October is one of the best time to visit Tibet! Take in breathtaking views of the Tibetan Plateau, accompanied by mild temperatures and the vibrant colors of autumn. Plus, the Festival also offers a unique glimpse into Tibetan traditions.

Here are the top 10 essential tips to help you make the most of your October journey in Tibet, ensuring an experience that’s both unforgettable and deeply immersive!

The Golden Autumn Views Makes October the Best Time to Visit Tibet

October, with an average of 26 sunny days due to reduced rainfall compared to the summer months, is a wonderful time to visit Tibet. For instance, Lhasa sees only about 10mm of rainfall in October. This means abundance of sunshine, clearer visibility, perfect for admiring landscapes.

Potala Palace in godlen hue in October

October in Tibet offers mild temperatures and warm sunlight, with daytime highs around 16°C - perfect for outdoor activities like a Lhasa day tour. This ideal weather highlights Tibet’s beauty, from Potala Palace to Everest Base Camp's stunning views, all bathed in golden light. In this article, we provide detailed information on Tibet's temperature and climate in October, read on for more insights.

Tibet Temperatures and Rainfall in October

Be Prepared of Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Differences

In October, Tibet experiences significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, with average differences of around 15 degrees. For example, Lhasa enjoys sunny days with average highs around 16°C, but temperatures can drop to 1°C at night.

In areas with higher altitude, these temperature differences can be even more pronounced. While days are generally mild and comfortable, nights can turn quite chilly. As one of the top destinations, Everest Base Camp, is colder, with temperatures ranging from -8°C to 17°C.

Insider Tips: We recommend bringing a warm down jacket to keep you warm for those chilly evenings. With the right gear, you'll be ready to fully enjoy your autumn adventure in Tibet. 

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour: Marvel at Mt.Everest Real Close from 4 Different Viewing Platforms

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

Price from USD949 p.p

On the trip to Mt. Everest, prepare for day-and-night contrasts, but with mild temperatures in October.

Shield yourself from Strong UV Radiations

Although it's autumn, Tibetan plateau still has significantly higher UV radiation . For example, in Lhasa, the average daily maximum UV index in October is 9. A UV Index estimate of 8 to 12 represents a very high health vulnerability from unsafe exposure to UV radiation.

Pack your sunscreen, sunglasses and hats to protect yourself from the intense sun. Also prepare some lip balm and moisturizer to prevent dry skin due to the dry air. 

Packing for any trip to Tibet can be challenging. To help, we’ve compiled a comprehensive packing list for a lifetime Tibet tour based on our 30 years of experience, ensuring you’re prepared for all conditions.

Expect Some Snow in the Last Ten Days of October in Tibet

As October winds down in Tibet, you should expect the possibility of snowfall in the last ten days of the month, especially in higher-altitude regions. Such as, Namtso Lake, Mount Kailash and Nagqu Prefecture.

Make sure to check the weather forecast regularly and stay updated before setting off to different spots. If you're unsure where to find information about closures, our local tour guide will be more than happy to help you in any time. 

10 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp, Namtso Lake and Holy Elephant Gate Small Group Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Shigatse - Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Holy Elephant Gate - Lhasa

Price from USD1299 p.p

This trip to the Namtso Lake section offers the chance to experience snowfall in late October.

How to Avoid the October 1st Holiday Rush?

We recommend arriving in Tibet a few days before or after the holiday periods to avoid the crowds. During peak times, you may encounter a bit more bustle in the region, and transportation costs tend to rise. However, aside from the increase in transportation fees, most other prices like our classic 8-day Lhasa to Mt.Everest Tour remain stable.

After October 10th, the crowds begin to lessen. Not only will you enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, but prices also drop significantly. Visiting during this time offers the perfect balance: a serene experience with mild weather and more affordable travel costs.

October is the Last Month to Visit Lake Namtso and Mount Kailash

The best time to visit Lake Namtso and Mt. Kailash is from mid-April to October, when the weather is milder, temperatures are comfortable, and access and services are better. In November, snowfall may close the routes to these destinations, making October the last opportunity to visit before winter sets in.

The max. and min. temperature in Mt.Kailash is about 3.7℃ to -9.8 ℃

Additionally, October’s clear skies and mild temperatures provide ideal conditions for a rewarding pilgrimage experience. Our Tibet small group tours to Lake Namtso and Mount Kailash are only available until October; if you miss this window, you'll have to wait another year.

15 Days Kailash and Manasarovar Small Group Tour: A pilgrim’s final fantasy and the greatest overland trip in Tibet.

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - E.B.C - Saga - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Lake Manasarovar - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa

Price from USD2069 p.p

This is the trip for any of Kailash tourists; the ultimate overland trip of Tibet.

Don't Miss out Our Celebrating Harvest Festival - Ongkor Festival

The Ongkor Festival, meaning “good wishes for harvest,” is one of the most cherished events in the Tibetan lunar calendar, where Tibetans pray for an abundant autumn harvest. Held in the 8th month of Tibetan calendar, the festival features activities like farmland parading, horse racing, archery, dancing, Tibetan opera, stone lifting, and wrestling.

Our beloved guests dance with locals at Ongkor Festival

These lively events reflect the community’s hopes for prosperity, offering an authentic taste of Tibetan tradition. October is the perfect time to witness this vibrant celebration firsthand. Reach out to us for more details on our exclusive Tibet festival tour.

October Offers the Most Clearest Days at Mt.Everest

Clear skies are crucial for enjoying the breathtaking views of Mt. Everest. In the Everest region, October offers around 25-27 clear days on average, making it the perfect time for early risers to experience stunning sunrises over the world’s tallest peak while trekking, hiking, or cycling.

Join us for our 8 days Everest Base Camp Tour where you’ll admire the breathtaking beauty of Mount Everest from four stunning viewpoints. Whether you’re a passionate photographer or a nature enthusiast, this unforgettable experience is one you won’t want to miss!

Clear sky at Mount Everst in October

The Rule of Wearing in Layers Should Always be Kept In Mind

To prepare for Tibet’s October temperature shifts between day and night, it’s essential to dress in easily adjustable layers. When exploring areas like Lhasa, start with a dry-fit shirt as your base layer, add a warm wool fleece for insulation, and top it off with a windbreaker as your outer layer.

If you're heading to high-altitude areas like Mt.Everest or Mt.Kailash, be sure to dress warmer. We recommend bringing a down jacket to stay cozy during the cooler moments. For hiking, sturdy shoes and hiking poles are essential to ensure comfort and protection on your journey.

Properly dressed in layers when visiting Tibet at any time

Top 3 Tibet Tours to Explore the Best of Tibet in October

Considering the needs of different tourists, we have carefully selected the top 3 tours:

8-day Lhasa to EBC Small Group Tour is the best tour if you are visit Tibet for the first time. It covers almost all the iconic attractions in Tibet and offers you time to acclimatize before heading to higher altitude regions by touring around Lhasa for two days. It’s also our most popular tour that cover highlights of Tibet within just 8 days.

15 days Kailash and Manasarovar Small Group Tour is best for those who has a little bit more time to explore Tibet plateau. This tour offers not only an opportunity to visit amazing sights like Lhasa and EBC, but also an adventurous trekking experience at sacred Mt.Kailash. One of our best tours to take in Tibet, as it combines adventure, spirituality, and natural beauty that will embark on this extraordinary journey.

The 7-day Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tour is an overland journey that takes you east to west across the Tibetan Plateau. along with attractions in Lhasa, you’ll visit Himalayan peaks including Mt.Everest, before continuing through the tranquil Gyirong Valley. This journey culminates in Kathmandu, where you can embark on further adventures into the mysterious east.

In addition to the three popular tours mentioned above, we offer a range of Tibet tours from 4 to 17 days.

Conclusion

We hope these tips inspire your October journey to Tibet! With mild weather, clear skies, and vivid autumn landscapes, October is a prime time to visit. Whether you prefer a custom itinerary or a small group tour, we Tibet Vista are ready to bring your autumn adventure to life. Contact us to start planning!