We are frequently asked what's the best time to visit Lhasa or Tibet and what to wear. In general, the ideal time is from May to September when the weather is more pleasant. However, if you can bring a coat, you may also enjoy a great tour of Lhasa during February, March, April, October, and November.

Here we share the monthly temperature, climate features, and recommended outfits for each month in Lhasa for your reference.

January and February in Lhasa: Cold and Dry

Lhasa Climate Features in January and February

January and February are cold months in Lhasa. However, the temperature has remarkable differences between day and night. The average temperature is around 0°C (32.0°F), with a minimum of -10.1°C (13.8°F), and a maximum of 9°C (48.2°F). Besides feeling cold, the air is normally dry. The total rainfall of each month is no more than 1 MM (0 inches), and all occur in a day.

Lhasa Climate in January and February

Tourism Features in January and February

During this period, Lhasa typically experiences sunny weather and excellent visibility, offering you the perfect opportunity to marvel at the breathtaking Potala Palace against the backdrop of a clear blue sky.

Also, many Tibetan locals from the remote towns or villages are not busy with the farming at this time. They usually come to Lhasa for the pilgrimage. You can seize this opportunity to interact with them and gain a deeper understanding of our local culture.

In addition, you may witness the annual Tibetan New Year, also called Losar in Tibetan language. Excitingly, in 2024, Losar begins on February 10, coinciding with the traditional Chinese New Year.

Visit the breathtaking Potala Palace in January

What to Wear During Traveling in January and February?

Necessary items: lip balm, sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, and medicines.

Outfit: woolen hat + tops (thermal underwear, sweater, thick coat) + bottoms (long johns + thick pants) + thick cotton socks + sneakers

4 Days Lhasa Impression Small Group Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa

Price from USD509 p.p

March in Lhasa: Cold and Dry

Climate Features in March

Lhasa in March is still chilly. On the coldest nights, the temperature can fall to -3°C (26.6°F). Conversely, on the warmest days, the temperature can reach around 12.1°C (53.8°F).

The air is still dry. The reason for this is that the total rainfall was about 2mm (0.1 inches), and it all happened in one day.

Lhasa Climage in March

Tourism Features in March

Compared to the peak season, there are fewer tourists and shorter queues in March. If you want to see the natural scenery, Nyingchi is a good place to visit. In March, the Peach Blossom Festival is being held there. You can enjoy the swaying peach blossoms in the breeze.

Enjoy the swaying peach blossoms in the breeze of Tibet Nyingchi.

What to Wear During Traveling in March?

Necessary items: lip balm, sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, and medicines.

Outfit: tops (thermal underwear, thick cotton jacket) + bottoms (long johns + thick pants) + cotton socks + sneakers

April in Lhasa: Warmer than Jan., Feb., and Mar.

Climate Features in April

In April, Lhasa is mild. It’s warmer than January, February and March. The average temperature is about 8.25°C (46.9°F), with generally range from 0.9°C (33.6°F) to 15.6°C (60.1°F).

As time goes by, the total rainfall increased from 2MM (0.1 Inches) to 5.2MM (0.2 inches). The total number of rainy days is no more than 2 days.

Lhasa Climate in April

Tourism Features in April

As the weather warms up, various attractions in Tibet gradually open up. April is the right time for a Tibet tour of the temples and monasteries in Tibet. Also, you can stroll on Barkhor Street where you can buy souvenirs from various vendors.

To wander in Lalu Wetland National Nature Preserve is also wonderful, where you can admire the world's largest wetlands in an urban area.

Visit the Jokhang Temple in April.

What to Wear During Traveling in April?

Necessary items: lip balm, sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, and medicines.

Outfit: tops (thermal underwear, thick cotton jacket) + bottoms (long johns + thick pants) + cotton socks + sneakers

6 Days Central Tibet Culture Small Group Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse- Lhasa

Price from USD799 p.p

May and June in Tibet: Warm Days and Cold Nights

Climate Features in May and June

May and June are both mild months. The average temperature is around 14°C (57.2°F), with a minimum of 5°C (41.0°F), and a maximum of 16°C (60.8°F). It is obvious that the days are warmer and the nights are colder, so please be careful to keep warm.

In late June, the rainy season approaches in Lhasa. During the period, the total rainfall gradually rises to around 72.3MM (2.8 Inches). Also, the total number of rainy days increases from 5.3 days to 9.6 days.

Lhasa Climate in May and June

Tourism Features in May and June

It’s an ideal time to visit the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street. You can admire the magnificent Tibetan architectures and precious religious artifacts.

In May, Lhasa will become more vibrant than before, because the Saga Dawa Festival will be held. Importantly, there is a chance for you to interact with Tibetan Buddhists who go to monasteries for the pilgrimage.

Visit Barkhor Street in May

What to Wear During Traveling in May and June?

Necessary items: lip balm, sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, and medicines.

Outfit: tops (long sleeve shirt, sport coat) + bottoms (thin fall pants + casual pants) + light cotton socks + light sneakers

Other: Carry a portable umbrella or raincoat

July and August in Lhasa: Summer Season but with Rainy Season

Climate Features in July and August

In July and August, the summer arrived in Lhasa. Not humid, more like a cooler summer resort. The average temperature is about 15°C (59°F), with a minimum of 9.4°C (48.9°F) and a maximum of 22.1°C (71.8°F).

Also, the rainy season has arrived. The rainfall gradually rises each month, reaching its peak in August. Its rainfall exceeds 120 mm (4.7 Inches) and occurs almost half of a month.

Lhasa Climate in July and August

Tourism Features in July and August

In July and August, Lhasa is like a tourist paradise. If you like Tibet religion , you can visit various monasteries in Tibet to enjoy the religious atmosphere. If you like natural scenery more, you can take a tour of the sacred lakes to enjoy the enchanting lake view.

During midsummer, the Tibetan Shoton Festival will be held in Lhasa. Importantly, you can watch the Tibetan opera performance in the monastery, which is a spiritual treat.

What to Wear During Traveling in July and August?

Necessary items: lip balm, sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, and medicines. Outfit: tops (T-shirt, thin coat) + bottoms (casual pants) + light cotton socks + light sneakers Other: Carry a portable umbrella or raincoat

6 Days Lhasa to Lake Namtso Small Group Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Damxung - Lhasa

Price from USD779 p.p

September and October in Lhasa: Autumn

Climate Features in September and October

In September and October, the autumn has arrived in Lhasa. The average temperature of this period is about 11.2°C (52.1°F), with a minimum of 1.3°C (34.3°F) and a maximum of 19.7°C (67.5°F).

In September, the rainy season transitions to the dry season. As time goes by, the monthly rainfall gradually diminishes from 58.3MM (2.3 Inches) to 10.2 MM (0,4 Inches). Also, the total number of rainy days falls from 10 days to 2.3 days.

Lhasa Climate in September and October

Tourism Features in September and October

In autumn, Lhasa adorns itself with golden yellow. To explore the beauty of Lhasa, you should not miss Zongjiao Lukang Park and Norbulingka. Golden trees, water birds, and exotic flowers form an oil painting, which will make you fall in love with Lhasa.

During this period, the Temba Buddha's Descending Festival and the Palden Lhamo Festival will be held in Lhasa. Many locals usually wear Tibetan costumes for the pilgrimage. It’s a good time to communicate with them for cultural exchange.

Visit the Norbulingka Monastery in September.

What to Wear During Traveling in September and October?

Necessary items: lip balm, sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, and medicines.

Outfit: tops (thermal underwear, sweater, double jacket) + bottoms (long johns + thick pants) + cotton socks + light sneaker

November and December in Lhasa: Winter Time

Climate Features in November and December

In November and December, the cold winter arrived in Lhasa. The average temperature is no more than 4°C (39.2°F), with a maximum of 11.2°C (52.2°F). On the coldest day, the temperature can even drop to -9°C (15.8°F).

In addition the cold, the air is still dry. The total rainfall amounts to no more than 1.7MM (0.1 Inches) and it all happens in one day.

Lhasa Climate in November and December

Tourism Features in November and December

Winter is not the peak season for traveling to Lhasa. It’s an ideal time for those who prefer a quieter travel experience at an affordable price.

In the daytime, you can wander between various monasteries. If time is enough, you can drink tea and sunbathe with Tibetans in the streets, which will show a more authentic Lhasa.

If you're interested in Mount Everest, you can go to Everest Base Camp. It’s a good time to see the enchanting peak of Mt. Everest and the mysterious flag cloud.

In December, you may have the chance to see the enchanting peak of Mt. Everest and the mysterious flag cloud

What to Wear During Traveling in November and December?

Necessary items: lip balm, sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, and medicines.

Outfit: woolen hat + tops (thermal underwear, thick sweater, thick coat) + bottoms (long johns + thick pants) + thick cotton socks + sneaker

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD939 p.p

Conclusion

If you’re planning a trip to Lhasa or Tibet, it's necessary to know the weather and what to wear. Regardless of the season, remember to keep warm and protect yourself from the sun. If you need any further information, feel free to contact us.