Things to Do in Lhasa in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Lhasa
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect shoulder season weather - warm 23°C (73°F) days, cool 8°C (46°F) nights ideal for acclimatization without extreme cold
- Crystal clear mountain views - May offers the clearest visibility of the year with minimal atmospheric haze, perfect for photography of surrounding peaks
- Spring barley harvest celebrations - witness traditional Tibetan agricultural festivals and taste fresh tsampa made from new barley crops
- Optimal hiking conditions - trails are snow-free but not yet muddy from summer rains, with 12+ hours of daylight for extended exploration
Considerations
- Extreme UV exposure - at 3,650 m (11,975 ft) altitude, UV index reaches 12+ requiring constant sun protection and can cause severe burns within 15 minutes
- Dramatic temperature swings - 15°C (27°F) daily variation means packing for both summer days and near-freezing nights in the same trip
- Pre-monsoon dust storms - occasional afternoon winds kick up dust from surrounding plateaus, affecting visibility and respiratory comfort
Best Activities in May
Potala Palace Dawn Photography Tours
May's crystal-clear mornings offer unobstructed views of the iconic palace with perfect lighting conditions. The 23°C (73°F) afternoon temperatures make the climb to higher viewpoints comfortable, while morning mist creates dramatic photo opportunities. Crowds are manageable compared to summer peak season.
Namtso Lake Overnight Camping Expeditions
May is ideal for camping at Tibet's sacred lake - daytime temperatures reach comfortable levels while night temperatures around 0°C (32°F) are manageable with proper gear. The lake ice has melted, creating stunning reflections, and tourist crowds haven't arrived yet from mainland China.
Monastery Circuit Trekking Routes
May's moderate temperatures and dry conditions make multi-monastery treks perfect. The traditional pilgrimage season begins in May, so you'll encounter local Tibetan pilgrims performing kora (circumambulation). Trails around Ganden, Sera, and Drepung are snow-free but not yet crowded.
Traditional Tibetan Medicine Workshops
May coincides with spring medicinal plant collection season. Many traditional medicine centers offer workshops on identifying and preparing herbs that grow wild around Lhasa. The pleasant weather makes outdoor plant identification walks comfortable, and practitioners are most active during this harvest time.
Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley Cycling
May offers ideal cycling conditions with moderate temperatures and minimal rainfall. The valley floor routes provide stunning mountain views while avoiding extreme altitude gains. Spring snowmelt creates rushing rivers alongside cycling paths, and local villages celebrate spring festivals during this period.
High Altitude Acclimatization Hot Springs
May's cool evenings make natural hot springs particularly appealing after day activities. Springs like Tidrum and Yangpachen are easily accessible and help with altitude adjustment. The contrast between 8°C (46°F) night air and warm springs provides therapeutic benefits and stunning stargazing opportunities.
May Events & Festivals
Saga Dawa Festival Preparations
Late May marks the beginning of preparations for Tibet's most important religious festival (June). Monasteries begin special prayer ceremonies, and locals start creating prayer flags and preparing traditional foods. Witness butter sculpture making and participate in prayer wheel spinning ceremonies.
Spring Barley Harvest Celebrations
Rural villages around Lhasa celebrate the spring barley harvest with traditional dancing, fresh tsampa preparation, and chang (barley beer) brewing. Local families welcome respectful visitors to participate in harvest activities and taste freshly made traditional foods.