The weather and climate in Tibet are not as harsh as many people expect to. The climate is favourable to travel from April to November. Most ideal in August and September, so knowing about weather and temperature information is obviously useful for your travel in Tibet. To have direct Tibet weather and climate references, please take a quick look at those Tibet travel photos taken under different regions of Tibet in different weather conditions.
Tibet’s Climates are quite different from South-east to North-west and temperatures vary a lot within a day. Summer in Tibet is cool while winter is not very cold owing to the intense sunlight.
Most annual rainfall comes in the rainy season, starting from June to September when the precipitation covers 90% of the whole year. Usually, it rains at night in Lhasa, Shigatse, and Chamdo areas.
What time is best to visit Tibet? Generally speaking, the 8 months from April to November is the golden time. However, you can visit Tibet all year round to explore different beautiful sceneries.
Spring – warm & delightful: In spring, from March to May, the weather begins to warm up. The temperature is still low. Please bring long-sleeve shirts, light sweaters and jackets.
Summer – sunny & hot: Summer, from June to August, is the golden time to travel to the various attractions in Tibet regions and enjoy the high-altitude sites when the mountains are snow-free. In summer, Tibetans hold famous festivals, such as the Ganden Thangka Festival, Shoton Festival and Nagqu Horse Racing Festival. Please wear summer clothes, but jackets and sweaters are necessary.
Autumn – humid & pleasant: In autumn, from September to October, the weather is the most comfortable during the year, and the landscapes are the most beautiful. Prepare long-sleeve shirts, sweaters and overcoats.
Winter – cold & dry: Winter, from November to February, is considered the low tourist season. The weather is getting more and more dry and windy. Travelers can join the Tibetan New Year ( between late December and February ) and the streets will be colorfully decorated for the event. Prepare down jackets, sweaters and so on.
| Place Name | Avg Annual Tempt (0C) | Avg Monthly Tempt (0C) | Altitude | North Latitude |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lhasa | 7.5 | -2.2 | 3658 | 29042′ |
| Tsedang | 8.3 | -0.7 | 3500 | 29015′ |
| Gyangtse | 4.7 | -5.1 | 4040 | 28055′ |
| Shigatse | 6.3 | -3.8 | 3836 | 29013′ |
| Damshong | 1.3 | -8.8 | 4200 | 30029′ |
| Nakchu | -1.8 | -13.8 | 4507 | 31029′ |
| Dingri | 0.7 | -11.3 | 4300 | 28038′ |
| Nyingtri | 8.6 | -0.2 | 3000 | 39033′ |
| Pomi | 8.5 | -0.2 | 2750 | 29052′ |
| Chamdo | 7.6 | -2.5 | 3240 | 31011′ |
Tibet plateau is bounded by two mighty ranges, where Himalayan range consisting of the world’s highest peak Mt. Everest situated from south to west, and the Thanggula range in the north. Tibet weather has the following features:
Central and Southeast areas of Tibet: including Lhasa, Shigatse, Lhatse, Tingri, Nyalam, and Tsedang, along the Friendship Highway are in good conditions all year around, with relatively pleasant weather and well-equipped tourist facilities. The thawed road could cause some trouble from November to February, but it will bring bigger discounts and be less crowded in this low season.