The Li River: A Journey Through China’s Most Breathtaking Landscape
Explore the Li River, China's breathtaking landscape with majestic mountains, serene waters, and picturesque views. A must-see for every traveler.
Shangri-La Weather in May
During May, Shangri-La experiences moderate daytime temperatures of 15°C (59°F) and cooler nights around 5°C (41°F). Expect quite a bit of rainfall. Around 106 mm (4.2 in) is typical.
Rainfall in Shangri-La in May
Looking at the last 30 years, the data shows about 14 days with rain, averaging 106 mm (4.2 in) for the month. Rainfall intensity is on the higher side this month. Expect more substantial showers rather than light, passing rain.
Temperature in Shangri-La in May
In May, Shangri-La gets moderate temperatures, with highs of 15°C (59°F). Nights cool to around 5°C (41°F). Temperatures can feel cooler in the morning and evening, so layering is often the best approach. With lows around 5°C (41°F), nights are cold. The upside is that cool, crisp nights are often the best for a deep sleep.If you prefer enjoying temperate temperatures and rain-free days, June and October typically offer the best circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.
Shangri-La Temperature in May
Min Temperature
5°C (41°F)
Max Temperature
15°C (59°F)
Chance of Rain
47%
Precipitation
106 mm (4.2 in)
Rainy days
14 days
Humidity
66%
Shangri-La Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Shangri-La - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
41-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Shangri-La typically rise from around 13°C (55°F) at the start of May to approximately 17°C (63°F) by the end. Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 4°C (39°F) to 9°C (48°F).
Average temperatures in May
Historical weather records for Shangri-La in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Shangri-La spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Shangri-La historical weather extremes in May
Based on weather observations in Shangri-La between 2006 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes during May.
- Shangri-La recorded its highest May temperature of 22°C (72°F) on May 28, 2012.
- The coldest May day was on May 15, 2023, with a maximum of 2°C (36°F).
- Shangri-La registered its coldest May night on May 16, 2006, with temperatures dropping to -5°C (23°F).
- The wettest May day on record brought 44 mm (1.7 in) of precipitation to Shangri-La (May 27, 2020).
Best Places in China in May
Find out more about the weather in China and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of China in May →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).
What to Wear in Shangri-La in May
The weather can be unpredictable in May, so pack clothes you can easily mix and match. You could bring jeans, other long pants, and a few t-shirts. A light jacket or light sweater will be pleasant for the cooler moments. High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho.
What To Do in Shangri-La in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
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Cycling5/10 -
Walking5/10 -
Camping3/10 -
Outdoor sports9/10
Shangri-La 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Shangri-La
See the full Shangri-La climate overview or explore weather in China.
Popular in May
Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Bucket list
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
The Li River: A Journey Through China’s Most Breathtaking Landscape
Go to China's Zhangjiajie National Park with the highest, the fastest, largest-loaded outdoor elevator in the world
You won't find this unique landscape anywhere else in the world. Thousands of floating mountains overgrown with trees at the top dominate this fairy tale landscape.
Go to Xinjiang in China
In Xinjiang you get to see a mix of East and Central Asia. An experience that you might want to add to your bucket list. You can travel through the province as if you are following an ancient silk route.
Mount Kailash
The best time for a Kailash tour/trekking is from mid-May to mid-October when the temperature is most pleasant. It is warm, dry and sunny in that period.