Weather in Shangri-La

Stay up to date with the current weather in Shangri-La. Here you will find the latest data, detailed forecasts, and visual charts to help you perfectly plan your time in the city.

The climate in Shangri-La can be described as temperate, with clearly defined seasons and significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Winters here are quite cold, with average temperatures below freezing, while summers are mild and not too hot.

The winter months (December-February) are distinguished by low temperatures, especially in January, when the average minimum drops to -10.4°C, and low precipitation. Spring (March-May) brings gradual warming, though nights remain cool. Summer (June-August) is the warmest and wettest period. July and August stand out as the months with the highest rainfall (7 mm) and the maximum number of rainy days, indicating a distinct rainy season. The average temperature in summer hovers around 13-14°C. Autumn (September-November) is characterized by gradual cooling and a decrease in precipitation, preparing the city for winter.

The annual temperature trend in Shangri-La demonstrates notable seasonal changes, creating diverse conditions for travellers throughout the year. The coldest month is January, when the average temperature drops to -4.5°C. Nighttime lows during this period can reach a harsh -10.4°C, while daytime highs barely rise above freezing, averaging 1.4°C. Conversely, the peak warmth occurs in July and August. In August, the warmest month, the average temperature is 13.7°C, with daytime highs reaching a comfortable 17.5°C and nighttime lows staying around 9.9°C.

The summer months in Shangri-La, from June to August, are characterized by pleasantly warm weather, avoiding sweltering heat. Average daily temperatures during this period range from 16.9°C in June to 17.5°C in August. Nights remain noticeably cool, with temperatures dropping to 9-10°C. Such moderate summer weather creates comfortable conditions for walking and exploring the surroundings, though it is worth remembering that this is also the wettest season with frequent rainfall.

The winter period in Shangri-La, spanning December, January, and February, is distinguished by frosty weather. Average temperatures consistently stay below freezing, especially in January. Even during the day, the thermometer rarely rises above 1-4°C (for example, 4.6°C in December, 1.4°C in January, 2.3°C in February), while at night it regularly drops to -5°C...-10°C. One of the characteristic features of the Shangri-La climate is the significant daily temperature fluctuation throughout the year. The difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows often exceeds 10°C, especially in the winter months (for instance, in January the difference is about 11.8°C) and the transition seasons, requiring travellers to be attentive when choosing their clothing.

Shangri-La observes a clearly defined seasonality in precipitation distribution throughout the year. One can distinguish a distinct wet season, falling on the summer months, and a prolonged dry period covering winter and part of the off-season. The total amount of precipitation in the dry months is minimal, which contrasts with the summer peak.

The summer months, especially July and August, are the wettest in Shangri-La. In July, an average of 7 mm of precipitation falls, and this month is characterized by the maximum number of days with precipitation – practically every day (30 days). August also brings about 7 mm of precipitation with 28 rainy days. June and September are also quite wet, with 5 mm of precipitation and 24-25 days with precipitation respectively. In the summer period, precipitation falls predominantly as rain, which can be frequent given the large number of "wet" days.

The dry season is most pronounced from November to March. In November, December, and March, only 1 mm of precipitation falls, making these the driest months. The number of days with precipitation during this period is also minimal: 5 days in December, 6 days in November, and 10-12 days each in January, February, and March. Given the low average temperatures in winter (January: -4.5°C, February: -2.9°C, December: -0.6°C), precipitation in these months, although rare and scanty, most likely falls as snow. In spring, as it warms up, in April (2 mm precipitation, 16 days) and May (3 mm precipitation, 19 days), the amount of precipitation and days with it gradually increases but remains moderate.

Thus, Shangri-La is characterized by summer monsoon rains, peaking in July and August, and dry, cool or cold weather with minimal precipitation (sometimes as snow) from late autumn to early spring. Travellers should be prepared for frequent rains in summer and predominantly dry weather, but with the possibility of snowfall, in the winter months.

When planning a trip to Shangri-La, it is important to consider the significant weather fluctuations throughout the year and even within a single day. The key principle when packing your suitcase is layering your clothes. This will allow you to easily adapt to changing conditions, whether it be a cool morning, a warm afternoon, or sudden rain. Regardless of the season, be sure to take comfortable shoes for walking, as the city and its surroundings are conducive to long walks. Also, do not forget sunscreen and a hat – even in cloudy or cool weather, the sun at high altitudes can be quite active.

If your trip falls during the warm and wet season, which lasts roughly from May to September, be prepared for frequent precipitation, especially in July and August. During this period, a light waterproof jacket or raincoat, as well as a compact umbrella, will definitely come in handy. Clothing made from quick-drying materials will be very practical. Despite the daytime warmth, evenings and nights can be quite cool (temperatures may drop to +9°C...+10°C), so do not forget to grab a fleece jacket or a light sweater.

For a trip during the cold and predominantly dry season, covering the period from October to April, more substantial preparation will be required. Winter in Shangri-La (December-February) is cold, with average temperatures below freezing and night frosts sometimes reaching -10°C. Precipitation at this time is rare but may fall as snow. Your wardrobe should include a warm winter jacket (preferably windproof), thermal underwear, warm sweaters, thick trousers, a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Pay special attention to warm and waterproof footwear. In transition months, such as October, November, March, and April, the weather is particularly changeable, so the principle of layering is more relevant than ever, allowing you to feel comfortable both on a sunny day and during a sudden cold snap.