Shangri-la Climate

The best time to visit Shangri-La is March to August. During this period, the weather is favorable and the wild flowers are in bloom here and there. September or October is also a favorable month. This is fall harvest time and the entire plateau becomes a golden world.

Shangri-La is about 3300 meters above sea level and has a plateau humid climate. The climate alters little between the four seasons, but the temperature varies a lot between day and night. The temperature can soar above 30 Celsius on sunny days; however, during the moring and at night, people may feel a wintery chill. So, when tourists visit Shangri-La, they should bring overcoats with them.

Seasons to Go

  • May to June: Through the rest of Summer and early summer, it is the most beautiful time of Shangri-La because of the full bloom of rhododendron(but the bloom time may delay along with the change of weather). In the middle of June, there are wild flowers in blossom, such as irises.
  • July to August: All kinds of wild flowers bloom. However, it is at a time of rainy season.
  • September to October: Rich colors of autumn beauty are suitable to photography.
  • November: The month of first snow with single color and cold weather.
  • December: Tourists can appreciate black-necked crane and snowy scenery.

Average Climate by Month

Month  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High (ºF) 46 48 55 66 75 81 90 90 81 72 63 52
Low (ºF) 34 36 41 52 61 68 77 77 70 59 48 36
Average 39 41 48 57 66 73 82 82 75 64 54 43

Tips

  • Because of the plateau climate, the weather of Shangri-La is always varied and unsettled. Even in August, you can find a snow flake dropping from the sky. So no matter when to go, you should be prepared with some warm clothes. And the ultraviolet radiation here is very strong so wear a sunhat and sunglasses. Ladies, especially, shouldn't forget to use sun block.
  • After arriving, you may have altitude stress: shortness of breath, chest tightness and dreaminess. At this moment, you must not do strenuous exercise or drink alcohol but should have a good rest and keep warm.
  • Before you drink a toast proposed by Tibetans, you should moisten your index fingers with the liquor, flick this finger three times, and then say "Zha-xi-de-le". ("Zha-xi-de-le" means "as lucky as one's wishes" in Tibetan.) According to the Tibetan customs, you should sip three times and the host will refill your cup three times. After that, you ought to drink up. If you really can not stand much liquor, you can tell the host politely.
  • In a Tibetan family, there is an order to the drinking of butter tea. The elders, parents, guests and the persons they pay respect to will drink first; then, the host himself and lastly the younger people. The host will add the butter tea into your cup from time to time. So, if you have drunk enough, you should use your palm to cover the cup mouth and the host will understand. When you leave the family, you should leave a little buttered tea in your cup, which signals for your respect to the host.

Shangri-La Weather and Climate describes information with temperature, precipitation, Geography, What Clothes to Wear, weather and climate by month, climate graph, 15 days weather forecast. Find out the best time to visit Shangri-La and see the season highlights. It also tells you what to wear in different seasons and Clothes packing for your Trip to Shangri-La.

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