Shangri-La Weather

• Average Temperature: -9 - 19℃ (16 - 66℉)
• Warmest Months: July: 10 - 18℃ (50 - 64℉); August: 9 - 19℃ (48 - 66℉)
• Coldest Month: January: -9 - 6℃ (16 - 43℉)
• Rainiest Months: July: 175 mm, 24 rainy days; August: 156 mm, 24 rainy days 
 

One of the Symbols of Tibetan Buddhism

• What is the Shangri-La weather like?
Shangri-La has a plateau climate and is relatively cold all year round, with the average annual temperature of only 5℃ (41℉). Specifically, in winter, the coldest season, its average temperature is around 0℃ (32℉); while in summer, the warmest season, the average temperature is no more than 15℃ (59℉). Moreover, Shangri-La has a large temperature difference during a day, which can reach about 15℃ (59℉). In terms of rainfall, Shangri-La has distinct rainy and dry seasons: the rainy season runs from May to October, and the dry season is from November to April. During the rainy season, June to August are the rainiest months, with the rainfall occupying 56% of the year’s total. During the dry season, the rainfall is low and the air is dry, and it is recommended to bring moisturizers.

Besides, the weather of Shangri-La is always varied and unsettled. Even in August, you may find a snow flake dropping from the sky. So no matter when to go, you should be prepared with some warm clothes. The ultraviolet radiation here is very strong, so wear a sunhat and sunglasses. Ladies, especially, shouldn’t forget to use sun block. 
  May – June
Shangri-La weather in this time period turns warm and the rainfall is moderate. In addition, it is the time when the alpine meadows turn green and the alpine azaleas are in full bloom. Traveling to Shangri-La during this period, you will have the chance to watch the grand Horse Race Festival, too.

 July – August 
It is the hottest time in Shangri-la, but still cooler than most areas in China, making it a great place to escape the summer heat. Although it is the rainy season, the rain stops quickly and doesn’t influence your traveling experience, but instead contributes to more beautiful natural views. For example, Tiger Leaping Gorge is more spectacular during this period. 

 September – October
The temperature and rainfall are favorable overall. Besides, Shangri-La is decorated with colorful and gorgeous autumn leaves at this time.

• Weather: Though the temperature begins to rise, it is still a little cold, with the average temperature of about -3 - 16℃ (27 - 61℉). Put on thicker jackets to cope with the large temperature gap. Since spring belongs to the dry season, you will not encounter much rain. However, the air is dry, so always take measures to keep hydrated. 

• Clothes: Consider the lowest average temperature of -3℃ (27℉), a single pair of thick pants is not enough, and you may still need thermal pants. In terms of the upper clothes, you can bring sweaters, hoodies, and wool sweaters as the inner layers; as for the outer layers, both thinner jackets like trench coats and thicker jackets like downcoats are needed. 

• Travel Recommendations: In this season, you can go to enjoy the still snow-covered Balagezong, and hike the Tiger Leaping Gorge where the river is still turquoise. Besides, visiting Shangri-La in May 2025, you can watch the lively Horse Race Festival.

Horse Race Festival in Shangri-La

 • Weather: In summer, the average temperature is 9 - 19℃ (48 - 66℉), not hot at all. Cooler weather than many other Chinese regions makes Shangri-La a popular summer resort. It is the rainy season, when the rain is usually not heavy and doesn’t last long but frequent. So remember to bring rain gear all the time.

• Clothes: You are recommended to wear shirts, short shirts, and jeans in the daytime, and bring thin jackets, such as trench coats for cold nights and early mornings. Except for comfortable shoes, you are also recommended to bring waterproof shoe covers. Sun protection items are necessary in summer with extremely strong UV rays.

• Travel Recommendations: When it rains, you can visit Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan; and Dukezong Ancient Town, a cluster of Tibetan dwellings. When Shangri-La climate is good, Potatso National Park which has beautiful blue lakes, green alpine meadows, and beautiful flowers; and raging and splendid Tiger Leaping Gorge in the wet season are good places to hike. 

Potatso National Park in Summer

 • Weather: In autumn, the temperature averages at 5 - 16℃ (41 - 61℉), not too cold yet. Moreover, it is the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season, so the rainfall is decreasing and will be relatively moderate or low. 

• Clothes: Visiting Shangri-La during this season, you are advised to pack long johns, thick sweatpants, hoodies, and 3-in-1 jackets that are suitable for both cool daytime and somehow cold nighttime. 

• Travel Recommendations: Autumn, when the sky is clear, is a good time to visit the Meili Snow Mountain. In addition, you can visit Potatso National Park and Yubeng Village at the foot of Meili Snow Mountain to enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery.

Meili Snow Mountain under Clear Sky

 • Weather: It is cold, especially in the nighttime and on snowy days, and the average temperature is -9 - 9℃ (16 - 48℉). With low precipitation, the snowy days are not many. Less rainfall and high altitude make the air dry, so drink water more frequently. 

• Clothes: You are recommended to wear as thick as possible. For example, you can wear thick hoodies or sweaters, padded trousers or fleece outdoor pants, plus downcoats or parkas. Scarves, hats, and gloves are also necessary. Moreover, you may need non-slip shoes. 

• Travel Recommendations: Don’t miss the snowy scenery of Meili Snow Mountain and the Mingyong Glacier at its foot. Besides, you can visit Songzanlin Monastery for the Gedong Festival, Shangri-La’s grand religious festival, in January 2025; and experience the Tibetan New Year in February 2025.

Yubeng Village in Winter

 Further Reading: Yunnan Weather