-50 per person through cultural centers. Book 5-7 days ahead during November's cultural season. See current artisan experiences in booking options below.

Chauk Htat Gyi Reclining Buddha Temple Complex

November's reduced humidity makes indoor temple visits more comfortable. The 65-meter (213-foot) reclining Buddha statue is housed in a pavilion that can be stifling during hot season but pleasant in November's mild weather. Combine with nearby Kandawgyi Lake walks in the cooler evening hours.

Booking Tip: Free entry but donations appreciated. Best visited 2-4pm when lighting illuminates the Buddha's intricate details. Guided cultural tours typically $20-35 - see current options in booking section below.

Inle Lake Extended Tours

November marks Inle Lake's post-monsoon peak with clear waters and active fishing communities. The 4-5 hour drive from Yangon is comfortable in November's mild weather, and highland temperatures at 1,300m (4,265 ft) elevation provide refreshing relief from Yangon's humidity.

Booking Tip: Multi-day tours typically range $120-200 per person including accommodation. Book 10-14 days ahead for November availability. Domestic flights add $80-120 to cost but save 6 hours travel time. Current tour options available in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Tazaungdaing Light Festival

Myanmar's most spectacular festival features hot air balloon competitions, temple illuminations, and traditional weaving competitions. Shwedagon Pagoda becomes a sea of lights with thousands of candles and elaborate displays. Local families release paper lanterns creating magical evening atmospheres throughout the city.

Late November

Tazaungdaing Full Moon Festival

Traditional weaving competitions where women work through the night to complete robes for monks by dawn. Streets fill with food vendors and traditional performances. Witness ancient traditions still practiced in neighborhood temples across Yangon.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain poncho (not umbrella) - November downpours create instant street flooding that umbrellas can't handle

SPF 50+ sunscreen with zinc oxide - UV index of 8 reflects strongly off wet pavement and golden pagoda surfaces

Breathable cotton long pants - required for temple visits and comfortable in 70% humidity unlike synthetic fabrics

Closed-toe walking shoes with quick-dry capability - temple floors stay wet from rain and foot-washing rituals

Lightweight cotton scarf - essential for covering shoulders/arms in religious sites and protection from air conditioning

Small dry bag or waterproof phone case - sudden rain can soak belongings in minutes

Electrolyte packets - November's warm humidity causes dehydration despite comfortable temperatures

Light jacket for early morning - temperatures drop to 21°C (69°F) which feels cool after hot season

Moisture-wicking undergarments - 70% humidity makes cotton underwear uncomfortable throughout the day

Portable fan - indoor spaces often lack air conditioning and November humidity creates stuffy conditions

Insider Knowledge

November's street food vendors introduce seasonal specialties like mont lone yay baw (glutinous rice balls) and fresh pomelo salads - ask vendors for 'thadin' (seasonal) options not available other months

Shwedagon Pagoda's marble floors become slippery during November rains - locals know to bring small towels for drying feet and wear shoes with grip

Exchange money before November festivals when banks close for 2-3 days - black market rates spike during Tazaungdaing when official exchanges shut down

Local buses become unreliable during afternoon rains when streets flood - taxi apps like Grab often suspend service, so plan morning activities and late evening returns

Avoid These Mistakes

Wearing white clothing during November - temple visits require sitting on wet marble floors and street splashing from sudden rains makes white impractical

Planning outdoor activities between 2-5pm when November's unpredictable rain storms typically hit - locals schedule around this daily weather pattern

Underestimating festival crowd impacts - Tazaungdaing transforms quiet pagodas into packed pilgrimage sites requiring 2-3 times normal visit duration