When is the best time to visit Tibet?
The best time for your Tibet tour is between the months of April and October, when the country experiences gentle, temperate weather and some rainfall. In April, the snow begins to melt and roads that are blocked during the harsh winter months, are navigable once again.
*Please note that Tibet tours are only possible for five or more people traveling together as per the new Visa regulations by the Chinese government.
OVERVIEW
This is peak winter season in Tibet. Daytime highs are usually in the mid 40s-50s and conditions are largely dry and sunny. Don’t discount the windchill! Expect the thermometer reading to fall well below freezing at night across most of the country. Do ensure you are carrying enough layers if you wish to visit during this time. It’s best to stay in the south of the country as roads in the north could be blocked by snow.
WE RECOMMEND
- Travel is usually not recommended at this time given the lakes are usually frozen and roads are often blocked.
OVERVIEW
Dry, sunny and cold (dropping to well below freezing at night!) conditions continue through February. This is an important month for key religious festivals in the country.
WE RECOMMEND
- Travel is usually not recommended at this time given the lakes are usually frozen and roads are often blocked.
OVERVIEW
Expect the cold, dry conditions to continue through March, even though this is the start of spring!
WE RECOMMEND
- The country is generally closed to visitors during March for the Tibetan New Year celebrations
OVERVIEW
This is the start of high season in Tibet, with conditions getting close to perfect to explore the country’s stunning natural beauty. Expect daytime highs in the early 60s, while lows can drop to the mid 30s, so carry plenty of layers!
WE RECOMMEND
- Explore Shigatse and visit the Tashihunpo Monastery and Sakya Monastery, set against the stunning backdrop of rugged mountains
- When in Shigatse, take day trips and excursions to the tranquil lakes and mountain passes around town
OVERVIEW
Ideal weather conditions persist through May, with temperatures largely mirroring that of the previous month, and gradually creeping up as the month progresses.
WE RECOMMEND
- Tick one off the bucket list as you make the trek to the Everest Base Camp
- Immerse yourself in the fascinating local culture and heritage as you meet with members of the hardy mountain communities
- Don’t forget to photograph the mighty Himalayas, giant glaciers and azure blue lakes that surround you!
OVERVIEW
Expect daytime temperatures in the high 70s and early 80s as summer has well and truly set in this month! It can get warm in the day but lows will still drop to the early 40s so carry layers. Towards the end of the month expect the rains to start setting in.
WE RECOMMEND
- Head the to the Samye monastery and Gajiu monastery near the town of Tsetang
- Explore the old Tibetan town that stands near the foothills of the sacred Gangpo Ri Mountain near Tsetang
- Explore the far-flung corners of the beautiful Yarlung Valley from Tsetang
OVERVIEW
The rainy season gets well and truly underway by this time, so do note that travel in the high mountains can get affected. Staying in the valley regions may be most advisable during the rains. Expect lows in the early 50s and highs in the early 70s. There are several festivals and outdoor events usually celebrated around Lhasa so do check the calendar at the time of your trip.
WE RECOMMEND
- Explore the charming little town of Gyantse and take in views of the Pelkor Chode Monastery with numerous prayer wheels lining the path to it
- Drive up to the Karo La pass for stunning views of a gigantic Himalayan glacier
OVERVIEW
Wet and rainy conditions continue through this month making it inadvisable to head to the Himalayas. There are several festivals and outdoor events usually celebrated around Lhasa so do check the calendar at the time of your trip.
WE RECOMMEND
- Spend time exploring Lhasa starting with the Potala Palace and the old Tibetan quarter
- Feel Tibet’s spiritual energy envelop you at the stunning Jokhang Temple in Lhasa
- Shop for traditional Tibetan artifacts as you explore the narrows alleys and small temples in the city
OVERVIEW
The rains usually start petering out during the month, but temperatures remain warm, making this a good time to visit the country, bedecked in the colors of autumn. Reduced rains mean you can also plan a trek in the Himalayas.
WE RECOMMEND
- Stop by the quaint town of New Tingri on your way to the Himalayas and savor local delicacies at the traditional Tibetan-style tea houses
- Visit Namtso Lake and revel in its stunning scenic beauty
OVERVIEW
This is a busy month in Tibet, so plan your booking well in time. Conditions are largely cool and dry with daytime highs in the mid 60s but do note that the lows can drop to freezing around this time with winter not too far away.
WE RECOMMEND
- Savor a few traditional delicacies like the hearty Thukpa or noodle soup
- Visit the stunning Yamdrok Lake with its turquoise blue waters shimmering in the sunshine
OVERVIEW
This is low travel season, so if you do want to travel, you may be able to score a deal on hotel rates. But do note that the lows have dropped well below freezing across most of the country and we don’t advise traveling there at this time.
WE RECOMMEND
- Travel is usually not recommended at this time given winter is setting in
OVERVIEW
Cold conditions continue as winter has well and truly set in, with strong winds making it seemed colder than it is! Temperatures at night are now well below freezing through the country. This is not the best time to travel as many destinations are inaccessible due to the weather conditions.
WE RECOMMEND
- Travel is usually not recommended at this time given the lakes are usually frozen and roads are often blocked.
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Best Time to Visit Tibet by Season
High Season: Between April to October, Tibet experiences pleasant weather with low rainfall. With the lush green landscape and charming floral blossoms, May is the best month to visit Tibet. Temperatures reach up to 68°F in the daytime and are around 42°F at night. During these months, Tibet experiences about eight hours of sunshine every day.
Low season: October to March. The temperature ranges between 15°F to 48°F during these months. Many roads are blocked and lakes are often frozen at this time, so travel is not recommended. January is the coldest month in Tibet. The country is generally closed to tourists during March for the Tibetan New Year celebrations.
What to Pack for Tibet
The important thing to keep in mind when packing for your Tibet trip is layers. Here are a few must carry items: Long-sleeved and short-sleeved T-shirts, sweaters, thermal wear, hoodies, windbreakers, insulated jacket, windproof pants, rain gear, comfortable walking shoes and sturdy hiking shoes, appropriate mountain gear if you plan to trek to the Everest Base Camp, sunglasses, sunscreen, socks.
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