Weather:In May, expect brightsunshine and dry cool or warm sunny weatheracross most of Tibet. The monsoon doesn’t start until June. It is one of the best months for long-distance travel and going to the high mountains. Trees start to turn green and flowers bloom at this time.
Most tourists arrive in Lhasa, and Lhasa is one of the lowest elevation valleys that most tourists go to at 3,600 meters or 12,000 feet. It is generally warm and sunny with 8 hours of sunshine a day. The average daily high temperature is20 °C (68 °F), and the average nightly low temperature is6 °C (43 °F). In Lhasa and all over Tibet, the high altitude makes it feel warmer, and the UV rays are very intense.Check the Lhasa weather forecast>>
Clothing:Around Lhasa,light winter clothesare still needed, but you could wear T-shirts in the sunshine, but we suggest that you cover up to avoid sunburn. Havea coat and glovesfor higher mountains.Sunglasses and sun hatscan protect you from the UV light.
Altitude Sickness:The oxygen content of the air in Lhasa is only2/3of that at sea level, and it is even lower in most of the rest of Tibet. A health check is advisable before you go because conditions such asthma, high blood pressure, or heart disease are exacerbated in the high altitude. Most visitors get altitude sickness, and it is important to acclimate before exerting yourself in higher altitudes. SeeTibet travel health advice
Tibet May Weather Data Graph
Things to Do in Tibet in May
Head North to Namtso Lake
Vivid blues at Lake Namtso in MayWalk at Namtso Lake(4,718 meters):The weather is suitable for a day trip or overnighter to the high salt lake that isone of the best scenic areasof Tibet. It is one of the highest lakes in the world at an elevation of 15,000 feet. The sunsets are amazing. The accommodations are rudimentary, so check what is available early so you can decide if you wish to stay overnight.
Head East to Tsetang
Tsetang(3,100 meters):Tsetangisa large Tibetan townabout 190 km southeast of Lhasa and only about an hour away from the main Tibet airport between Lhasa and Tsetang. The popular Samye Monastery is outside of Tsetang. The average daily high temperature is20 °C (68 °F), and the average nightly low temperature is5 °C (41 °F). Expect sunny warm weather at this time of year.
Travel South on the Friendship Highway
May is one of the best months to leave the Lhasa valley andsee the southern towns and attractionssuch as Shigatse, Gyantse, Yamdrok Lake,Mt. Everestand Kathmandu. There is generally dry and sunny weather in the region in May, but heavy rains begin in June that hamper both travel and sightseeing.
Yamdrok Lake(4,500 meters or 14,700 feet):This lake is compared with Namtso Lake for size and beauty. Along with Namtso and Manasarover, it isone of Tibet's great high altitude lakes. It is about two hours outside of Lhasa along the highway and is an excellent place to stop along the way to Shigatse.
Shigatse(3,900 meters):The freezing weather is over in May in this town. The average daily high temperature is 20 °C (68 °F), and the average nightly low temperature is 3 °C (37 °F). It is a good place for bothsightseeingand foracclimationfor preparing to hike in higher mountains such as Everest. It is Tibet's second largest town, seven hours from Everest.
Hike at Mt. Everest and Mt. Kailash
Mt. Everest Base Camp with China HighlightsMt. Everest Base Camp(5,200 meters):Early May is the best time to visit Mt. Everest. Youhave a better chance of seeing the mountain clearly. A special hiking permit is needed for an extended hike near Everest Base Camp which we can try to arrange. The government requires that people go as part of a tour, and it is best to go in a private tour for flexibility.
Mt. KailashandManasarovararea (4,556 meters):May is one of the best months forhiking. Heavy rains or snow storms start in June that make crossing the rugged roads in the region more difficult. The lake is at the 15,000 feet level, and the highest pass in a walk around is 5,500 meters or 18,200 feet. TheSaga Dawa Festivalis celebrated there in May or June depending on their lunar calendar.
西藏旅游:5月重要的旅行建议和流行ular Tours
May High Travel Month
Mount KailashAlong with the better weather, travel isespecially busy in the first weekof May for the May 1 national holidays. It is best to book your Lhasa hotel rooms and Shigatse hotel rooms and arrange your flight tickets and train tickets in advance. China requires a specialTibet tour visathat we can arrange for you also. Let us help you have a personalized tour for you or your group.
Recommended Tibet Tours
Here are our most popular Tibet itineraries, for your inspiration:
Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Adventure via EBC:This 1100-km drive is full of stunning views, from countless lakes, rivers, glaciers and traditional temples on the Tibetan highland, to subtropical forests on the Nepalese side.
See moreTibet toursor contact us totailor-make a Tibet touraccording to your requirements.
Further Reading
- LHASA Weather in Mayfor Lhasa specifics
- Top Places to Visit in China in May
- China's Best Destinations in the Spring
