Tibet Weather in Winter

Avoiding the tourist peak season to go to Tibet in winter, you can see a grand scenery of the snowy high plateau. If you're afraid of the cold weather in China, Tibet must be a good choice for you, since the weather here is not as cold as other cities in northern China.

Tibet Weather in Winter

Tibet's winter is not as cold as you think, along with the high latitudes and plenty of sunshine during the daytime, it brings the temperature to above 10℃, while evening is around zero, warmer than many places in the northern China. The weather in winter is dry, however you may not feel so cold under the sunshine, especially comfortable.

 

Climate Data Table for Tibet in winter ( Mar. to May )
 

Reasons for Traveling to Tibet in Winter

Opposite to the imagination of mainland people, Tibet is not very snowy and chilly in winter. Tibet is located at the lower latitudes, and in winter, the warm sunshine is everywhere from November to March of the next year. The main town’s average daytime temperature is 10 degrees Celsius to 18 degrees Celsius, 3-5 degrees Celsius higher than Beijing, it's not very cold. The air would be more pure, high visibility, with more magnificent scenery.

 

Visitors to Tibet mainly concentrate on traveling from May to September. Comparing with the peak tourist season, the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and other attractions have fewer crowds.

 

Traveling to Tibet in winter, the transportation, food, lodging, and tours are the most economical time. Tickets for various of attractions implement a  low season rate, such as the Potala Palace tickets, from November to the end of April next year, down from the peak of 200 yuan to 100 yuan. The airfare to Lhasa also enjoys high discount.

Tips for Taveling in Winter

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., in order to prevent cold and upper respiratory infections.

2. Due to Tibet's strong winter sunshine, you'd better bring sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm and other protective equipment.

3. Because of the intense ultraviolet rays on the plateau, you'd better search for some imformation of photography before your trip, in order to avoid bias purple color photographs. Use backlit while shooting people, to use the flash to fill light. While shooting plateau scenery, the best time should be before 9:00 or after 17:00. Generated by low-angle sunlight often makes the picture quite shocking.

In winter, Tibet indeed has the danger of hypoxia, especially for people who are the first time into the plateau. So, it is better to do some prevention one week in advance, such as eating Rhodiola, and do less exercises after deplaning.
 

 

 

Recommended Winter Tour: 6 Days Lhasa to Namtso Lake Tour (Lhasa-Nagqu)