Situated between the Northern Himalayas and the southern Gangdise, Shannan (or Lhoka) features in the temperate arid climate. Thanks for the warm and moisture laden winds from the Indian Ocean, Shannan enjoys relatively temperate weather. Having the benefit from the pleasant weather, Shanan became the “cradle of Tibetan civilization” with many Firsts of Tibet – first manor, first tribe, first palace, first monastery, etc. Summer in Shannan is cool and short while winter is long, dry and windy. Average annual temperature is between 7.4~8.9 °C (45~48 °F), with highest 31 °C and a lowest at -37 °C. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of -2.8 °C. July and August are two hottest months with an average temperature around 13 °C. The temperature gaps between day and night are various largely. June to September is the rainy season when the precipitation lies between 300~400 millimeters (12~16 in). It may have strong winds from December to March. And the annual wind speed is about 2.7m (56 ft)/sec.