The weather and climate in Tibet is not harsh as many people expect to. Climate is favorable to travel from April to November. Most ideal in August and September, so to get know about weather and temperatures information is obviously useful for your travel in Tibet. To have the 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 condition.
Tibet 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, staring 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 sweater and jackets.
Summer – sunny & hot: Summer, from June to August, is the golden time to travel the various attractions in Tibet regions and enjoy the high altitude sites when the mountain are snow free. In summer, Tibetans hold the famous festivals, such as Ganden Thangka Festival, Shoton Festival and Nagqu Horse Racing Festival. Please prepare summer clothes, but the jackets and sweaters are necessary.
Autumn – humid & pleasant: In autumn, from September to October, the weather is the most comfortable during a 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.
Tibet plateau is bounded by two mighty ranges, where Himalayan range consisting of the world highest peak Mt. Everest situates from south to west, and Thanggula range in the north. Tibet weather have the following features:
Central and Southeast areas of Tibet: include Lhasa, Shigatse, Lhatse, Tingri, Nyalam, Tsedang, along the Friendship Highway is in good conditions all year around, with relatively pleasant weather and well-equipped tourist facilities. The thawed road could make some trouble from November to February, but it will bring bigger discounts and less crowed in this low season.
Mount Everest: The months from May to October are the best times to visit Mt. Everest areas.Clear weather make a great chance to see the true face of the highest peak. Try to avoid the period from November to February because of the extreme cold.
Mount Kailash: The suitable time is May, June, July, September and October. Other time with heavy rain and snow make tour worse.
Eastern Tibet: Try to avoid to come here during July and August ( rainy season ) and in winter ( frozen season ), because the roads will be closed, with potential heavy landslides.
Northern Tibet: Summer ( July and August ) is the good time to enjoy the great plain scenes of northern Tibet.