Tibet Weather

The weather in Tibet is similar to that of Mainland China, though with lower temperatures due to higher altitudes. Summers have warm days with strong sunshine and cool nights, but summer days can even be chilly at higher elevations. Winters are cold but there isn't all that much snow. Lhasa enjoys much sunshine even in winter.

Generally speaking, Tibet is cold and dry all year round. Most of Tibet experiences frost at least 6 months of the year. Some high lakes are frozen from October to March. The weather varies a lot from region to region. Lhasa is an ideal destination because it is in a valley area of lower elevation.

When to Go to Tibet?

Climate is not such a major consideration when visiting Tibet as many people might imagine. Although many people call Tibet “The Land of Snows”, there is actually a lack of snow.

Spring, early summer and late autumn are probably the best times to visit Tibet. The weather is very good in April, especially in Western Tibet. Mt. Everest is particularly clear during April and May. From mid-July to the end of September, Tibet is in the rainy season. Travel to Tibet becomes slightly more difficult, for the roads to the east are temporarily washed out.

Winter in Tibet is not as freezing as many people imagine. Besides, a lot of hotels and car rentals become relatively cheaper. It would be a good time to go if you want to save money. Trips to Mt. Kailash can be undertaken from April to October, though September and October are considered the best months for fewer rainfalls and better road conditions.

Spring

Spring starts from March and ends in May, when ice begins to melt. If you want to experience Tibet’s spring, Nyingtri Prefecture is a nice place to visit. The famous Nyingtri Peach Blossom Festival is held annually around this time. The temperature averages about 16 °C in Lhasa. Clothing: Coats are necessary. Sunglasses are a must.

Summer

Summer starts from June and ends in August. This period is regarded as the best time of the year even though it’s the rainy season of Tibet. It often rains at night, so travelling is totally ok. You will have the clearest view of Mt. Everest, so you wouldn’t want to miss it. Clothing: Bring a coat and long johns. Sunglasses and solar skin protection are necessary.

Autumn

Autumn is from September to November. The weather is cold, with lows being -4 °C at the lowest elevations. Clothing: Warm clothing is essential. Bring long johns, warm coats and sunglasses with you.

Winter

Winter is from December to February. Road travel becomes rough because of ice and snow. However, the high altitude makes it feel warmer than the temperature. Because of its freezing temperature, fewer travelers choose to visit Tibet in winter, but a winter tour is much cheaper than in summer. Clothing: Bring warm coats, long johns, gloves, hats, sunglasses, etc.

Tibet Weather by Region

Tibet is a vast area, the topography and altitude varies greatly from eastern part to western part. Thus the temperature varies greatly in different areas, even within a single day at the same place. The weather change is huge In mountain areas than that is in central twonship areas. For travelers who plan a tour to different part of Tibet, it is necessary to know the weather difference before they go.

Weather and Climite of Everest Base Camp

Due to the rather high altitude, Mount Everest is covered by snow all year round. The climate is quite harsh. The most distinctive feature of the EBC climate may be its extremely huge temperature gap between day and night. The best time to travel to EBC is from early March through the end of October. The climate will be relatively good and the temperature comparatively mild. But you should remember that it is quite cold at night (very likely below 0 °C even in summer), even though it can be warm (possibly around 10 °C) in the daytime because of the sunshine.

From January to March

You can enjoy a very clear view of Mt. Everest, but it is kind of cold. There may be some snows. u Bring warm clothes and pay attention to the slippery roads.

From April to mid-June

This would be the best time to visit Mt. Everest for it is warm. Many mountaineers choose to climb Mt. Everest during this period of time.

From mid-June to August

There will be a lot of rainfalls during these months. Mt. Everest may be covered by mist, so it is likely that you cannot have a clear view.

From September to November

This is when winter arrives. The weather at Mt. Everest is relatively harsh. Chances are that you may not see its summit clearly because it is too cloudy.