Tibet Weather

The weather in Tibet is similar to that of Mainland China, though with lower temperatures due to higher altitudes. Summers have warm days with strong sunshine and cool nights, but summer days can even be chilly at higher elevations. Winters are cold but there isn't all that much snow. Lhasa enjoys much sunshine even in winter.

Generally speaking, Tibet is cold and dry all year round. Most of Tibet experiences frost at least 6 months of the year. Some high lakes are frozen from October to March. The weather varies a lot from region to region. Lhasa is an ideal destination because it is in a valley area of lower elevation.

When is the best time to visit Tibet?

To our travelers, nothing matters more than visiting Tibet with pleasing weather. Overall, for enjoying the best Himalayan view and all kinds of outdoor sports in Tibet, April to early June, and Sept. to Oct. are wildly believed to be the best time to visit Tibet. Meanwhile, you certainly can’t afford to miss out the exciting Tibetan festival like Saga Dawa and Shoton Festival, Nagqu Horse Racing festival etc. in the summertime and budget-friendly tour season in winter.

To help you time your visit at the right time, we show you a year-round guide to Tibet weather and climate and the panorama of Tibet weather in the highly popular tourist destinations and thematic tours in different seasons. Check the detailed guide below and get inspired for your perfect time for the visit.

Tibet in Spring (April to May)

Spring is one of Best Times to visit Tibet if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy moderate temperatures, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 19°C. During this time, the snow begins to melt, and the flowers start to bloom, making it an ideal time for trekking and sightseeing. (Please note: Tibet is usually closed to visitors in March for Tibetan New Year)

Tibet in Summer (June to August)

In summer, the weather is warm during the day and cool at night, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 24°C. The lush vegetation and the highest oxygen content, make it a lower risk to suffer altitude sickness. However, it is important to note that the summer season may have also occasional rain and thunderstorms.

Tibet in Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is considered one of Best Times to visit Tibet, with clear skies, stunning views of the Himalayas, and comfortable temperatures ranging from 7°C to 20°C. The autumn colors add to the beauty of the landscape, making it a good time to hike and trek in Tibet. Additionally, the clear skies provide an excellent opportunity for photography enthusiasts to capture the majestic mountain peaks without the obstruction of clouds.

Tibet in Winter (December to February)

Winter is the coldest season in Tibet, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 11°C. Although the weather is cold and dry, the skies are often clear, providing the clearest snow-capped mountains and the most colorful rivers. However, some attractions may be closed due to heavy snowfall, and travel to remote areas can be challenging.

Tibet Weather by Region

Tibet is a vast area, the topography and altitude varies greatly from eastern part to western part. Thus the temperature varies greatly in different areas, even within a single day at the same place. The weather change is huge In mountain areas than that is in central twonship areas. For travelers who plan a tour to different part of Tibet, it is necessary to know the weather difference before they go.

Weather and Climite of Everest Base Camp

Due to the rather high altitude, Mount Everest is covered by snow all year round. The climate is quite harsh. The most distinctive feature of the EBC climate may be its extremely huge temperature gap between day and night. The best time to travel to EBC is from early March through the end of October. The climate will be relatively good and the temperature comparatively mild. But you should remember that it is quite cold at night (very likely below 0 °C even in summer), even though it can be warm (possibly around 10 °C) in the daytime because of the sunshine.

From January to March

You can enjoy a very clear view of Mt. Everest, but it is kind of cold. There may be some snows. u Bring warm clothes and pay attention to the slippery roads.

From April to mid-June

This would be the best time to visit Mt. Everest for it is warm. Many mountaineers choose to climb Mt. Everest during this period of time.

From mid-June to August

There will be a lot of rainfalls during these months. Mt. Everest may be covered by mist, so it is likely that you cannot have a clear view.

From September to November

This is when winter arrives. The weather at Mt. Everest is relatively harsh. Chances are that you may not see its summit clearly because it is too cloudy.