When not to visit Burma
WHAT TO AVOID, & WHEN
Burma experiences monsoons and wild storms from May until early October. Heavy rains tend to occur in the afternoons and evenings, and flooding and landslides cut off many regions.
Coastal resorts may be inaccessible during this time, and some – including Ngapali Beach – will close completely.
River travel may also be difficult in this period.
Conversely, the months of March-May leading up to the rainy season are the hottest, with temperatures soaring to over 40°C. Combined with the high humidity, this is not the best time to visit Burma, as it makes travelling thoroughly unpleasant.
If you are planning a last-minute holiday, be aware that the peak months of November to February are the busiest, and flights and accommodation are likely to be booked up far in advance. Burma’s tourism industry is still new, so there are still not quite enough beds during busy periods.
Avoid tight schedules; internal flights may seem like an efficient alternative to potholed roads, but schedules can change without warning, so leave plenty of time if flying back to Yangon for your return flight home.