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Pioneer of Tibet Tourism for Overseas Travelers since 1984!
Tibet in Summer: Climate, Temperature, and How to Travel Tibet in Summer
Summer is a fantastic season to visit Tibet with the warmest temperature and the highest oxygen content throughout the year. It is also the peak tourist season in Tibet, and travel costs are relatively high.
In addition to making early reservations for your Tibet tours during the peak season, the sudden rainfall in summer is also one thing to be concerned about. Although summer is the rainy season in Tibet, the rainfall comes and goes quickly, mostly at night, which has little impact on daytime tours.
Here, we are going to introduce more detailed weather conditions of summer in Tibet, along with useful dressing tips, and what to expect for your Tibet tour during the summer.
1.What Months are the Summer Season in Tibet? What is the Climate & Temperature Like? Is It Hot?
2.Is Summer Crowded and Expensive for Visiting Tibet?
3.What are the Highlights and Benefits of Traveling to Tibet in Summer?
4.What Could Possibly Be Missed When Visiting Tibet in Summer? What are the Solutions?
5.How to Pack Clothes and Shoes for Visiting Tibet in the Summer?
1. What Months are the Summer Season in Tibet? What is the Climate & Temperature Like? Is It Hot?
Summer in Tibet is relatively short, from June to the end of August, during which the temperatures are the highest of the whole year.
June is a transition month when the southwest monsoon begins, and temperatures start to rise. Daytime highs average 20°c, but evenings can be cool, dropping to 6°c in low-altitude regions. In higher-altitude regions, like the Everest Base Camp, nighttime temperatures can still drop below freezing. Days are warmer, between 15-20°c. Rain becomes more frequent in the second half of the month, averaging 50-70mm.
Even in summer, the Everest Base Camp in Tibet can drop to around 5°C, so keep warm when you visit.July is a proper summer in Tibet. Rain is more frequent, usually falling in the late afternoon and early evening. The average rainfall is 125-130mm, but there are still plenty of clear days. Around Lhasa and Nyingchi, highs of 26°c can be seen. In high-altitude areas, nighttime lows are around 1-2°c.
August has the heaviest rainfall, an average of 130mm. Most days are still sunny, but travel to remote areas can be interrupted by the weather. Rain often comes at night, leaving the days clear for traveling, but clouds can limit visibility. If you plan to visit Everest Base Camp in August, pay attention to this condition. Even in Lhasa, the daytime average temperature is 24°c, but nights drop to 9°c.
2. Is Summer Crowded and Expensive for Visiting Tibet?
July and August are the high travel season in Tibet. For domestic tourists, Tibet is a cool getaway from the summer heat. Popular attractions like Potala Palace and Everest Base Camp can be very crowded.
The increased demand from tourists can lead to higher hotel and tour prices. It is also a difficult time to book a flight or a train to Tibet. If you plan to travel to Tibet during the summer, it is best to start booking at least 2-3 months in advance in order to secure the arrangement you want.
3. What are the Highlights and Benefits of Traveling to Tibet in Summer?
For many people, the main benefit of summer in Tibet is the pleasant weather. 20°C-26°C is a perfect temperature to comfortably explore the outdoors, wander the streets of Lhasa, or trek the awesome trails in Tibet.
Summer is one of the best times to experience the cultural festivals that take place throughout the year. Traditional Tibetan festivals like the Shoton Festival, Tashilhunpo Thangka Festival, and Nagqu Horse Racing Festival fall between June and August.
For nature lovers, summer is not only a good time to be outdoors but also when the natural environment is at its most vibrant. The valleys and grasslands transform into lush greens with the summer rains. Local wildlife is at its most active. You can spot wild yaks, antelopes, and many species of birds. Lush vegetation also increases the oxygen content of Tibetan air, making tourists feel more comfortable when visiting Tibet in summer.
4. What Could Possibly Be Missed When Visiting Tibet in Summer? What are the Solutions?
Snow-covered landscapes are the biggest thing missing from most of Tibet in the summer. To experience snow, you can travel to higher altitude areas, particularly the high mountain passes like Gawula Pass on the way from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp, where snow cover can persist all year.
Get a panoramic view of Mount Everest with other highest peaks of the Himalayas from the Gaula Pass.Clear views of the landscapes and mountains can be a problem in the summer. The higher humidity increases the change of clouds, potentially obscuring your view. The best solution is to be flexible with your tour and pay close attention to the weather forecast. Or, you can focus on the many cultural and historical sites that you can see up close.
5. How to Pack Clothes and Shoes for Visiting Tibet in the Summer?
Even though the weather in Tibet is warm in summer, you need to pack for temperature changes. You can leave the thick fleece jacket at home, but bring something lighter for the cool evenings. T-shirts and light sweaters will be suitable more of the time during the day, and bring comfortable, light pants. Clothes should be made of breathable and quick-drying fabric. A rain-proof outer shell can be helpful for changes in weather.
Sturdy and comfortable trekking shoes and boots are recommended for exploring outdoors. Wear them with thick socks to stay warm, as the ground can still be cold.
Don't forget to bring your sunglasses when visiting Tibet in summer.6. More Tips for Visiting Tibet in Summer
Summer in Tibet is probably different than what you are used to. Here are some more travel tips to help you plan.
- Sun protection is very important in Tibet. UV levels can be strong, so bring a high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a brimmed hat for protection.
- Make your Tibet train ticket reservation as early as possible if you plan to visit Tibet in the summer. And prepare a plan B, like taking the out-Tibet train from Lhasa to appreciate the Qinghai-Tibet Railway journey in case you can’t get a train to Tibet.
- Drink lots of water. You’ll be exerting yourself outdoors, and dehydration can increase the risk of altitude sickness.
- Talk with a doctor before traveling to learn about the symptoms of altitude sickness and what medicine to take.
- Be prepared for rain with water-proof clothing and travel bags.
Conclusion
Summer is the rainy season in Tibet, which is not the best time to visit Everest Base Camp in Tibet because rain at night may cause clouds and fog to accumulate in the mountainous area, reducing visibility.
However, the rich festival activities and the rare dense grassland and vegetation in the Tibet Plateau also make summer the peak season for Tibet tourism. Compared with summer temperatures of over 30°C in most parts of the mainland of China, the Tibet Autonomous Region, with an average temperature of around 25°C, has become a summer vacation destination for most domestic tourists, making summer the peak season for Tibet tourism.
Flight tickets and train tickets to Tibet are often hard to book during the peak season in summer. But preparation and planning in advance can also help you enjoy a wonderful summer trip to Tibet.
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