Weather in Tibet

Tibet, a place nicknamed “The Land of Snows”, there’s a surprising lack of snow. Visitors would not feel cold in winter nor hot in summer, especially from April to October, the best seasons for traveling. Most annual rainfall comes in the rainy season that starts from July to Aug., when the precipitation covers 90 percent of the whole year. Usually it rains at night in Lhasa, Shigatse and Chamdo area. The precipitations gradually decrease from 5000 millimeters in the lower part of southeast to just 50 in the northwest.

Best time to visit

Visitors are strongly advised to prepare appropriate clothing according to the season when traveling in summer and autumn. April to October are considered to be the best times to visit Tibet. You should pay attention to the climate of Tibet and prepare well according to weather forecast.

Dressing:

Spring (March - May)

1. The climate in Tibet in spring is warm in daytime and cold at night. In daytime, you can wear a sweater with a thick coat, long johns and sport pants. If you go out at night, please put on jackets and thick trousers to keep warm.

2. Shoes: high outdoor shoes are the best. Normal sneakers are good as well. The shoes should be thick enough to keep your feet warm.

3. Underwear: pure cotton is the most comfortable material and it's also good for cold-proof.

4. Hats: hats with a wider brim may protect your face from the sunlight.

Summer (Jun. - Aug.)

1.All kinds of clothes you may wear in summer are available to wear in Tibet. But it's better to prepare some long-sleeve clothes to keep you warm since it may be cold at night.

2. Take sunscreen with you which can protect you from UV. Hats and sunglasses are suggested in order to protect yourself from the sunburn.

Autumn (Sep. - Nov.)

1.In Lhasa, Nyingchi, Shannan, the weather in daytime is comfortable. You can just wear normal clothes and long johns. In the morning and at night, putting on a thick coat is enough to prevent from getting cold. For shoes, you can wear outdoor shoes.

2.If you travel to Nagqu and Nagri, where are with lower temperature, you’d better take jacket, thick sweater, ski-wear or other clothes with good heat retention property.

3.To Namsto Lake or Mount Everest, the temperature at night will fall to a few degrees which may be below zero. Do not forget to take jacket and thick sweater.

Winter (Dec. - Feb.)

1. In winter, Tibet’s temperature difference between daytime and night is large, and you need to bring down jacket or coat, fur boots, thermal underwear, gloves, hats, etc. to prevent cold and upper respiratory infections.

2. Due to Tibet's strong winter sunshine, it’s suggested to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm and other protective equipment.

3. Check Top 9 Things to Do in Winter Tibet.