May signals the arrival of the monsoon season in
Yangon with a dramatic upsurge in rainfall. The weather shifts from the dry hot conditions to a humid, wet climate as between the high temperature of 33.4°C (92.1°F) and the lower bounds at 25°C (77°F), the city gets drenched with an average of 303mm (11.93") of rain. Simultaneously, the relative humidity rises up to 73% indicating higher moisture content in the air. The days are the longest for the year, recording an average daylight duration of 12.9 hours. Despite the increased cloud cover, the UV index remains at the yearly maximum of 12.
Temperature
May in Yangon,
Myanmar, brings a slight decrease in temperature, down from a very hot 37°C (98.6°F) in
April to a hot 33.4°C (92.1°F). Throughout the month of May, the average temperature in Yangon dips to a moderately hot 25°C (77°F) at night.
Heat index
The average heat index in May is estimated at a blazing hot 46°C (114.8°F).
Be on the lookout: Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are anticipated. Continued exertion can result in heatstroke.
Metrics for the heat index primarily focus on shaded spots and light wind conditions. If directly exposed to the sun, the heat index could rise by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'apparent temperature' or 'real feel', is achieved by amalgamating air temperature with the relative humidity readings. One's perception of temperature can vary depending on physical activity and individual heat sensitivity, influenced by factors like wind, attire, and metabolic variations. Consider the fact that direct sun exposure can influence how hot one feels, potentially raising the heat index by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values hold particular importance for children. Youngsters are usually more at risk than adults, considering they sweat less. Additionally, their high skin surface area compared to their little bodies and their high heat production due to activity increases their risk.
Perspiration is the body's default response to elevated temperatures, as it promotes the evaporation of sweat to achieve cooling. An increase in relative humidity retards evaporation, subsequently reducing the body's heat removal rate and leading to a sensation of being overly warm. Should the body fail to balance its heat gain, the escalating temperature poses health challenges.
Humidity
The average relative humidity in May is 73%.
Rainfall
In Yangon, Myanmar, during May, the rain falls for 12.6 days and regularly aggregates up to 303mm (11.93") of precipitation. Throughout the year, in Yangon, there are 129.3 rainfall days, and 2681mm (105.55") of precipitation is accumulated.
Daylight
The average length of the day in May in Yangon, Myanmar, is 12h and 55min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 05:39 and sunset at 18:24. On the last day of May, sunrise is at 05:30 and sunset at 18:34 +0630.
Sunshine
In May, the average sunshine is 5.8h.
UV index
The months with the highest UV index in Yangon are
March through
September, with an average maximum UV index of 12. A UV Index value of 11, and more, symbolizes an extreme threat to health from unprotected exposure to Sun's UV rays for average individuals.
Note: The UV index of 12 during May leads to these advisories:
Take all necessary precautions, as unprotected skin can burn in minutes. To the best of your ability, limit your exposure to the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV radiation is at its peak. Wearing sunglasses with both UVA and UVB protection effectively reduces sun-induced eye damage. Regularly apply and reapply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 every two hours, or straight after swimming or an outdoor activity.