Tibet is now open for traveling.It is ahigh-altitudeplateau set amid tall mountain ranges. The mountain ranges catch the rainfall before it reaches the plateau, somost of Tibet, except for the southeast,is desert steppe, tundra, or permafrost.
Most of Tibet experiences frost at least six months of the year, and thehighest lakeshave ice from October to March. The weather varies a lot from region to region. The best time to enjoy the scenery in Tibet is fromMay to October.
Main Features of Tibet's Climate
- Strong sunshine
- Cold and dry
- Large day/night temperature difference
Tibet's high altitude results in:
- Thin air
- Less oxygen
- Lower boiling point
Read abouthow to deal with altitude sickness in Tibet.
- 8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Tour
- 5 Days Lhasa Classics and Lake Yamdrok Tour
- 4 Days Lhasa Highlights Comfort Tour
The Best Times to Visit Tibet
Yumbulagang Palace
The Best Time for Sightseeing
FromMay to Octoberis the best time forsightseeing in Tibet, when the weather is not very cold, averaging above 10°C (50°F). This is naturally the busiest travel time in Tibet when people come for the warmer weather and higher oxygen content.
July and Augustare the rainy seasons in Tibet, though, apart from in the southeast, there is still not a lot of rain.
The Best Times to Visit Mount Everest
Mount Everest Peak
If you plan to travel toMt. Everest, travel inApril, May, September, or October, when you are more likely to see the peak clearly. It is more likely to be hidden behind thick clouds the rest of the year.
The Best Time to Enjoy Tibetan Festivals
Tangka Unveiled in Shoton Festival
Travelers who are interested inTibetan festivalsare recommended to visit Tibet inAugustwhen the Shoton Festival, Nagqu Horse Racing Festival, and Ganden Thangka Festival are held. But expect to see huge crowds during the festivals.
>>Also to find outTibetan Festival Calendar
The Best Times for a Kailash-Manasarovar Yatra and Kora
Mt.Kailash
A "yatra" is a pilgrimage to a sacred place and a "kora" is a religious walk around a sacred site.>>Read more about Kailash Yatra
The best time for aMount Kailashyatraandkorais insummer (June to August). This is due to the warmer temperature and higher oxygen content.
If you are going to do akoraaroundLake Manasarovar,autumn (September to November)is the best time as there is warmer weather and less chance of rainfall.
Tibet Weather and Tourism in the Four Seasons
Due to thehigh evaluation, Tibet has quite different seasons from other places with a long winter.
Spring (April–May)
Temperature:5-19°C (41-66°F)
Risk of altitude sickness:relatively low
The ice melts and the weather warms during spring, opening blocked remote roads and making travel outsideLhasamore pleasant.
Tibet reopens to tourism in early April(as it is usually closed to visitors in February and March forTibetan New Year). If you want to avoid large crowds,visiting Tibetin spring is a good option.
Clothing:Prepare a thicker or double-layered jacket, sportswear, sweaters, trousers, and other warm clothes. If you are going to visit Mount Everest and the remote western Tibet, prepare hard-sole outdoor shoes or sneakers.
>>Find out more ofWhat to Pack for a Tibet Tour
Things to do:Spring is not the most popular tourist season in Tibet so the tickets for flights, trains, hotels, and attractions are easier to book. This is the time to visit themonasteriesin Lhasa and to admire the grassland views andlakesidesceneries.
Peach Blossom in Spring,Nyingchi
- 13-Days Beijing–Xi'an–Lhasa-Shanghai Private Tour
- 8-Day Lhasa, Nyingchi, and Bome Spring Tour
- 4-Days Lhasa Highlights Comfort Tour
Summer (June–August)
Temperature:12-24°C (54-75°F)
Risk of altitude sickness:lowest
The weather in summer is warm in the daytime and maybe cooler at night. The air has ahigher oxygencontent than in other seasons. Sometimes it will shower at night or for about an hour in the afternoon inmid-Julytolate August, so rain is not a big issue even in the rainy season.
Summer is thebusiest travel season of the year in Tibet.Transports, accommodations, and tickets are difficult to book in the summer. A good idea is to book a tour with us at least1 monthbefore your journey and let us confirm all bookings for you.
Clothing:Prepare a thinner or single-layered jacket, sportswear, outdoor suits, and casual wear. Prepare waterproof shoes if you are going to visit snowcapped mountains or lakes. As the temperature is much higher, you can take less luggage with you.
Things to do:Summer is the time to travel to the various attractions in the remoter regions and enjoy thehigh-altitudesites when the mountain passes are snow-free. It is also thetime to hike.
Activities:藏人举行户外市场交易会和encampments, festivals, and sports contests when the grasslands are at their lushest. Festivals of note include theGanden Thangka Festival,Shoton Festival, and theNagqu Horse Racing Festival.
Hol Xil Nature Reserve with the Train to Tibet
- 7-Days Tibet Tours by Train from Xining
- 5-Days Tibet Shoton Festival Group Tour
- 4-Days Lhasa Highlights Comfort Tour
Fall (September–October)
Temperature:7-20°C (45-68°F)
Risk of altitude sickness:relatively low
Fall is also abusy travel season in Tibetand the weather is clear and cool. It's agood time to hike and trek in Tibet, and it's also a good time to shoot photos ofmountain peaks, due to fewer clouds.
Clothing:Prepare a thicker or double-layered jacket, sportswear, sweaters, and a down jacket. As the wind grows stronger in the fall, prepare windproof clothes.
Things to do:Autumn is the best time to enjoy the view of snowcapped mountains from a distance. You will have better opportunities to see the peaks ofNamcha BarwaorMount Everest. If you have professional photography equipment, try to shoot the breathtaking starry sky.
Contact usto customize your uniqueTibetexperience.
在Gali维尔徒步旅行lage
- 11-Day Tibet Tour with Everest Base Camp Trek
- 8-Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Tour
- 7-Day Tibet Tour including Trekking and Camping
Winter (November–March)
Temperature:-5-11°C (23-52°F)
Risk of altitude sickness:relatively high
Tibet is usuallyclosed to foreign travelers in February and Marchfor 5 or 6 weeks.Tibet Entry Permitsare normally not issued forFebruaryandMarch. Some roads are closed due to the heavy snow.
Clothing:Prepare a thicker down jacket, sweaters, and other warm and windproof clothing. If your luggage is too large, try to reduce the number of packed items and buy some when you arrive.
Things to do:Except for the coldness, it's a good time to travel to lower altitude places likeLhasa, as hotels and travel agencies may offer discounts during winter, and tourists are far fewer than in summer and fall.
朝圣者在Bakhor街
As Tibet tour experts, we will recommend the best suitable things to do in Tibet based on your interests and holiday time.Send an inquirynow for suggestions.
- 4-Days Lhasa Highlights Comfort Tour
- 5-Days Lhasa Classics and Lake Yamdrok Tour
- 13-Days Beijing–Xi'an–Lhasa-Shanghai Private Tour
Weather in Major Tibetan Cities
Choose When to Go, Then Contact Us…
如果你正在计划一个西藏之旅,请参阅我们的popular Tibet tours below for inspiration:
- 10-Days Beijing-Lhasa-Shanghai
- 8-Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Tour
- 7-Days Tibet Tours by Train from Xining
- 4-Days Lhasa Highlights Comfort Tour
We have moreTibet tours, or we could create your own individual journey. Just tell us your interests and requirements, and we willcustomize you a Tibet tour.
For more detailed information on what to expect each month weather-wise, and recommendations on what to do, see below.
