The climate of Myitkyina
Myitkyina, the capital city of Kachin State in
Myanmar, is classified under the Köppen climate classification as Cwa, which signifies a humid subtropical climate with a dry winter.
Daily maximum ambient temperatures show a moderate fluctuation from 24.4°C (75.9°F) during
January to a high of 33.8°C (92.8°F) in
May, from where they decline slightly and hold relatively steady around 30°C (86°F) for the remaining part of the year. At night, temperatures vary significantly, starting at 9.9°C (49.8°F) in January, peaking at 22.6°C (72.7°F) in
June, and then descending to 10.8°C (51.4°F) in
December.
One distinguishing characteristic of Myitkyina's climate is the rainfall pattern. There is a substantial contrast of rainfall from 6mm (0.24") in
February to a very high 391mm (15.39") in
July. The number of rainy days also increase with similar pattern, from 2.1 in February to a maximum of 30.8 in July. The humidity as well reflects this trend, with relative humidity rising from 50% in
March to peak at 87% in July.
The city has an annual wind speed range of 3.6km/h (2.2mph) in
September to 5.7km/h (3.5mph) in March. Notable by its absence is the wind gusting; it never exceeds 10.4km/h (6.5mph), seen in March. In terms of sunshine, the hours per day vary from 7.2 hours in July to a maximum of 11.3 hours in May, with a corresponding increase in the UV index during these months.
The best time to visit Myitkyina
Given its climate, the best time to visit
Myitkyina is during the cooler, drier months of
November,
December, and
January when the area experiences temperatures from 24.5°C (76.1°F) to 27.3°C (81.1°F), coupled with low rainfall levels of 5mm (0.2") to 6mm (0.24"). During these months, the city also experiences an average of 10.6 to 10.9 daylight hours, providing plenty of time to explore and engage in outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Myitkyina
With a heavy downpour of rainfall, hitting a peak at 391mm (15.39") in
July and a high relative humidity of 87%, the period from
June to
August is certainly the worst time to visit
Myitkyina. Flooding and extreme humidity during these months can hinder travel plans and outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Myitkyina
In spring, which spans from
March to
May,
Myitkyina experiences a steady increase in temperature. Daily highs rise from 31.1°C (88°F) in March to 33.8°C (92.8°F) in May. Nighttime temperatures also increase, from 15.8°C (60.4°F) to 21.2°C (70.2°F) in this period. Rainfall begins to increase in this season, particularly in May which sees rainfall of 96mm (3.78").
Summer weather in Myitkyina
Summers in
Myitkyina, from
June to
August, are typically characterized by heavy rainfall and high temperatures. Rainfall peaks at 391mm (15.39") in
July with very high relative humidity of 87%. The temperatures remain high, with daily highs fluctuating between 30.3°C (86.5°F) and 30.8°C (87.4°F) and nighttime lows staying well above 22.3°C (72.1°F).
Autumn weather in Myitkyina
Autumn, from
September to
November, brings a relief from the heavy rains of the summer. Rainfall decreases to 71mm (2.8") by November and humidity falls to 64%. During this period, daily highs decrease from 30.9°C (87.6°F) to 27.3°C (81.1°F), while nighttime temperatures fall from 21.4°C (70.5°F) to 14.2°C (57.6°F).
Winter weather in Myitkyina
Winter months from
December to
February are relatively dry, with rainfall levels dropping to as low as 5mm (0.2") to 6mm (0.24"). Daily high temperatures range from 24.4°C (75.9°F) in
January to 27.3°C (81.1°F) in February, while nighttime temperatures decrease to 9.9°C (49.8°F) in January, the coldest month. Winter also sees an increase in the visibility to 10km (6.2mi), allowing for clear days and pleasant weather overall.
Weather in January
January's weather in
Myitkyina sees the lowest annual temperatures with the mercury dipping to 9.9°C (49.8°F) on colder nights. It is a slow-start to the year, with generally calm conditions compared to subsequent months. The skies stay mostly clear with unperturbed sunshine lighting up the days.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As
February rolls in, the weather in
Myitkyina begins to shift, hinting at the imminent arrival of spring. Temperatures rise slightly in comparison to
January, making daytime outdoor activities more pleasant. The city experiences a gradual increase in humidity, signaling a transition from the winter chill.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Witness as
Myitkyina transforms in
March as the city prepares for the warmer seasons. The temperatures start to climb up with an average high of 31.1°C (88°F), marking the city's departure from the winter months. The trend of increasing daylight hours continues, allowing locals and tourists more time to explore the city's natural charms.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April, the heat in
Myitkyina reaches its first peak. With an average high temperature of 33.6°C (92.5°F), this month is one of the warmest of the year. However, the onset of summer does not deter the city's dynamic spirit. Cloud coverage starts to thicken, and the earlier bright skies begin to fade with increased humidity.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May carries the baton of warmth forward in
Myitkyina, and the weather continues to heat up before transitioning into the rainy season. It's a tumultuous month as the high temperature persists at 33.8°C (92.8°F), while the nightly cooling offers some respite.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June marks the arrival of monsoons in
Myitkyina with a whopping 351mm (13.82") of rainfall. The atmospheric pressure dips in response to the intensified weather conditions. Temperatures start to level off from the summer peaks while retaining a tropical weather signature.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The monsoons in
Myitkyina peak in
July, turning the city into a paradise for rain-lovers. The temperature drops slightly, offering a cooler ambiance while the rainfall touches the highest annual point at 391mm (15.39"). The city brims with life in response to the abundant rainfall and lower temperatures.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August brings a change in
Myitkyina's weather as the monsoon season starts to recede. The rain decreases slightly from the previous month, signaling the end of peak monsoon. Despite the dip in rainfall, humidity remains high, keeping the monsoon spirit alive in the city.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The rainfall drops significantly in
September in
Myitkyina, marking the conclusion of the intensive monsoon season. The temperature remains relatively consistent, inviting late-season visitors to enjoy the tropical ambiance. The skies begin to clear as the sunnier days make a comeback.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings a breath of fresh air to
Myitkyina after the extended rainy season. The rainfall decreases drastically to 71mm (2.8"), and drier days prevail. The temperatures start a steady decline, hinting at the oncoming cooler climate.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November marks the advent of the cool season in
Myitkyina with a noticeable drop in temperature. The city becomes significantly drier, and the averages high falls to 27.3°C (81.1°F) from an
October mean of 30°C (86°F). The humidity continues to descend, signifying a transition towards the colder months.
Weather in November » Weather in December
By
December, winter takes hold in
Myitkyina with the temperature falling further to 24.5°C (76.1°F) in the daytime. The weather is cool and dry with the ever-lingering tropical essence taking a backseat. The city enjoys long sunshine hours with minimal cloud interference.
Weather in December » [Resources]