Lhasa - When to Visit

When to Lhasa

Climate guide & best times to travel

Monthly Climate Data for Lhasa Average temperature and rainfall by month Climate Overview -12°C -2°C 8°C 18°C 28°C Rainfall (mm) 0 69 139 Jan Jan: 8.0°C high, -7.0°C low Feb Feb: 10.0°C high, -4.0°C low, 3mm rain Mar Mar: 13.0°C high, 0.0°C low, 3mm rain Apr Apr: 16.0°C high, 3.0°C low, 8mm rain May May: 20.0°C high, 7.0°C low, 30mm rain Jun Jun: 23.0°C high, 11.0°C low, 84mm rain Jul Jul: 23.0°C high, 11.0°C low, 140mm rain Aug Aug: 22.0°C high, 11.0°C low, 130mm rain Sep Sep: 21.0°C high, 9.0°C low, 66mm rain Oct Oct: 17.0°C high, 3.0°C low, 8mm rain Nov Nov: 13.0°C high, -2.0°C low Dec Dec: 9.0°C high, -6.0°C low Temperature Rainfall
Lhasa experiences a high-altitude plateau climate with distinct dry and wet seasons, characterized by intense solar radiation, large temperature variations, and relatively low humidity. The city enjoys over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, earning it the nickname 'City of Sunshine.' The climate follows a clear pattern with a pronounced dry season from November through April, featuring minimal rainfall (0.0-0.3 inches monthly) and cold nights, followed by a wet season from May through September when monsoon influences bring most of the annual precipitation. Despite being at 11,975 feet elevation, summer temperatures remain comfortable due to the thin atmosphere, while winters are cold but sunny with crystal-clear skies and excellent visibility of surrounding peaks.

Best Time to Visit

Beach & Relaxation
Not applicable - Lhasa is a high-altitude inland city without beaches, better suited for mountain and cultural experiences.
Cultural Exploration
April to June and September to October offer the best combination of pleasant weather, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures for visiting temples and cultural sites.
Adventure & Hiking
April to June provides ideal conditions with warming temperatures, minimal rainfall, and excellent visibility for trekking and outdoor adventures.
Budget Travel
November to March offers the lowest tourist crowds and potentially better accommodation rates, though temperatures are quite cold.

Month-by-Month Guide

January

January is the coldest month in Lhasa with frigid nights and mild sunny days. The air is extremely dry with no rainfall and crystal-clear skies offering stunning mountain views. Despite the cold, the intense high-altitude sunshine makes daytime temperatures bearable.

46°F High
19°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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February

February remains cold but begins to show signs of warming as days gradually lengthen. The weather stays dry and sunny with excellent visibility for photography and sightseeing. Nights are still very cold, requiring warm clothing.

50°F High
24°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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March

March marks the beginning of spring with noticeably warmer days and milder nights. The dry conditions continue with minimal precipitation and abundant sunshine. This is when tourism begins to pick up as weather becomes more comfortable.

56°F High
31°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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April

April offers some of the most pleasant weather of the year with comfortable daytime temperatures and cool nights. The dry season continues with minimal rainfall and excellent conditions for outdoor activities and cultural exploration.

61°F High
37°F Low
0.3 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
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May

May brings warmer temperatures and the first hints of the approaching monsoon season with slightly increased rainfall. Days are pleasant and nights are mild, making it an ideal time for visiting before the wet season begins.

68°F High
44°F Low
1.2 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
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June

June marks the beginning of the wet season with significantly increased rainfall and the warmest temperatures of the year. While rain becomes more frequent, it typically occurs in afternoon thunderstorms, leaving mornings clear for activities.

75°F High
51°F Low
3.3 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
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July

July is the wettest month of the year with peak monsoon activity bringing frequent afternoon and evening showers. Despite the rainfall, temperatures remain pleasant, though humidity increases and mountain views may be obscured by clouds.

73°F High
53°F Low
5.5 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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August

August continues the wet season with substantial rainfall and warm temperatures. The landscape becomes lush and green, but outdoor activities may be limited by frequent showers and cloudy conditions that can obscure mountain panoramas.

72°F High
51°F Low
5.1 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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September

September sees a gradual transition from the wet season with decreasing rainfall and pleasant temperatures. The weather becomes more stable with clearer skies returning, making it an excellent time for both cultural visits and outdoor activities.

69°F High
48°F Low
2.6 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
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October

October offers ideal weather conditions with comfortable temperatures, minimal rainfall, and crystal-clear skies returning. This is considered one of the best months to visit Lhasa, with excellent visibility of surrounding peaks and perfect conditions for exploration.

64°F High
38°F Low
0.3 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
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November

November marks the return of the dry season with dropping temperatures and virtually no rainfall. Days remain pleasant with intense sunshine, but nights become quite cold as winter approaches.

55°F High
27°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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December

December brings winter conditions with cold temperatures and bone-dry air. Despite the cold, the weather is stable and sunny with exceptional clarity for mountain viewing, though warm clothing is essential for the frigid nights.

49°F High
20°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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Activities in Lhasa