Shangri-La Weather

Shangri-La Weather

Best Time to Visit Shangri-La

Shangri-La is about 3,300 meters above sea level. The climate is changeable in four seasons. Like all plateaus, the temperature difference between morning and evening is large and the wind is strong. If the sun shines during the day, the temperature can reach 25 degrees or more. At night, there is a feeling of cold wind. No matter what season, you should prepare a jacket and sun protection items.

The best seasons to visit Shangri-La and its region are from Mid-April to the end of June and from September to early November, for not only is the temperature suitable, but the scenery is also the most beautiful.

Temperatures and precipitation of Shangri-La

To follow daily Shangri-La and Yunnan weather forecasts, you can check the site: yourweather.co.uk

Things to Do in Shangri-La by Season

Spring (February ~ May)

Spring always comes late in Shangri-La, it’s the snowmelt period from early February to mid-March, so it’s still very cold. The temperature warmed up in late March, but the temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so it is recommended to pack thick clothes. There are cloudy and rainy days in April, so please bring your rain gear in case of rain.

See the blossoming of azaleas

You can see more than 100 kinds of azaleas blooming, reds, yellows, whites, purples, and so on.

Pudacuo National Forest Park and Yila Prairie turn into a paradise of flowers every spring, you will not only see all kinds of azaleas but also galsang flowers, Camellia, etc.

Hike in the Tiger Leaping Gorge

Spring is the best season to hike Tiger Leaping Gorge and appreciate the turbulent Jinsha River. It’s warm but not too hot, and you’ll see a variety of wildflowers along the way.

Summer (May ~ August)

Summer is the rainy season in Shangri-La, with rainfall gradually increasing and temperatures rising in June. July and August are the wettest months, rain gear is necessary. There are almost all showery days. It is still cool during summer, temperatures range between 4°C (39°F) and 19°C (66°F).

Horse Racing Festival

Horse Racing Festival is the most looked forward Tibetan festival held in Shangri-La every 5th day of the 5th lunar month. It not only attracts horsemen but also locals and minorities from the region. People wearing traditional costumes singing, and dancing for three days and nights.

Balagezong Grand Canyon

Balagezong Grand Canyon is a well-preserved masterpiece of nature. Balagezong scenic altitude ranges from 2000 meters to 5545 meters, which makes it a complex geological landscape: snow mountains, valleys, rivers, meadows, and so on. Summer is the best season to visit Balagezong.

Autumn (September ~ Middle November)

Autumn in Shangri-La is cool, the temperature ranges from -5°C (23°F) to 18°C (64°F). The precipitation and temperature begin to decrease, but rain gear and coats are still necessary.

Meili Snow Mountain

The golden sunrise over Meili Snow Mountain is a must-see to tourists, and autumn is the best season to view the sunrise. The dry and less cloudy weather makes it easier to see the uncovered snow mountain. Feilai Temple Viewing Platform is the best spot to see the sunrise.

Hike at Yubeng Village

Shangri-La turns into a colorful paradise in Autumn, the nice and comfortable weather makes autumn the best season for outdoor activities. Yubeng Village is a popular destination for hikers, why not immerse yourself in the picturesque nature?

Winter (Middle November ~ January)

Winter is very cold in Shangri-La, it snows a lot. The average temperature in the daytime is about 11°C (52°F) at daytime, about -10°C (14°F) at nighttime. Fur coats, down jackets and heavyweight sweaters are essential.

Gedong Festival

In addition to the Horse Racing Festival, there is another grand event on the 29th day of the Tibetan calendar- the Gedong Festival. It’s a holy festival gathering thousands of Lamas, and Buddhist devotees to celebrate it. Monks wearing traditional ethnic clothing, and masks forms of horses, cows, sheep, yaks, and dogs dancing to the sounds of traditional instruments. This ritual is to celebrate the harvest and pray for auspiciousness next year.

Climbing Haba Snow Mountain

Haba Snow Mountain, with its highest peak at 5,396m above sea level, is located between Shangri-La and Lijiang, facing Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Snow Mountain). Haba Snow Mountain is considered one of the best snow mountains for amateur climbers. With a moderate altitude and a slope of around 60 degrees, the route safety, all make it relatively easy to ascend. Haba Snow Mountain is covered with snow all year round, but the best seasons to climb it are from April to June, and from September to November. You will see forests, meadows, and cristal-clear lakes along the way.