Tibet Weather
The climate of Tibet is unique, complex, and diverse due to the influence of terrain, physiognomy, and atmospheric circulation. The climate is generally cold and dry in the northwest and warm and humid in the southeast. Therefore, climate types vary from southeast to northwest.
With the increase in altitude, oxygen content in each cubic meter of air gradually decreases. At an altitude of 3,000 meters, it is equivalent to 73% of sea level, 62%-65.4% at 4,000 meters, 59% at 5,000 meters, and less than 52% above 6,000 meters.
Under the alternating control of the west wind in winter and the southwest monsoon in summer, it has distinct differences between the dry and rainy seasons. Generally, the dry season is from October to next year in April, and the rainy season is from May to September. The annual precipitation is from 5000 mm in the lowlands in the southeast to 50 mm in the northwest.
There are distinct differences in climate between southern Tibet and northern Tibet. South Tibet valley is mild and rainy, with an annual average temperature of 8℃, a minimum monthly average temperature of -16℃, and a maximum monthly average temperature above 16℃. The Northern Tibetan Plateau is a typical continental climate, with an annual average temperature below 0℃, a freezing period of half a year, the highest of which is no more than 10℃ in July, and warmer from June to August.
Tibet has the most solar radiation energy in China, and the sunshine hours are also the highest in China. Compared with mainland China, the temperature in most areas of Tibet is low, with a small annual temperature difference but a large temperature difference between day and night.
The following are the highest and lowest temperatures in each district of Tibet every month, hoping to provide a reference for your travel.
Annual Average Temperature |
Lhasa |
Nyingchi |
Shigatse |
Mount Everest |
Namtso |
Ngari |
January |
-9 / 10 |
-5 / 12 |
-15 / 10 |
-20 / 9 |
-20 / 3 |
-26 / -2 |
February |
-6 / 13 |
-2 / 11 |
-13 / 13 |
-18 / 10 |
-18 / 3 |
-20 / 1 |
March |
-3 / 16 |
0 / 13 |
-9 / 15 |
-11 / 9 |
-12 / 9 |
-13 / 6 |
April |
0 / 18 |
3 / 17 |
0 / 17 |
-6 / 12 |
-7 / 11 |
-8 / 10 |
May |
3 / 20 |
6 / 20 |
3 / 21 |
-1 / 15 |
-2 / 13 |
-4 / 12 |
June |
20 / 23 |
12 / 21 |
7 / 25 |
5 / 20 |
1 / 15 |
4 / 18 |
July |
13 / 25 |
14 / 22 |
9 / 24 |
8 / 22 |
5 / 19 |
8 / 22 |
August |
12 / 23 |
13 / 21 |
7 / 22 |
6 / 20 |
4 / 18 |
10 / 24 |
September |
10 / 22 |
12 / 20 |
6 / 23 |
5 / 19 |
1 / 18 |
3 / 19 |
October |
5 / 21 |
9 / 17 |
-5 / 21 |
-5 / 16 |
-8 / 16 |
-10 / 10 |
November |
-2 / 16 |
0 / 13 |
-10 / 14 |
-14 / 10 |
-15 / 8 |
-15 / 5 |
December |
-6 / 10 |
-4 / 10 |
-13 / 11 |
-16 / 8 |
-20 / 6 |
-20 / 2 |
The Best Time to Visit Tibet: April, May, September, and October
Because Tibet has a vast territory and the altitude varies widely from place to place, the suitable travel time will differ from place to place. The following are some suggestions on the appropriate travel time for seven regions in Tibet.
Lhasa: June to September
Lhasa is the capital of Tibet, the most developed place in Tibet, and the first stop for many travelers to Tibet. From June to September is the best time that Lhasa has the best climate, the highest oxygen concentration, and the most beautiful natural scenery.
Nyingchi: March to April
From March to April, this is the time when the peach blossoms in Nyingchi are in full bloom, and the beautiful pastoral scenery makes you feel like you are in Jiangnan. If you have altitude sickness when you first arrive in Lhasa, it is recommended to go to Nyingchi, the lowest altitude, which is very helpful in alleviating altitude sickness.
Shigatse: April to October (The best time to go to Mount Everest is in May and June)
The best time to travel Shigatse is from April to October, while the peak season is from May to September. I recommend traveling between May and June if you want to go to Mount Everest for an adventure tour. From October to next year April, it is not suitable to travel in snowy peaks. In addition, July and August are rainy seasons, and Mount Everest cannot seen in the misty rain.
Ali: July to September
Ali, located in the core of Qiangtang Plateau in the north of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, is one of the regions with the lowest population density in the world and has unique plateau natural features. However, Ali is indeed the region with the worst natural conditions in Tibet, so I recommend traveling from July to September when you can avoid the rainy seasons and cold winter.
Nagqu: May to September
Nagqu is located in the north of Tibet, between the Tanggula Mountains and Nyenchen Tanglha, with a cold, lack of oxygen and dry climate. May to September is relatively warm, which is the golden season of grassland. The climate is mild during this period, especially the Nagqu Horse Racing Festival held in August, which will bring you different experiences.
Shannan: June to August
In Tibet, Shannan has prosperous cultural relics and historical sites. You will see the original Tibetan culture and more authentic Tibetan customs here. The highest temperature in Shannan from June to August is about 20℃, which is suitable for traveling.
Chamdo: May, June and September
In the ancient geological age, due to the high temperature and high humidity, iron oxidation created the red land of Chamdo, which gave birth to the rare Danxia beauty on the plateau. May, June, and September are the best time to go to Chamdo, and most other times will be poor traffic due to rain and snow.
