Tibet Weather

With plateau climate, Tibet weather features a large daily temperature range and long cold winter. The daily temperature gap can be as big as 14~16℃ (57~61℉) in regions like Lhasa, Shigatse and Chamdo, making you experience four seasons within one day. For instance, in June, the highest temperature at noon will rise to 27~29℃ (81~84℉) in Lhasa and Shigatse, while after sunset, the weather will turn cold like in autumn. At midnight, the temperature will be low to 0~5℃ (32~41℉) and a thick quilt will be needed as in winter. The next day after sunrise, it will get warm like in spring. Other distinct features of Tibet plateau climate are abundant sunshine, strong ultraviolet radiation and less rainfall.
 

From March to October, Tibet has relatively comfortable weather and the scenery is beautiful, so it is recommended to go during this period. Other time of the year is too cold to travel around in Tibet.
 

 

Spring in Tibet

The climate in spring is a bit cold, so taking some warm clothes is very necessary. In March to April, the scenery in Nyingchi is great to admire. Peach flowers are in full blossom decorating the foot of snowcapped mountains, making you feel like stepping into a fairyland of peach blossoms. Besides the peach flowers, it is not bad time to visit Mt. Namcha Barwa, one of the most beautiful snow mountains in China; Yarlong Tsangpo River, the biggest river in Tibet and the highest river in the world; Midui Glacier and Pagsum Lake. Spring is also the best time to visit Mt. Everest in Shigatse for relatively stable mountain route.

What to Wear: sweater, jacket, windbreakers, woolen overcoat, hiking shoes…
 

Summer in Tibet

Compared with other seasons, Tibet weather in summer features higher temperature, higher humidity and stronger ultraviolet radiation. July and August have most rains, but it rains often at night. Among the 4 seasons, it is the best season to pay a visit. You can go to Lhasa to visit Potala Palace, the best preserved palace complex in Tibet; Barkhor Street full of distinctive souvenirs; Norbulingka, the largest royal garden in Tibet; the holy Jokhang Temple; and pure Heavenly Lake Namtso, etc.

What to Wear: T-shirt, basketball jackets, thin sweater, jeans, sunglasses, sun hat…
 

The weather in autumn with less rainfall is perfect for hiking in Medog County and Ngari, for the road condition is relatively good. From September to October, most of the region will be covered by yellow leaves.

What to Wear: long sleeves T-shirt, sweater, windbreaker, sweatpants, hiking shoes…
 

Although it is chilly cold in the high areas of Tibet and the lowest temperature in some areas can decrease to nearly -20℃ (-4℉), some places with low latitude, like Lhasa is not as cold as you have imaged. Instead, it is even warmer than many northern cities in China like Beijing in the daytime, so it is still possible to pay a visit to Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Norbulingka, Tibet Museum, and more.

What to Wear: downcoat, sweater, winter pants, snow boots, windbreaker, cotton padded hat, scarf, gloves…