Beautiful scenery at the Potala Palace in AprilWeather:April is one of the best months to see Lhasa. Lhasa has great spring weather with low rainfall while the mountains still have winter scenery. Theweather turns comfortable in Lhasa. It is low tourist season, and travel becomes convenient to other travel highlights in the region. There are 4 days of rain a month for a total of 6 mm of total rainfall. Though it is cold at night, the high elevation of 3,600 meters or 12,000 feet makes it feel warm when it is sunny, and it is sunny about 8 hours a day.
The average nightly low temperature is 2 °C (36 °F), and the average daily high temperature is 16 °C (61 °F). The ultraviolet radiation index is extremely high.Lhasa weather conditions and forecast>>
Clothing:For comfort in the changing temperatures, you'll need to dress in layers. Some hotels and many restaurants in Lhasa have no central heating, so you might still need a coat inside. But the sunshine is so strong that you might feel comfortable in light clothing during the day. We suggest that you cover up if you are outside for a while to prevent sunburn. Have a T-shirt, coat, trousers, and a sun hat. Sunglasses can protect your eyes.
Altitude Sickness:Since the oxygen content of the air is only 2/3 that at sea level, a health check before you go is advisable. Take precautions if you have high blood pressure, asthma, or heart disease. Most visitors get altitude sickness, and exertion is difficult. See ourLhasa health advice>>
Things to Do in Lhasa in April
Visit the Potala Palace
Barkhor StreetThe Potala Palace:The gigantic ancient palace is aworld famous Lhasa landmarkand recommended by UNESCO. It has appeared in popular movies. The beautiful white and red building sits on a hill in the city, and lowlanders find it difficult to walk up to it unless they acclimate for two or three days.
It was once the ancient palace of the Dalai Lama. There are 1,000 rooms, and it is 13 stories tall. Now it is a museum, but it is still used as a worship place. Crowds of pilgrims and locals worship during their ceremonies.
Shop at Barkhor Street
Barkhor Street:It is Lhasa's main shopping street. Unlike any other city in China, you'll see people bowing and stretching on the ground to make their way along it. They are traditional Buddhists worshipping or making a pilgrimage. Their focus is Jokhang Temple on the street. You'll see people bowing and worshipping outside it, and going in circles around it.
It is a favorite street for tourists to get souvenirs such as handicrafts and artwork. You can buy Tibetan rugs, clothes, and gold and silver jewelry. In April, there are less crowds until the end of the month when there is an influx of Tibetan tourists.
See Namtso Lake
The ice at Namtso Lake has not yet melted in AprilNamtso Lake:You can start to go to other places near Lhasa that are inaccessible in the winter. It is quite a contrast to leave spring in the Lhasa valley and go north to Namtso Lake. It takes four hours to get there over a pass of 5,200 meters. There might be beautiful winter scenery in April because the lake is likely still frozen until late April when it turns an amazing turquoise or deep blue color.
It is a salt lake at an elevation of 4,718 meters (15,000 feet). It is one of the highest lakes in the world, and many people say it isone of the best scenic places. Many people find the high elevation too cold for an overnight stay since the accommodations are scanty. Check weather conditions and go in a good vehicle with snow tires if there is ice on the road.
Touring Lhasa in April
Low Travel Season
The comfortable travel weather, the variety of scenery, and the less crowds and rainfall than in the tourist high season are reasons that April is probably the best month to go to Lhasa if you want some serenity, low prices, great scenery, and good selection for accomodations and travel opportunities. Tourists flood in between the end of April and early October.
Further Reading
- Tibet Weather in Aprilfor the regional picture
- Top Places to Visit in China in April
- China's Best Destinations in the Spring
- Tibet Travel Tips
Lhasa Average Daily Temperatures Based on Historical Data
| Date | Average High | Average Low | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 1 | 57 °F | 13.89 °C | 30 °F | -1.11 °C |
| April 2 | 57 °F | 13.89 °C | 30 °F | -1.11 °C |
| April 3 | 57 °F | 13.89 °C | 30 °F | -1.11 °C |
| April 4 | 57 °F | 13.89 °C | 31 °F | -0.56 °C |
| April 5 | 58 °F | 14.44 °C | 31 °F | -0.56 °C |
| April 6 | 58 °F | 14.44 °C | 31 °F | -0.56 °C |
| April 7 | 58 °F | 14.44 °C | 31 °F | -0.56 °C |
| April 8 | 58 °F | 14.44 °C | 32 °F | 0 °C |
| April 9 | 58 °F | 14.44 °C | 32 °F | 0 °C |
| April 10 | 59 °F | 15 °C | 32 °F | 0 °C |
| April 11 | 59 °F | 15 °C | 32 °F | 0 °C |
| April 12 | 59 °F | 15 °C | 32 °F | 0 °C |
| April 13 | 59 °F | 15 °C | 33 °F | 0.56 °C |
| April 14 | 59 °F | 15 °C | 33 °F | 0.56 °C |
| April 15 | 60 °F | 15.56 °C | 33 °F | 0.56 °C |
| April 16 | 60 °F | 15.56 °C | 33 °F | 0.56 °C |
| April 17 | 60 °F | 15.56 °C | 34 °F | 1.11 °C |
| April 18 | 60 °F | 15.56 °C | 34 °F | 1.11 °C |
| April 19 | 60 °F | 15.56 °C | 34 °F | 1.11 °C |
| April 20 | 61 °F | 16.11 °C | 34 °F | 1.11 °C |
| April 21 | 61 °F | 16.11 °C | 35 °F | 1.67 °C |
| April 22 | 61 °F | 16.11 °C | 35 °F | 1.67 °C |
| April 23 | 61 °F | 16.11 °C | 35 °F | 1.67 °C |
| April 24 | 62 °F | 16.67 °C | 35 °F | 1.67 °C |
| April 25 | 62 °F | 16.67 °C | 35 °F | 1.67 °C |
| April 26 | 62 °F | 16.67 °C | 36 °F | 2.22 °C |
| April 27 | 62 °F | 16.67 °C | 36 °F | 2.22 °C |
| April 28 | 62 °F | 16.67 °C | 36 °F | 2.22 °C |
| April 29 | 63 °F | 17.22 °C | 36 °F | 2.22 °C |
| April 30 | 63 °F | 17.22 °C | 37 °F | 2.78 °C |
