Last updated: August 21, 2025
In Shangri-La, China, May presents a captivating blend of spring’s freshness and lingering winter chill. With a maximum temperature of 21°C (70°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F), days are mild, while nights can dip to a crisp -5°C (24°F). This month sees 97 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation over 17 rainy days, contributing to the region's lush landscapes. Additionally, the humidity remains notably high at 84%, enhancing the richness of the local flora and creating a unique atmospheric experience. Visitors can expect a harmonious mix of cool air and vibrant greenery, making May an enchanting time to explore this mystical locale.
As May unfolds in Shangri-La, China, a noticeable shift in temperatures signals the arrival of spring. With a minimum of -5°C (24°F), a refreshing average of 9°C (48°F), and a pleasant maximum reaching 21°C (70°F), the weather is undeniably more inviting compared to the biting cold of winter months. This is the first time frosty mornings give way to milder days, making May an ideal time to appreciate the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the region. The gradual warming trend continues into June, further enhancing the outdoor experience as nature bursts into vibrant bloom. Overall, May represents a delightful transition, inviting both locals and visitors to enjoy Shangri-La's breathtaking beauty as it emerges from the icy grip of winter.
May marks a significant increase in precipitation in Shangri-La, China, with 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain falling over 17 days. This substantial rise from previous months illustrates a clear trend as spring transitions into the wetter early summer. After a steady buildup from January's 26 mm (1.0 in) to April's 59 mm (2.3 in), May's downpours set the stage for the peak rainy season ahead, with June and July anticipating even heavier rainfall. The burst of precipitation during May not only highlights the region's dynamic weather patterns but also supports the flourishing landscapes that define the breathtaking natural beauty of this mountainous area.
In May, the humidity in Shangri-La, China typically peaks at an imposing 84%, setting the stage for the warm, lush growth of the summer months ahead. This increase marks a notable rise from the preceding months, where April’s humidity lingered at a modest 59%. As spring gives way to summer, the air becomes significantly more saturated, foreshadowing the steamy conditions of June and July, which can reach a sweltering 89% and 92%, respectively. This pattern indicates a seasonal transition to a humid climate, inviting both the vibrant flora and the occasional rain that characterize this picturesque region. The gradual climb in humidity underscores a shift toward a more tropical atmosphere, creating a captivating and immersive experience for residents and visitors alike.
In May, Shangri-La, China experiences an intense UV Index of 15, categorized as extreme, necessitating quick action to protect your skin, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. This trend of heightened UV exposure extends from April’s peak of 16 to June, maintaining a perilously high level throughout the summer months. The area continues to see extreme UV exposure until late autumn, underscoring the need for vigilant sun protection. As temperatures rise and sunlight becomes more potent, residents and visitors alike should stay informed and prepared. For further information on protecting yourself from UV rays, visit Shangri-La UV Index.
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In Shangri-La, China, May shines brightly with 315 hours of sunlight, nestled between the vibrant spring months of March and April, where daytime brightness peaks. This delightful springtime experience is a significant highlight in the annual sunlight trend, showcasing a gradual increase from 241 hours in January to a peak of 321 hours in March, just before the slightly cooler month of July, which drops down to 237 hours. As summer approaches, the sunlight begins to wane, but not before showcasing an impressive display in May, making it an ideal time for both locals and visitors to bask in the region's natural beauty.
May in Shangri-La, China, marks a significant dip in sunny weather, with only a 22% chance of sun. This is a noticeable decline from the higher percentages seen in the winter months, such as 51% in January and 63% in February. As spring transitions into summer, the likelihood of sunny days continues to plummet, reaching a mere 8% from June to July. April, with its 46% chance, serves as a bridge to May's gloomier outlook, indicating a trend where sunny days are becoming increasingly rare as the year progresses. Thus, if you're planning a visit in May, come prepared for the possibility of overcast skies.
In Shangri-La, China, the daylight duration experiences a gradual increase as spring transitions into summer, peaking at 13 hours from May through August. In May, the length of daylight reaches a comfortable 13 hours, inviting residents and visitors alike to revel in the vibrant landscapes and outdoor activities. Following this sunny peak, the daylight hours begin to taper off in September, as autumn approaches, ultimately returning to 10 hours in December and January. This rhythmic pattern not only highlights the region’s unique climate dynamics but also offers a delightful seasonal variety that enhances the natural beauty of Shangri-La throughout the year.
In May, the wind in Shangri-La begins to show subtle shifts, maintaining an average speed of 2.3 m/s (5 mph), slightly lower than the peak winds of April at 2.4 m/s. Despite this minor dip, the conditions remain pleasantly breezy, capturing the essence of spring's transition to summer. Interestingly, as the seasons progress into the warmer months, we observe a gradual decline in wind speed, with June dipping to 1.8 m/s (4 mph). This trend suggests that while May brings a refreshing breath of wind, the upcoming summer months will likely usher in a calmer atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the stunning landscapes and tranquil ambiance of Shangri-La.
Weather in Shangri-La varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Shangri-La, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January present contrasting weather experiences. In May, temperatures range from a chilly -5°C (24°F) at night to a pleasant 21°C (70°F) during the day, with an average of 9°C (48°F). The month is characterized by higher humidity at 84% and more frequent precipitation, with 97 mm (3.8 in) over 17 days. In stark contrast, January features much colder conditions, with nighttime lows reaching -25°C (-12°F) and daytime highs only reaching 10°C (51°F), averaging -4°C (24°F). Additionally, January sees significantly less precipitation at 26 mm (1.0 in) over just 5 days and a slightly lower humidity of 79%. For those interested in delving deeper into January's conditions, you can check Shangri-La weather in January.
May experiences significantly milder temperatures compared to February, with minimums of -5°C (24°F) rising to pleasant averages of 9°C (48°F) and maximums reaching 21°C (70°F). In contrast, February is notably colder, with temperatures dipping as low as -23°C (-10°F) and an average of -3°C (27°F), only peaking at 12°C (53°F). Precipitation levels in May are also higher, totaling 97 mm (3.8 in) over 17 days, while February sees a relatively drier climate with just 43 mm (1.7 in) of precipitation over 8 days. Humidity remains comparable, with May at 84% and February slightly lower at 81%. For a more detailed look at February weather, you can visit Shangri-La weather in February.
May and March show a notable contrast in weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a pleasant maximum of 21°C (70°F), with an average of 9°C (48°F). This month also experiences higher precipitation, totaling 97 mm (3.8 in) across 17 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 84%. In contrast, March is significantly colder, with temperatures varying from a low of -21°C (-5°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F), resulting in an average of only 0°C (33°F). March sees less precipitation, at 51 mm (2.0 in) over 12 days, and maintains a lower humidity level of 57%. For more detailed information, you can refer to Shangri-La weather in March.
May typically experiences milder temperatures compared to April, with an average of 9°C (48°F) and a maximum of 21°C (70°F), as opposed to April's average of 5°C (41°F) and maximum of 17°C (62°F). The minimum temperatures are slightly higher in May, with a low of -5°C (24°F) compared to April's -8°C (18°F). In terms of precipitation, May is wetter with 97 mm (3.8 in) over 17 days, while April sees only 59 mm (2.3 in) over 14 days. The humidity also increases significantly in May, reaching 84%, compared to April's 59%. For more detailed information, check out Shangri-La weather in April.
In May, the weather is generally cool with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a maximum of 21°C (70°F), averaging around 9°C (48°F). The month is characterized by significant precipitation, totaling 97 mm (3.8 in) over approximately 17 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 84%.
In contrast, June sees a slight increase in both temperature and precipitation. The minimum temperature rises to 1°C (35°F) while the average gets closer to a more comfortable 13°C (56°F), peaking at 22°C (72°F). Rainfall also increases to 127 mm (5.0 in) spread over about 23 days, and humidity levels climb further to 89%.
For a detailed look at weather conditions, you can refer to Shangri-La weather in June.
May and July exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a comfortable maximum of 21°C (70°F), with an average of 9°C (48°F). The month sees about 97 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation over 17 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 84%. In contrast, July experiences higher overall temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (44°F) and an average of 13°C (56°F), while the maximum remains the same at 21°C (70°F). However, July is significantly wetter, receiving 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain over 29 days and a higher humidity of 92%. For a deeper dive into July's weather specifics, you can check Shangri-La weather in July.
When comparing the weather in May and August, notable differences emerge. May features a milder climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a maximum of 21°C (70°F), averaging around 9°C (48°F). The precipitation for this month is relatively moderate at 97 mm (3.8 in), occurring over 17 days, with a humidity level of 84%.
In contrast, August experiences warmer temperatures with a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 23°C (73°F), averaging 13°C (56°F). However, it also sees significantly higher rainfall, totaling 251 mm (9.9 in) across 28 days, and a humidity level that rises to 92%.
For more details, check out Shangri-La weather in August.
In May, temperatures in Shangri-La range from a chilly -5°C (24°F) to a comfortable 21°C (70°F), with an average of 9°C (48°F). The month sees around 97 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation over 17 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 84%. In contrast, September experiences slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 2°C (35°F) and a maximum of 20°C (68°F), resulting in an average of 12°C (54°F). However, this month also brings higher precipitation, totaling 161 mm (6.3 in) over 27 days, and a rise in humidity to 91%. For more information about September weather, you can visit Shangri-La weather in September.
May and October exhibit notable differences in weather patterns, particularly in temperature and precipitation. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a comfortable average of 9°C (48°F), peaking at 21°C (70°F). The month is characterized by higher humidity at 84% and greater precipitation, with 97 mm (3.8 in) falling over 17 days. In contrast, October sees slightly milder conditions with minimum temperatures around -2°C (28°F), an average of 8°C (47°F), and a maximum of 20°C (69°F). The month experiences a decrease in precipitation to 79 mm (3.1 in) across 15 days and higher humidity at 90%. For more details on how weather conditions may affect your plans, check out Shangri-La weather in October.
May and November present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a pleasant maximum of 21°C (70°F), with an average of 9°C (48°F), making it a relatively mild month. Precipitation is more frequent, occurring over 17 days, totaling 97 mm (3.8 in), and humidity levels remain high at 84%. In contrast, November sees cooler conditions, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -9°C (16°F) and peaking at 13°C (56°F), averaging only 2°C (37°F). This month experiences significantly less rainfall, with just 21 mm (0.8 in) over 5 days, while humidity rises slightly to 88%. For more insights, you can refer to Shangri-La weather in November.
In May, the weather in Shangri-La is relatively mild, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a maximum of 21°C (70°F), averaging around 9°C (48°F). This month experiences significant precipitation, with 97 mm (3.8 in) spread over 17 days, and humidity levels are high at 84%. In contrast, December brings much colder conditions, with temperatures dipping as low as -21°C (-5°F) and peaking only at 11°C (52°F), resulting in an average temperature of -1°C (30°F). Precipitation is minimal in December, accumulating to just 14 mm (0.5 in) over 2 days, while humidity remains slightly lower at 83%. For more detailed insights, you can check Shangri-La weather in December.
As the enchanting month of May unfolds in Shangri-La, visitors can experience a delightful shift in weather compared to the chillier months preceding it. Temperatures begin to warm, providing an inviting atmosphere for exploration, yet the beauty of spring still embraces cooler days, with average lows making it essential to pack layers. May also brings an increase in precipitation, with nearly half of the month featuring gentle rain—perfect for revitalizing the stunning landscapes but requiring an umbrella for those adventurous outings. The high humidity adds to the lushness of the scenery, creating a vibrant oasis unlike any other time of year. For a detailed understanding of what to expect, check out the full guide at Shangri-La Climate.