When to Visit Lhasa
Year-round climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit by Travel Style
Beach & Relaxation
Not applicable - Lhasa is a landlocked high-altitude city with no beaches or water-based relaxation activities.
Cultural Exploration
April to June and September to October offer the best combination of pleasant weather, clear skies for temple visits, and comfortable walking conditions around monasteries and cultural sites.
Adventure & Hiking
May to September provides the warmest temperatures and most accessible trekking conditions, though afternoon thunderstorms are common during the monsoon months of July-August.
Budget Travel
November to March offers the lowest accommodation prices and fewer crowds, though travelers must be prepared for very cold nights and potential travel disruptions due to weather.
Month-by-Month Climate Guide
January
January is the coldest month in Lhasa with frigid nights and mild sunny days. Clear blue skies dominate, but the extreme cold and potential for snow make this challenging for unprepared visitors. Indoor heating is essential and many attractions may have reduced hours.
February
February remains very cold with harsh nighttime temperatures but begins to show signs of warming during sunny days. Snow is possible and the air remains extremely dry. This is still considered deep winter with minimal tourist activity.
March
March marks the beginning of spring with noticeably warmer days and less severe nights. Winds can be strong and the weather remains dry. This is when the tourist season slowly begins to pick up with more comfortable daytime conditions.
April
April brings pleasant spring weather with warm sunny days and cool but manageable nights. This is an excellent time to visit with clear skies, blooming landscapes, and comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. Tourist numbers begin increasing significantly.
May
May offers some of the best weather of the year with warm days, mild nights, and generally clear conditions. Occasional light rain begins to appear, signaling the approach of the wet season. This is peak season with excellent conditions for all activities.
June
June continues the pleasant weather pattern with warm days and comfortable nights. Rainfall increases moderately and afternoon clouds become more common. This remains an excellent time for visiting with long daylight hours and stable weather patterns.
July
July is the wettest month with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and increased cloud cover. Despite the rain, mornings are often clear and temperatures remain pleasant. The monsoon brings lush green landscapes but can disrupt outdoor activities.
August
August continues the monsoon pattern with regular afternoon rains and cloudy skies. Temperatures remain comfortable but humidity is at its highest for the year. Morning sightseeing is often possible before afternoon storms develop.
September
September sees a gradual reduction in rainfall and return of clearer skies. Temperatures remain pleasant with warm days and cool nights. This marks the beginning of the excellent autumn season with stable weather and good visibility.
October
October offers exceptional weather with clear blue skies, comfortable temperatures, and minimal rainfall. The autumn colors and crystal-clear mountain views make this one of the most beautiful times to visit. Tourist numbers remain high due to ideal conditions.
November
November brings cooler temperatures and the onset of the dry season. Days remain sunny and pleasant but nights become quite cold. Tourist numbers drop significantly, making this a good time for those seeking fewer crowds and lower prices.
December
December is cold and dry with brilliant sunshine during the day but freezing nights. Clear skies provide excellent mountain views but the harsh cold limits outdoor activities. This is the beginning of the low tourist season with significantly reduced visitor numbers.