Tibet Weather and Climate

Due to Tibet plateau as the "roof of world" with average altitude of over 4,000m above the sea level, Tibet climate is special: a little harsh, with thin air, intense ultraviolet radiation, and distinct rainy season and dry season.

To plan a tour in Tibet, travelers need to get more information about weather and climate in the tourist cities in Tibet, and prepare clothing, sunglasses and other necessary packaging.

Best Time to Visit Tibet

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.

The Climate Table of Major Cities in Tibet

The Features of Tibet Weather

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:
1. In annual summer, it is severe, dry and continental climate in Tibet, with strong winds, low humidity, a rarified atmosphere and a huge fluctuation. In winter, the average annual snowfall is only 18 inches, due to the effect of rain shadow.
2. The north of Tibet plateau is exposed to an unhampered cool air, and the south part is influenced by the tropical and equatorial air masses.
3. The western passes receive small amounts of fresh snow each year but remain traversable all year around.
4. Low temperatures are prevalent throughout the western regions where wind sweeps unchecked across vast expanses of arid plain.
5. Indian monsoon exerts some influence on the eastern Tibet regions.

The Climate of Famous Destinations in Tibet

Central and Southeast areas of Tibet:
including 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.