Weather and Climate of Tibet

The Tibetan climate is not as harsh as many people imagine it to be. It is suitable for travel to Tibet from April to the beginning of November, and the best time is August and September. But if you only stay in Lhasa, you can go there any time of the year.

The sunlight is extremely strong in Tibet in Lhasa its so intense that the city is called Sunlight City. The thin air can neither block off nor retain heat so that the temperature extremes can be met in daytime and the same night respectively in Tibet. However it is not impossible to visit the holy snow land. May, June and September are the tourism season in east Tibet.

Most annual rainfall comes in the rainy season that starts from June to September. Usually it rains at night in Lhasa, Shigatse and Chamdo area. The rainfall may block roads and make travel difficult but the scenery at the time will be the best.

Listed below we provide more specific information in different areas:

Lhasa /Shigatse /Lhatse /Tingri /Nyalan:
Along the Friendship highway generally good conditions year around. From December to February, you may experience difficulties with the road. Try to avoid August  as landslides could occur in the rainy season.

Mt. Everest Area:
Early May and early October are the best time to visit Mt. Everest. Clear weather, provides a great chance to see Mt. Everest’s true face (if you are lucky). From December to February, this area is too cold – except if you are real Adventure People.

Ali (Mt.Kailash):
Even without climate restrictions, this area is already inhospitable. Large amounts of rain and snow could affect your journey. However, for those determined tourists, the appropriate time is May, June, July, September and October.

Eastern Tibet:
Try to avoid this area in July and August as the rainy season can damage the road, making terrible landslides. In winter, the road could be frozen.

Northern Tibet:
With the average altitude of 4,500m, this area offers very limited time for tourists. Summer (July to August) is the prime time to enjoy the great plain in northern Tibet.