Shangri La(Zhongdian) Weather, the Best Time/Seasons to Visit/Travel

The Best Time and Seasons to Visit Shangri La

The answer is the best/most suitable time to visit Shangri La is from May to July and from September to October

Located in the plateau area, Shangri-La has a varied topography. As nature exerts a deep influence on Shangri-La, it is very important for you to pick a right time to go there. The best time for you to travel to Shangri-La is from May to July and from September to October. Regardless of the festivals there, the weather during this period is definitely perfect for traveling. The fully blossoming flowers, the green trees and grasses and the blue sky will never fail to attract your attention. But there is also a great difference in temperature during day and night in this period.

Shangri-La is about 3300 meters above the sea level. Situated in the plateau humid climate zone, the weather in Shangri-La varies a lot all over the year. Like any other plateau, it is windy and has a great difference in temperature during day and night. In summer, if it’s sunny during the day, the temperature can reach as high as more than 30℃. The sunlight is so intense that it’s very hard for people to open their eyes. Yet it is a little bit cold in the morning and in the evening. Whenever you go to Shangri-La, you’d better bring some coats to stay warm.

Shangri-la Weather in Four Seasons

In spring, especially the early spring when the snow starts to melt, it is rather cold with a temperature of around 5-20℃. And summer is the hottest season in Shangri-La. It rains a lot and the lake water is abundant in summer, so it’s very likely for you to bump into landslide on the way. The temperature in summer is around 15-30℃. Autumn is the season when Shangri-La showcases its exceptional beauty with a temperature of about 5-30℃. In winter, Shangri-La welcomes its coldest season. It usually snows and the temperature can be as low as -20℃.

Shangri-la Weather by Month/Year Round

For some travelers, the best time to visit is not necessarily the most popular travel season, but rather the time that best suits their personal circumstances and interests. For example, some people prefer to visit during the Spring Festival. Although it is more crowded and prices may be higher, they can experience the local Spring Festival culture. No matter when you decide to come, it is helpful to first understand the pros and cons of visiting Shangri-la in each month, so you can plan ahead accordingly.

January: Is January a Good Time to Visit?

From a Climate and Average Temperature Perspective

From a climatic perspective, with low temperatures, and some roads may be closed due to heavy snowfall. it's not considered a good month for tourism.

In January, the average rainfall in Shangri-La is only 9.17mm, with an average of 0 rainy days. Average monthly temperature is -10℃ ~ 3℃. There's a significant temperature difference between day and night, with daytime temperatures around -1-9℃, suitable for various outdoor activities. However, nighttime temperatures drop to around -14-6℃, which is quite low, so it's important to dress warmly.

From a Cost Perspective

From a cost perspective, it's a good month for traveling as there are fewer people and relatively lower prices.

What to Wear/Bring in February

What to wear

Day time (-1℃ ~ 9℃): It is recommended to wear thicker jeans, warm outdoor clothing, jacket, and warm shoes and socks.

Night time(-14℃ ~ 6℃): It is recommended to wear warm and heavy clothing such as cotton clothes, winter coats, leather jackets, thick wool coats, wool hats, gloves, down jackets.

What to bring

It is recommended to bring warm clothing, including coats and trousers, warm shoes and socks, sunglasses, hats, gloves, scarf, portable oxygen bottle, frostbite cream.

February: is February a Good Time to Visit?

From a Climate and Average Temperature Perspective

Temperatures are very lower, the areas around Shangri-La, such as Meili Snow Mountain, are also affected by the climate, and some roads may be closed due to heavy snowfall. So, it may not be recommended to visit Shangri-La this month.

Shangri-La in February has an average rainfall of 38.8mm, with an average of 1 rainy days. Average monthly temperature is -10℃ ~ 3℃.Daytime temperatures range from around -1℃ ~ 6℃, Nighttime temperatures range from -18℃ ~ 6℃, The temperature difference is significant, so be sure to keep warm. The historical lowest temperature is -28℃, and the historical highest temperature is 17℃.

From a Cost Perspective

In February, Shangri-La sees fewer tourists compared to other months but more than other cities. The costs are normal, making it a good time to avoid the peak tourist season. However, Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) typically falls in February, is one of the most impressive festivals in Shangri-La during which there is an increase in tourist traffic, leading to corresponding increases in travel costs across various aspects.

What to Wear/Bring in February

What to wear

Day time (-10℃ ~ 3℃): It is recommended to wear warm clothing such as trench coats, overcoats, padded coats, jackets, sweaters, wool suits, suits, and cold-weather gear.

Night time(-18℃ ~ 6℃): It is recommended to wear heavy and warm clothing such as cotton-padded jackets, winter coats, leather jackets, thick woolen coats, woolen hats, gloves, down jackets, and leather coats.

What to bring

It is recommended to bring warm clothing, including coats and trousers, warm shoes and socks, sunglasses, hats, gloves, scarf, portable oxygen bottle, frostbite cream.

March: is Marcha Good Time to Visit?

From a Climate and Average Temperature Perspective

Shangri-La in March has an average rainfall of 26.87mm, with an average of 1 rainy day. Average monthly temperature is -3℃ ~ 11℃. Daytime temperatures range from around 5℃ ~ 16℃making it suitable for various outdoor activities. Nighttime temperatures range from -8℃ ~ 2℃.The historical lowest temperature is -8℃, and the historical highest temperature is 16℃. It's the perfect time to enjoy the splendor of Meili Snow Mountain, as the snow has not melted yet, allowing the majestic snowy peaks to gleam.

From a Cost Perspective

In March, Shangri-La sees fewer tourists compared to other months but more than other cities. Although March is not the peak tourist season in Shangri-La, the climate and scenery during this period are still suitable for travel. The costs are normal, making it a good time to avoid the peak tourist season.

What to Wear/Bring in March

What to wear

Day time (5℃ ~ 16℃): It is recommended to wear warm clothing such as suits, jackets, trench coats, casual wear, blazers, suits, or light sweaters.

Night time(-8℃ ~ 2℃): It is recommended to wear heavy and warm clothing such as cotton-padded jackets, winter coats, leather jackets, thick woolen coats, woolen hats, gloves, down jackets, and leather coats.

What to bring

It is recommended to bring warm clothing, including coats and trousers, warm shoes and socks, sunglasses, hats, gloves, scarf, portable oxygen bottle, frostbite cream.

April: is April a Good Time to Visit?

From a Climate and Average Temperature Perspective

In April, It's the perfect time to enjoy the splendor of Meili Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, as the snow has not melted yet, allowing the majestic snowy peaks to gleam.

In April has an average rainfall of 144.07 mm, with an average of 6 rainy days. Average monthly temperature is -0℃ ~12℃. Daytime temperatures range from around 3℃ ~16℃ making it suitable for various outdoor activities. Nighttime temperatures range from -3℃ ~ 3℃. The historical lowest temperature is -5℃, and the historical highest temperature is 20℃.

From a Cost Perspective

April not yet enters the peak tourist season in Shangri-la the climate and scenery during this period are suitable for travel. The cost of tourism is normal level. It is a good time to pick this month to visit Shangri-la, and avoid peak season.

What to Wear/Bring in April

What to wear

Day time (3℃ ~16℃): It is recommended to wear warm clothing such as suits, jackets, trench coats, casual wear, blazers, suits, or light sweaters.

Night time (1℃ ~ 12℃): It is recommended to wear heavy and warm clothing such as cotton-padded jackets, winter coats, leather jackets, thick woolen coats, woolen hats, gloves, down jackets, and leather coats.

What to bring

It is recommended to bring warm clothing, including coats and trousers, warm shoes and socks, sunglasses, hats, gloves, scarf, portable oxygen bottle, frostbite cream.

May: is May a Good Time to Visit?

From a Climate and Average Temperature Perspective

In May, the climate is pleasant, the scenery is captivating, making it an ideal season for travel. The rainy season has not yet arrived, so there is not much rain, making it suitable for various outdoor activities.

In May has an average rainfall of 52.4mm, with an average of 12.7 rainy days. Average monthly temperature is 4℃ ~ 13℃.Daytime temperatures range from around 3℃ ~21℃making it suitable for various outdoor activities. Nighttime temperatures range from 0℃ ~ 6℃. The historical lowest temperature is -2℃, and the historical highest temperature is 24℃.

From a Cost Perspective

May is the peak tourist season in Shangri-La, more tourism due to the May Day Labor Day holiday from May 1st to 5th. An increase in tourist numbers has led to a rise in costs across various aspects.

What to Wear/Bring in May

What to wear

Day time (3℃ ~21℃): It is recommended to wear warm clothing such as suits, jackets, trench coats, casual wear, blazers, suits, or light sweaters.

Night time (0℃ ~ 6℃): It is recommended to wear warm clothing such as trench coats, overcoats, padded jackets, outerwear, sweaters, woolen suits, suits, or cold-weather gear.

what to bring

It is recommended to bring sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, moisturizing cream, portable oxygen bottle.

June: is June a Good Time to Visit?

From a Climate and Average Temperature Perspective

In June, Shangri-La is a great place to escape the summer heat. The temperatures are moderate and not too hot, making it suitable for outdoor activities and adventures.

Shangri-La has significant temperature differences between day and night, so be sure to layer up to stay warm. In June has an average rainfall of 52.4mm, with an average of 12.7 rainy days. Average monthly temperature is 8℃ ~16℃.

Daytime temperatures range from around 8℃ ~21℃making it suitable for various outdoor activities. Nighttime temperatures range from 6℃ ~ 11℃.The historical lowest temperature is 1℃, and the historical highest temperature is 25℃.

From a Cost Perspective

In June, Tourism is in a stable period in Shangri-La, with average tourist numbers and the costs are normal level. It is a good time to pick this month to visit Shangri-La, and avoid peak season.

What to Wear/Bring in June

What to wear

Day time (8℃ ~21℃): It is recommended to wear warm clothing such as suits, jackets, trench coats, casual wear, blazers, suits, or light sweaters.

Night time (6℃ ~ 11℃.): It is recommended to wear warm clothing such as trench coats, padded jackets, outerwear, sweaters, suits, or cold-weather gear.

what to bring

It is recommended to bring sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, moisturizing cream, portable oxygen bottle.

July: is July a Good Time to Visit?

From a Climate and Average Temperature Perspective

In July, is the rain season. Although there is more rain, it is still a great place to escape the summer heat. The temperatures are moderate and not too hot, making it suitable for outdoor activities and adventures.

In July has an average rainfall of 121.47mm, with an average of 23.7rainy days. Average monthly temperature is 11℃ ~22℃.

Daytime temperatures range from around 18℃ ~28℃.Nighttime temperatures range from 11℃ ~ 18℃.The historical lowest temperature is 5℃, and the historical highest temperature is 24℃.

From a Cost Perspective

Early July to late August is the summer vacation time for Chinese students. During this period, many hotels, restaurants, and transportation fares may increase as many parents take their children on trips, and college students and teachers also travel. Therefore, travel costs may be 20-50% higher than usual, and the Torch Festival also in this month, so many places can be crowded. If your travel time is flexible, you may consider choosing another time to visit Shangri-La.

What to Wear/Bring in July

What to wear

Day time (14℃ ~23℃): It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing such as single-layer cotton and linen short suits, T-shirts, lightweight denim shirts and pants, casual wear, and business suits.

Night time (16℃ ~ 28℃): It is recommended to wear warm clothing such as suits, padded jackets, trench coats, casual wear, jackets, business suits, and lightweight sweaters.

what to bring

It is recommended to bring sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, moisturizing cream, raingear, portable oxygen bottle.

August: is August a Good Time to Visit?

From a Climate and Average Temperature Perspective

In August, is the rain season. Although there is more rain, it is still a great place to escape the summer heat. The temperatures are moderate and not too hot, making it suitable for outdoor activities and adventures.

In July has an average rainfall of 123.07mm, with an average of 24.3rainy days. Average monthly temperature is 5℃ ~25℃.

Daytime temperatures range from around 17℃ ~24℃.Nighttime temperatures range from 5℃ ~ 11℃.The historical lowest temperature is 5℃, and the historical highest temperature is 25℃.

From a Cost Perspective

Early July to late August is the summer vacation time for Chinese students. During this period, many hotels, restaurants, and transportation fares may increase as many parents take their children on trips, and college students and teachers also travel. Therefore, travel costs may be 20-50% higher than many places can be crowded. If your travel time is flexible, you may consider choosing another time to visit Shangri-la.

What to Wear/Bring in July

What to wear

Day time (17℃ ~24℃): It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing such as single-layer cotton and linen short suits, T-shirts, light denim shirts and pants, casual wear, or business suits.

Night time (5℃ ~ 11℃): It is recommended to wear warm clothing such as suits, jackets, trench coats, casual wear, jackets, business suits, and lightweight sweaters.

what to bring

It is recommended to bring sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, moisturizing cream, raingear, portable oxygen bottle.

September: is September a Good Time to Visit?

From a Climate and Average Perspective

From a climatic perspective, the temperature is suitable, making it a good time for travel, but there are many rainy days, with showers being predominant.

In September, the average rainfall in Shangri-la is 62.67mm. with an average of 17.7 rainy days There is a significant temperature difference between morning and evening, with daytime temperatures around 13-21°C, suitable for various outdoor activities, and nighttime temperatures around 3-10°C, cool enough to require warmth.

From Cost Perspective

From a cost perspective, September is relatively favorable for travel. The summer vacation has just ended, and students and parents have returned home for school and work. During this time, most travelers are elderly, and the crowds from summer vacation have dissipated. Hotel and related costs have also dropped, and tourist attractions no longer have long queues.

Visiting Shangri-la during this time can save some costs and time.

What to Wear/Bring in September

What to wear

Day time (18℃ ~25℃): It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing such as single-layer cotton and linen short suits, T-shirts, lightweight denim shirts and pants, casual wear, and business suits.

Night time (7-14°C): It is recommended to wear warm clothing such as suits, padded jackets, trench coats, casual wear, jackets, business suits, and lightweight sweaters.

October: is October a Good Time to Visit?

From a Climate and Average Perspective

From a climatic perspective, the temperature is suitable, making it a good time for travel, but there are many rainy days, with showers being predominant.

In October, the average rainfall in Shangri-la is 21.87mm. with an average of 11.3 rainy days There is a significant temperature difference between morning and evening, with daytime temperatures around 9℃ ~ 20℃, suitable for various outdoor activities, and nighttime temperatures around -2℃ ~ 7℃, cool enough to require warmth.

From Cost Perspective

From a cost perspective, In October, its peak season of Lijiang with increased tourist traffic due to the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival This results in longer queues at various attractions, and consequently, there is an increase in travel costs such as accommodation, transportation, and meals. During this time, there are crowds, and travel costs are higher, resulting in a less enjoyable experience.

If your schedule allows flexibility, it's advisable to avoid this period. Aside from this period, the rest of October is an excellent time for traveling.

What to Wear/Bring in October

What to wear

Day time (9℃ ~ 20℃): It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing such as single-layer cotton and linen short suits, T-shirts, lightweight denim shirts and pants, casual wear, and business suits.

Night time (-2℃ ~ 7℃): It is recommended to wear warm clothing such as suits, padded jackets, trench coats, casual wear, jackets, business suits, and lightweight sweaters.

what to bring

It is recommended to bring sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, moisturizing cream, rain gear, portable oxygen bottle.

November: is November a Good Time to Visit?

From a Climate and Average Perspective

From a climatic perspective, the weather is clear and the climate is cool, making it ideal for sightseeing and hiking. There is a significant temperature difference between morning and evening, bring coats when you star tour in the Moring, be sure to keep warm.

In November, the average rainfall in Shangri-La is 4.07mm. with an average of 0.7rainy days There is a significant temperature difference between morning and evening, with daytime temperatures around 5℃ ~ 12℃, suitable for various outdoor activities, and nighttime temperatures around -9℃ ~ -3℃.

From Cost Perspective

From a cost perspective, In November, this period is sees fewer tourists compared to October in Shangr-la, with relatively fewer visitors. Because of this, travel costs are returning in costs returning to normal levels, allowing tourists to explore various attractions more comfortably. It's a good month for traveling economically.

What to Wear/Bring in November

What to wear

Day time (5℃ ~ 12℃): It is recommended to wear warm clothing such as suits, lined jackets, trench coats, casual wear, blazers, suits, or light sweaters.

Night time (-9℃ ~ -3℃): It is recommended to wear heavy and warm clothing such as cotton-padded jackets, winter coats, leather jackets, thick woolen coats, woolen hats, gloves, down jackets, and leather coats.

what to bring

It is recommended to bring sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, moisturizing cream, portable oxygen bottle.

December: is December a Good Time to Visit?

From a Climate and Average Perspective

From a climatic perspective, the weather is clear and the climate is cool, with a low probability of rainfall, it is an ideal time for travel. There is a significant temperature difference between day and night, so be sure to keep warm.

In December, the average rainfall in Shangri-la is 4.07mm. with an average of 0.7rainy days There is a significant temperature difference between morning and evening, with daytime temperatures around 5℃ ~ 12℃, suitable for various outdoor activities, and nighttime temperatures around -9℃ ~ -3℃.

From Cost Perspective

From a cost perspective, In December, Being the off-season, there are fewer tourists, and costs are more affordable, making it a great opportunity to visit Shangri-la.

What to Wear/Bring in November

What to wear

Day time (5℃ ~ 12℃): It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing such as single-layer cotton and linen short suits, T-shirts, lightweight denim shirts and pants, casual wear, and business suits.

Night time (-9℃ ~ -3℃): It is recommended to wear warm and heavy clothing such as cotton clothes, winter coats, leather jackets, thick wool coats, wool hats, gloves, down jackets.

what to bring

It is recommended to bring sunglasses, hats, moisturizing cream, portable oxygen bottle.

Informative Dali/Yunnan Travel Information

• Dali Travel Guide, Plan a Suitable Trip »
• Shangri La Travel Guide, Plan a Suitable Trip »
• Dali Itinerary, the One that You Will Like »
• Dali Weather, the Best Time to Visit »
• Kunming Weather, the Best Time to Visit »
• Lijiang Weather, the Best Time to Visit »
• Shangri La Weather, the Best Time to Visit »
• Yunnan Weather, the Best Time to Visit »