Weather in Tibet varies significantly in different regions base on the location and elevations.
Though there are all four seasons in Tibet, it is usually icy at high altitude, even in the summer months. Summer is central and southern Tibet is warm.
Winter in Tibet is not as cold as many would imagine. We enjoy mild winter, and it is not as cold as other cities in the northern hemisphere like Beijing and New York. Travelling to Tibet in winter offers one of the best cultural experiences in Tibet, with limited access to the higher area like mount Kailash.
WEATHER IN LHASA
Counter to popular view, the climate in Lhasa and its surrounding area stay pleasant for most years.
Summer months are warm with hot during days and cool in the evenings. You will also have to know. It would be scorching hot in the sun, very chilly in the shades. So it is best to wear clothes in layer and always bring a windproof coat along with you.
Half the summer months are rainy season in Tibet. It starts around June until September.
Winter in Lhasa is mild, and the temperature rarely touches below -5°C /23 °F, and lowerest I have recorded was around -10°C /14 °F. Winter months usually cold and dry due to lack of humidity. There will be lots of sunny days in the winter in Lhasa.
The best time to visit Lhasa is from April to September. It is usually a busy touristy season. As mentioned above, winter is an excellent time to come if you are interested in seeing fewer tourists and more Tibetan. It is also a golden time to get good photography for clear sky and traditional looks of Tibetans coming to Lhasa for pilgrimage in winter days.
WEATHER IN SHIGATSE
Shigatse is located a little higher than comparing with Lhasa. Hence it is a little colder than Lhasa. The temperature in winter is Shigatse will fall between -10°C/ 13°F to +5°C/ 40°F. Summer in Shigatse is as pleasant as it is in Lhasa.
WEATHER IN LHOKA PREFECTURE IN SOUTHERN TIBET
Here altitude is a little lower than Lhasa, and you will find a warmers temperature. Summer here is scorching and Yet pleasant, along with the breeze of the Yarlung River. Summer brings plenty of opportunity for hiking and river rafting. Ganden to Samye trail in the region is a famous trekking route in Tibet.
WEATHER IN MOUNT EVEREST REGION
The tourist basecamp at Mount Everest is located right at the Rongbuk Monastery at an elevation of 5200 meters above sea level, slightly lower than the mountaineer basecamp.
The climate here is very harsh because of its high elevation. It would be cold and windy most of the time. During the night, the temperature usually falls below freezing. Yet sun ray is extreme due to the proximity to the sun due to elevation and thin air. It is recommended to wear sunglasses.
The most recommendable time to Everest Basecamp is between the second half of April to June and the second half of September to October.
It is not recommended to visit during the rainy season in Tibet. As during that season, the mount would usually shy away behind the monsoon clouds.
For Everest Basecamp, you will always require a warm Jacket, warm scarf, hat and Gloves.
Accommodation at the Basecamp could be either the Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse or the Tent hostel depending upon your budget. If you are visiting during the offseason, you can ask your travel agent for an upgrade.
The tent hostel has a stove burning Yak poop and lots of blankets. You can ask the maid about the stove burning in the night.
If you stay at the monastery guest house, there is a stove in the restaurant that usually keeps open until late in the night. You will find an electric mattress on your bed which help keep you warm at night.
The tent hostel is usually close during the offseasons, like in April, October and the winter months.
Another essential thing to know about visiting the Basecamp is during the rainy season. It usually gets cloudy from July to September, and the clouds will obstruct your view of the mount and the entire Himalayas.
WEATHER IN MOUNT KAILASH REGION
It is common for a traveller to do three days of hiking around Mount Kailash along with Tibetan Buddhist Pilgrims. The trail is about 54 kilometres long, and it takes you up to 5640 meters above the sea at its peak point.
Climate plays a vital role in your health at such a high trail. The best time for visiting Mt Kailash is from April to May and from the second half of September to October. It would be too harsh for many to visit during the wintertime. Yet we sometimes get people visiting Kailash in Winter. I have personally lived at the foot of Kailash for a month.
Adventures to Mount Kailash requires you to bring warmer clothes like a ground jacket, sweater, thermal base layer, gloves and scarf. It is also vital to bring good sunglass, a sun cap and sunscreen lotion.
CONCLUSION OF WEATHER IN TIBET
Though Weather in Tibet is not as extreme as many would think, it differs as per region in lower elevation. Tibet is colder and dryer as compared to the other areas.
I hope this post brings you all the required information about the best time to travel to Tibet. If you have any questions on the best time to travel to Tibet, you can write to me at woaber@nomadictibet.com.
You can also contact me for free travel consultation for Tibet and Tibet tour planning.
