Climate
Mandalay has a semi-tropical climate. Winter which is dry and cold lasts from November to February, and summer lasts from March to May. Because Mandalay is in the central dry zone, it receives far less rain than the more tropical south.
People
Mandalay is ethnically diverse, with the Bamar Burmans forming a slight majority. In recent years, there has been a major influx of Chinese from Mainland China, and the local Chinese both recent migrants and descendants of colonial-era immigrants form 30 to 40% of the population. Their influence is seen in the China-style glass buildings throughout the city, while the Yunnan dialect of Mandarin is often spoken among the ethnic Chinese community. Other prevalent ethnic groups include the Shan, who are ethnically and linguistically related to the Thais and Laotians, and the Karen Kayin. There is a sizable ethnic Indian population, including Nepalis and Sikhs.