Lhasa Weather and Climate - Best Time to Visit Lhasa

Spring

During spring, when most flatland cities are in vibrant green, Lhasa is dry and a little cold, even it snows sometimes. And temperature varies widely from day to night in a day. Moring and evening is a little bit chilly, but noon is warmer. There still have strong ultraviolet rays of the plateau sun. But this season Lhasa receives fewer tourists than following summer and autumn peak times.

Recommended Activities: visiting Lhasa landmark attractions (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Ganden Monastery)

Summer

Summer is a good time and one of the busiest seasons for Lhasa. It is the peak season crowded with tourists from all over the world when climate and scenery are the best. Lhasa is not as hot as many other inland cities in summer days, usually just has maximum temperature less than 25~26 degree centigrade, which is much comfortable in a coat. At the same time, rainy season of Lhasa begins with frequent rains at night. In one day, morning is kind of like spring, midday is the hottest period and evening is much colder like winter when sleeping needs to cover bed quilt. Remember to wear a long-sleeve coat and bring your sunglasses, sunhat, sunscreen and other things to protect yourself from sunburn.

Recommended Activities: except the classic monasteries and Potala Palace, you can also visit Norbulingka – Summer Palace of Dalai Lamas, Namtso Lake – great photography place, watch the Princess Wencheng Drama, and enjoy the local hot spring of Yangpachen.

Autumn

The autumn is considered one of the best and the most beautiful seasons of Lhasa. All you feel will just be comfortable and pleasant cool. The sky is purely blue with floating clouds, trees are turning yellow, and everything is beautiful in abundant color. Please note that to take protective measures to protect your skin anytime you visit Tibet Lhasa. Remember to wear some warm coats and shoes in autumn, especially at night when it is much colder than day.

Recommended Activities: you can visit all most cultural landscape in Lhasa, including Potala Palace, Jakhang Temple, Derpung Monastery, Norbulingka, natural attractions like Namsto Lake will be largely affected by the weather at that time.

Winter

It’s thought to be the shoulder season in Lhasa with fewer tourists. However, Lhasa’s winter is not cold as you thought, for the average temperature is -7~9 degree centigrade. It’s windy, colder than other seasons, but travel to Lhasa in winter is another impressive experience. You can enjoy the warm sunshine in the day, or take a bath in hot spring of Yangpachen, watch the splendid and amazing snow mountain, even witness the local Tibetans celebrate the Losar (Tibet New Year Festival). You will be freer and cozier to explore more local attractions after surprisingly finding there are few tourists than peak season, even some accommodation and tickets are discounted largely.

Recommended Activities: all the cultural landscape in Lhasa, such as Potala Palace and monasteries, Jakhang Temple, Derpung Monastery, Sera Monastery.

1. April to October is the best time to visit Lhasa and the peak season is from May to September. Better book your tour package in advance, because it will be quite difficult to book your train/flight ticket in peak seasons.

2. Lhasa has strong radiation ultraviolet radiation and large temperature difference between day and night at all seasons. Please do enough sunblock protections and prepare some warm cloths and long-sleeve coats, shoes from getting cold.

3. Lhasa is situated in Qinghai Tibet Plateau with high elevation. For the most concerned high altitude sickness, both physically and mental condition mean a lot. You can contact us for more professional advice.

4. In winter, tourists can tour the downtown Lhasa area, sometimes roads to other destinations may be closed due to heavy snowfall. Choose a good time to go is very important.