Best time to visit Tibet: When is the best time to visit Tibet

The best time to visit Tibet is usually from April to May and September to October when the weather is mild, rainfall is moderate, and roads are accessible. Tibet is an all-year destination. However, Tibet has an average elevation of over 4,000 meters, usually cold and dry. Therefore, it is essential to choose the best time to visit Tibet.

The average daytime temperature of Tibet in summer is around 23°C, which is very suitable for a family tour to visit Tibet. In winter, due to fewer tourists, you enjoy more discounts on hotels, dining, train and flight tickets, etc. However, summer is the rainy season in Tibet, with more rainfall. The temperature is extremely low in winter, and the night temperature may drop below freezing. This may make most parts of Tibet inaccessible. Therefore, the best seasons to visit Tibet are spring and autumn.

Tibet Monthly Temperature Table

Tibet boasts breathtaking natural scenery and a rich cultural tradition, offering unique experiences in every season. Planning your trip to Tibet requires a thorough understanding of its climate characteristics, including high altitude, intense sunshine, and low humidity. The best time to explore each region of Tibet is generally from April to October. Below is a detailed overview of temperatures in each region of Tibet.

An overview of the annual temperatures in Lhasa.

January is the coldest and driest month in Lhasa. But it's still warm on sunny days. Also, the year's first month is in the middle of the dry season, featuring little rain and snow.

Spring kicks off in April, as well as tourist season, following the annual closure of the Land of Snows for Losar, the Tibetan New Year. It gets warmer during April and May than during winter months. But despite days being comfortably warm, nights are still cold.

June and July are the warmest months in Lhasa, and they herald the start of the monsoon season. As time goes by, precipitation levels may rise from anywhere between 70 cm and 120 cm (27 in to 47 in) per month.

Lhasa Weather in September – Precipitation and Air Temperature Drop

Lhasa Weather in October and November – Nice Weather

Lhasa Weather in December – Cool Days and Cold Nights

An overview of the annual temperatures in Shigatse.

The weather and climate in Shigatse have clear wet and dry seasons, with the rainy season running from around June to the end of September and the dry season from October to May. July and August are the heaviest months for rain in the prefecture, although most of the rain that does fall tends to fall in the late evenings and at night. This leaves the daytime warm and sunny, if a little humid.

An overview of the annual temperatures in Nyingchi.

Lying in the southeast of the Tibetan Plateau, Nyingchi is a hidden gem famed for its stunning landscapes. The area boasts unique charms in all four seasons and can be visited throughout the year. However, to fully appreciate the magic of this destination, it's important to understand the weather and the best times to visit. This guide will cover everything you need to know about Nyingchi's climate, helping you plan the perfect trip to this Tibetan paradise.

An overview of the annual temperatures in Ngari.

Ngari region is located in the northern Qinghai-Tibet plateau-the core of Qiangtang plateau. It is one of the regions with the lowest population density in the world and has unique plateau natural features. The Himalayas, the Gangdise Mountains and other mountains are in Ngari, so they are called “the ancestors of all mountains”.

An overview of the annual temperatures in Nagqu.

Nagqu has two main seasons, namely, dry season from Nov. to Mar. and rainy monsoon season from May to Sept. August is the best time for Nagchu horse racing festival. MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecMax Temp (°C)-14681215181712920Min Temp (°C)-20-15-13-8-5355-1-5-12-16

Understanding Tibet’s Climate

Tibet’s high-altitude geography makes it distinctive. The average elevation of over 4,000 meters influences both temperature and weather patterns. For every 100 meters of altitude gain, the temperature drops by 0.6°C. This explains the large temperature variations between day and night.

The best time to visit Tibet in Spring and Autumn

Spring comes late in Tibet, starting in early April and ending in May. At this time, the temperature rises, the ice and snow melt, and there is less rain. On the other hand, the roads leading to the city from various scenic spots in Tibet are also unobstructed. Tourists can easily go on outdoor sightseeing. In addition, the sky is cloudless at this time. You may have a better chance of seeing Mount Everest and other peaks in Tibet. For general tourists, April and May are the best time to travel to Everest Base Camp.

Tibet has a shorter autumn season, generally from September to October. September to October is also an ideal time for the Tibet trekking tour. You can hike to Everest Base Camp and experience the Mount Kailash pilgrimage. In addition, Tibet's rich autumn colors can also make for fantastic photos.

Visit Tibet in the Summer

Tibet has an average altitude of over 4,000 meters, and the maximum temperature usually does not exceed 30°C. This pleasant climate attracts numerous people who seek a cool and comfortable summer getaway. At the same time, the oxygen content also reaches the maximum, with an average oxygen content of 66.3%. Therefore, tourists do not have to worry about altitude sickness, and it is suitable for Tibet family tours with young kids and the elderly. 

Summer is also the best time to experience Tibetan festivals. For example, the Shoton Festival is usually held in August, and the Horse Racing Festival is also held in August. Although summer is the rainy season in Tibet, there is more rainfall. The rainfall mostly occurs in the afternoon or at night. Visitors can enjoy the green mountains and waters after the rain, and the flowers are in full bloom. In addition, summer is also the best time for climbers. Many climbers try to climb many surrounding peaks, such as Mount Everest, Mount Kailash, etc.

Visit Tibet in the Winter

Winter is the low season for Tibet tourism. For most tourists, winter is the least suitable time to visit Tibet. However, due to fewer tourists, you enjoy more discounts on hotels, dining, train and flight tickets, etc. In addition, Winter is the best season for local Tibetans to make their pilgrimage and travel to Lhasa. During the important festivals, you will experience the authentic Tibetan culture and celebrate the festivals with local Tibetans. 

The Best Time to Visit Tibet Attractions

Tibet has many tourist attractions. Therefore, the best time to visit different attractions in Tibet is slightly different.

Best Time to Visit Lhasa City

Lhasa is the capital of Tibet. There are many tourist attractions in and around Lhasa. The best time to visit Lhasa is from June to October.

Best Time to Visit Namtso Lake

Situated to the north of Lhasa, Lake Namtso is one of the most breathtaking lakes on the plateau. The best time to visit is from June to September. The weather is warm and pleasant at this time, suitable for traveling.

Best Time to Visit Everest Base Camp

If you plan to travel to Everest Base Camp (EBC) in Tibet, the best times to travel are from April to May and September to October. During these months the sky is clear and bright with no clouds. You are more likely to see the magnificent view of the summit of Mount Everest. It is probably going to be hidden behind thick clouds during the rest of the year.

Best Time to Visit Mount Kailash

Similar to visiting the Everest Base Camp, April to May and September to October are also the best times to go on a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and circumambulate the mountain. The temperature near Mount Kailash is higher and the oxygen content is higher at the time. In addition, you can also avoid the adverse effects of heavy snow and monsoon rains. On the other hand, the traditional Tibetan Buddhist festival of Saga Dawa is also held around mid-April.

Best Time to Visit Tibet for Photography

The best time for photography in Tibet is during the clear and stable weather from March to October. In March, peach blossoms are in full bloom, while the end of May is the season for rhododendrons. July and August are the best time for nature and humanities photography. The autumn months of September and October are especially ideal, as the golden hues of the landscape and the clear views of the Himalayas create a breathtaking backdrop for photographers.

Best Time to Visit Tibet for Tibetan Festivals

Tibetan culture is rich in traditions and festivals, and the best time to experience them is during the peak tourist season from April to October. There are several big festivals held in August meanwhile, such as the Shoton Festival, Nagqu Horse Racing Festival, Ganden Thangka Festival, etc. However, visitors should be prepared for large crowds.

Some of the most significant festivals in Tibet include:

Saga Dawa Festival: This important Buddhist festival takes place in May or June and celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Buddha. The festival is marked by pilgrimages, prayers, and various religious activities.

Shoton Festival: Held in August or September, the Shoton Festival is a week-long celebration that features Tibetan opera performances, traditional music and dance, and the unveiling of a giant Thangka (Buddhist painting) at the Drepung Monastery.

Tibetan Horse Racing Festival: Taking place in July or August, this festival showcases the skill and agility of Tibetan horse riders, as well as traditional dancing and singing performances.

Ganden Thangka Festival: This festival is celebrated in August and is known for the unveiling of a giant thangka at Ganden Monastery.

Bathing Festival: This festival is celebrated in August or September and involves locals and pilgrims taking ritual baths in rivers or lakes to purify themselves.

Note: Festival dates are calculated using the Tibetan lunar calendar, and as a result corresponds to different dates in each year.

How to Plan Your Tibet Tour?

If you're a first-time visitor to Tibet, we recommend spending 7 to 15 days exploring this region. This will give you enough time to acclimate to the high altitude, as well as to visit some of the most important cultural and natural sites in the area.

Lhasa City Tour and Surroundings 4 Days or 5 DaysFor 4 days, it is highly recommended to visit Lhasa Private Tour for 5 Days Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake Tour, it is highly recommended to visit Lhasa Essence Tour with Great Three Monasteries

Add 2 or 3 More Days to Visit Gyantse & Shigatse 5 days, it is highly recommended to visit 7 Days Lhasa to Yamdrok & Mt. Everest Tour, it is highly recommended to visit Lhasa Namtso Lake Private Tour

Add 2 More Days to Mount Everest for 7 days, it is highly recommended to visit Tibet Nepal Overland Tour from Lhasa to Gyirong via EB 7 days, it is highly recommended to visit Tibet Discovery Tour from Lhasa to Mount Everest Base Camp

To extend further, you can cover Mount Kailash (3 Days), Guge Kingdom & Zanda Earth Forest (1 Day), Namtso Lake (1 Day), etc.9 Days Lhasa to EBC and Namtso Lake Classic Tour hasa to EBC with Namtso Lake16 Days Mount Kailash Pilgrimage Tour with Lhasa Shigatse & EBC

Explore Tibet with Travel Tibet China

With more than 10 years of local expertise in Lhasa and Tibet, our dedicated team at travel tibet china brings you carefully curated Tibet tours for an authentic and unforgettable experience.

Drawing upon our extensive experience, we have meticulously crafted a range of Tibet tour packages, including Lhasa tours, Mount Everest Tours, Mount Kailash Tours, Tibet Trekking Tours, Tibet Train Tours, and Tibet Overland Tours. Whether you prefer the comfort and flexibility of a private tour or the budget-friendly option of a group tour, we have you covered without compromising on quality.

Conclusion

The best time to visit Tibet is usually April to May and September to October. However, the best travel time to various attractions in Tibet varies. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the best time to visit Tibet.