Shangri-La Weather

How is the weather in Shangri-La?

Located in the northwestern part of Yunnan Province, Shangri-La is at the intersection of the three provinces of Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet, and the hinterland of the Three Rivers (Yangtze River, Yellow River, and Lancang Jiang). Shangri-La is located at a high altitude and low latitude. There are six vertical climate zones in the area. The local agriculture features multi-layer farming. The local climates include monsoon climate, vertical climate, plateau climate and topographic microclimate. The overall climate is characterized by a dry season and a wet season. There are many rainy days in June through to October and many sunny days with long sunshine duration in November to May. The temperature differences between day and night are great.

Shangri-La Average Climate by Month

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High (℃)	16	14	16	16	20	22	22	21	22	16	15	15
High(℉)	60.8	57.2	60.8	60.8	68.0	71.6	71.6	69.8	71.6	60.8	59.0	59.0
Low (℃)	-13	-10	-9	-5	-1	6	8	8	6	-4	-9	-11
Low(℉)	8.6	14.0	15.8	23.0	30.2	42.8	46.4	46.4	42.8	24.8	15.8	12.2
Rain (mm)	10.3	17.0	33.5	30.9	37.0	77.2	156.2	145.5	82.8	45.0	11.3	4.4

Spring

Weather: The temperature averages around -9°C/15°F – 16°C/60.8°F. It is warm during the day and cold at night. There is little rainfall.

Clothing: It is recommended that you wear fine sweaters and jackets from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and wear warmer clothes such as down jackets and cotton-padded coats from 6 pm to 8 am the next morning.

Things to do: In the spring in Shangri-La, the sea of azaleas offers a great tour. The green grass of Yila prairie, wildflowers, cuckoo flowers and galsang flowers are all part of a picturesque scroll. The crystal and tranquil Shudu Lake will bring you into a poetic wonderland.

Summer

Weather: The highest temperature is about 22°C/71.6°F, and the lowest temperature is still around zero. The temperature differences between day and night are great.

Clothing: Put on T-shirts and trousers from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, wear sweaters, jackets and trousers from 6:00 pm to 8:00 am the next morning. As it is mostly sunny, rain may occur from time to time. Please bring along rain gear for outdoor activities.

Things to do: Qianhu Mountain offers the scene of the rhododendrons spread out across the rolling hills and mountains. The crystal-clear lakes, green pastures and the surrounding virgin forests will bring you a touch of calmness.

Autumn

Weather: Fall in Shangri-La is the rainy season. The weather is cool and the maximum temperature is just around 21°C/69.8°F.

Clothing: Put on T-shirts and trousers from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and jackets or sweaters from 6:00 pm to 8:00 am the next morning. Bring rain gear for outdoor activities during this season.

Things to do: The golden birch leaves and the burning maple leaves in Pudacuo Park present a great contrast to the green cedars. Orioles and other birds are found in the picture on the lakeside. Horses, goats and cattle are strolling in the pasture in the forest.

Winter

Weather: The temperature averages around -11°C/12.2°F – 15°C/59°F with great temperature differences. There is a lot of rain at this time.

Clothing: From 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, jackets, sweaters and long trousers are proper dress. From 6 pm to 10 am the next day, always wear down jackets or cotton-padded coats to keep warm. Bring rain gear or a raincoat in the rainy season.

Things to do: there are no flowers in the mountains for Shangri-La's winter. Tourists who come at this time are on the pilgrimage to Songzanlin Lamasery, the grandest lamasery in Yunnan province. The mystery and the majesty of Tibetan Buddhism as well as the secular food such as buttered tea and Tibetan hot pot are all the great things visitors cannot miss.