Things to Do in Lhasa in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Lhasa
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect weather for walking and sightseeing - comfortable 15-18°C (59-64°F) daytime temperatures mean no overheating during Potala Palace climbs or Barkhor Circuit walks
- Crystal clear mountain views - April's dry air and minimal precipitation provide spectacular visibility of surrounding peaks including Nyenchen Tanglha range at 7,162m (23,497 ft)
- Losar aftermath cultural richness - temples still decorated from Tibetan New Year celebrations, prayer flags are fresh, and locals maintain festive energy without peak tourist crowds
- Ideal acclimatization weather - cool temperatures reduce altitude sickness symptoms while strong UV requires sun protection, helping gradual adjustment to 3,650m (11,975 ft) elevation
Considerations
- Extreme temperature swings from 18°C (64°F) midday to 2°C (36°F) at night require multiple clothing layers and can catch unprepared travelers off-guard
- Intense UV radiation at high altitude - UV index 8 combined with snow reflection can cause severe sunburn within 30 minutes without proper protection
- Unpredictable light snowfall can occur 3-4 days per month, potentially closing mountain passes and affecting day trip accessibility to Namtso Lake or Yamdrok Lake
Best Activities in April
Potala Palace Morning Tours
April's cool morning temperatures (8-12°C/46-54°F) make the steep climb to Potala Palace comfortable while afternoon warmth allows extended exploration of upper levels. Clear skies provide perfect photography conditions of the 13-story structure. Spring lighting enhances the palace's red and white facade against deep blue skies.
Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Circuit Walking
April's comfortable daytime temperatures make extended walking around Barkhor Circuit ideal. Pilgrims increase activity post-Losar, creating authentic cultural experiences. Cool morning air (5-10°C/41-50°F) is perfect for joining dawn prayer sessions, while afternoon warmth encourages longer market exploration.
Drepung and Sera Monastery Debates
April's mild weather allows comfortable monastery visits without summer heat exhaustion or winter access issues. Monk debate sessions resume full schedule post-Losar. Cool temperatures make uphill walks to Drepung manageable, while clear skies enhance mountain backdrop photography.
High Altitude Lake Day Trips
April offers the last reliable access to Yamdrok Lake before summer road maintenance begins. Clear skies provide stunning turquoise water photography against snow-capped peaks. Cool temperatures reduce altitude effects during the climb to 4,441m (14,570 ft). Road conditions are stable after winter repairs.
Traditional Tibetan Medicine Experiences
Post-Losar period is ideal for traditional medicine consultations as practitioners return to full schedules. Cool April weather supports herbal treatments and meditation practices. Traditional medicine institutes offer cultural workshops taking advantage of comfortable indoor temperatures.
April Events & Festivals
Spring Prayer Festival Continuation
Extended Losar celebrations continue into early April with temple ceremonies and fresh prayer flag installations. Monasteries maintain heightened religious activity with increased prayer sessions and ceremonial offerings. Local families complete traditional spring cleaning and blessing rituals.
Butter Lamp Lighting Ceremonies
Jokhang and major monasteries conduct evening butter lamp ceremonies more frequently as spring progresses. These intimate religious gatherings allow visitors to participate in traditional Tibetan Buddhist practices alongside local pilgrims in smaller groups than peak season.