Shigatse Weather & Climate - Best Time to Visit Shigatse

Spring

Average Temperature: -8℃ ~ 19℃, slightly chilly

Spring in Shigatse, even in most Tibet areas comes much later than other cities in China due to its high elevation, unique geography and far distance to the ocean. Snow fallen on the ground starts to melt to bright and clean water as the temperature rises slowly. It’s getting warmer gradually in Shigatse during this season. But still temperature varies widely from day to night. A coat is suitable at noon but during night a thick and warm quilt is must needed.

Summer

Average Temperature: 3℃ ~ 23℃, mild hot in day and cool at night

In summertime, temperature ranges from 3℃ ~ 23℃, you can experience four seasons within a single day in Shigatse. The highest temperature is at noon between 27℃ ~ 29℃, as hot as in summer, then temperature falls at dusk, cool like you are in autumn. Later temperature declines sharply to the coldest at midnight as if it is in winter for temperature is as low as 0℃~5℃, you will need a cotton quilt covered all night. The next morning it will become warmer like spring days when the sun rises. So you should prepare both light and warm clothes for temperature changes. Night rain rates in Shigatse approximately as much 82%, mostly concentrated in July and August.

Autumn

Average Temperature: 0℃ ~ 22℃, pleasantly cool

During this season, it’s rather windy in the morning and evening in Shigatse. Rain rarely falls in autumn. Short sleeves are not recommended, you’d better wear some long sleeves clothes and sunscreen shirts for the strong ultraviolet radiation.

Winter

Average temperature: -15℃ ~ 15℃, a little cold

The average monthly temperature of January is about-3.2℃. Therefore Shigatse is not in server cold in winter season as expected. Mean temperature of Shigatse in winter is as low as -15℃ at night, you’d better wear some warm coats, jackets or sweaters from getting cold.

Although it’s not the best time to visit Shigatse, you can also visit attractions like Pala Manor to search for local Tibetan history relics and it’s quite comfortable and cozy to have a relaxing time at some hot springs.

1. April to October is the best time to visit Shigatse and the peak season is from May to September. During National Day, it will be quite crowded when domestic and foreigner tourists flock into Shigatse. Better book your tour package in advance, because it will be very difficult to book your train/flight ticket in peak seasons.

2. Shigatse has strong ultraviolet radiation and large temperature difference between day and night at all seasons. Prepare some suitable long sleeves, warm clothes and enough sunblock works from getting sunburn.

3. Shigatse has higher elevation than Lhasa areas. You’d better take some advice on altitude sickness, maintain a good physically condition as well as mental condition.

4. If you want to tour Mount Everest through Shigatse, select a best time, prepare all permits needed and choose a reliable and professional travel agency to arrange you wonderful Everest tour.