Tibet Climate

For 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 March to October, the best seasons for traveling. Most annual rainfall comes in the rainy season that starts from May to September, 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.

Winters (November to March) are cold (the average temperature in January is -2°C) but there isn’t all that much snow. Summers (May to September) have warm days with strong sunshine and cool nights. At higher elevations (ie above 4000m) even summer days can be chilly. During spring and autumn you need to be prepared for four seasons in one day, including the possibility of snowfall.

Lhasa: The Friendship highway is basically in good conditions year around. But from December to February, the thawed road could make some trouble besides, try to avoid August - landslide could happen in the rainy season.

Eastern Part: Try to avoid visiting this area during the July and August. The dangers of landslides will occur because of the rain seasons.

Northern Part: Best time to visit this area is summer. The great grassland in northern Tibet will be the most attractive site during this period. With the average altitude of 4,500m, this area offers very limited time for tourists.

Mt. Everest Region: Tourists can visit Mt. Everest in early May and Early October. The fine weather provides a good condition to see Mt. Everest's true face. From December to February, it's too cold to go to this region. But the magnetism of Mt. Everest always attracts people anytime of the year.

Ali (Mt.Kailash): It is an inhospitable area even without climate restrictions. Big rain and snow could make the journey worse. However, for those determined tourists, the appropriate time is May, June, July, September and October.