When to Visit Lhasa
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
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Year-Round Essentials
Spring (Mar-May)
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Winter (Dec-Feb)
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Month-by-Month Guide
January
January brings Lhasa's coldest temperatures with nights regularly dropping to -7°C (19°F), though daytime sunshine can push temperatures to a surprisingly pleasant 8°C (46°F). The air is extremely dry with essentially no precipitation, and you'll find fewer tourists braving the cold. The thin atmosphere means the sun feels intense despite the chill, and temperature swings between day and night are dramatic.
February
February shows the first hints of warming, with highs reaching 10°C (50°F) and lows around -4°C (24°F). Conditions remain bone-dry with barely a trace of precipitation, and the intense high-altitude sun starts feeling stronger as the days lengthen. Tibetan New Year (Losar) typically falls in February or early March, which can bring cultural festivities but also closures.
March
Spring begins to take hold in March, with temperatures climbing to 13°C (56°F) during the day, though nights remain cold at -1°C (31°F). The weather stays predominantly dry with minimal rainfall, and you'll notice the landscape starting to shake off winter dormancy. Strong winds can be a factor this month, stirring up dust in the afternoons.
April
April brings genuinely pleasant conditions with daytime highs around 16°C (61°F) and nights finally climbing above freezing to 3°C (37°F). Rainfall remains minimal at just 7.6mm, and the combination of warming temperatures, blooming vegetation, and clear skies makes this one of the more comfortable months to visit. Tourist numbers start picking up as the weather improves.
May
May offers some of Lhasa's best weather before the monsoon arrives—highs reach 20°C (68°F) with comfortable overnight lows of 7°C (44°F). Rainfall increases slightly to 30mm but remains manageable, and the longer days and warming temperatures make this ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. This is peak season territory, so expect more visitors and higher prices.
June
June marks the warmest month with temperatures peaking at 24°C (75°F), though the monsoon season begins in earnest with rainfall jumping to 84mm. Overnight lows remain mild at 11°C (51°F), and while you'll see more cloudy days and afternoon showers, mornings often start clear. The rain typically comes in afternoon bursts rather than all-day downpours.
July
July sits firmly in monsoon season with the year's heaviest rainfall at 140mm, though temperatures moderate slightly to 23°C (73°F) during the day and 12°C (53°F) at night. Expect frequent afternoon thunderstorms and overcast skies, but mornings can still be clear for early temple visits. The rain brings greener landscapes but also potential travel disruptions on mountain roads.
August
August continues the monsoon pattern with substantial rainfall of 130mm and temperatures similar to July—22°C (72°F) highs and 11°C (51°F) lows. The persistent rain can make some trekking routes muddy and challenging, though the city itself remains accessible. Humidity feels higher during the monsoon months, though it's still relatively dry compared to lower-elevation Chinese cities.
September
September signals the monsoon's retreat with rainfall dropping to 66mm, while temperatures remain pleasant at 20°C (69°F) during the day and 9°C (48°F) at night. This is actually one of the better months to visit—you get the greener post-monsoon landscape, improving weather conditions, and slightly fewer tourists than the spring peak. Clear days become more frequent as the month progresses.
October
October brings beautiful autumn conditions with crisp temperatures of 18°C (64°F) during the day and 3°C (38°F) at night. Rainfall drops dramatically to just 7.6mm, and you'll enjoy predominantly clear skies with excellent visibility for mountain views. The combination of comfortable weather and autumn colors makes this a prime month for photography and cultural exploration.
November
November marks winter's return with temperatures dropping to 13°C (55°F) during the day and -4°C (27°F) at night. The dry season is firmly established with virtually no rainfall, and tourist numbers decline noticeably as the cold sets in. You'll need proper cold-weather gear for mornings and evenings, though midday sun can still feel warm in sheltered spots.
December
December continues the winter chill with daytime highs of 9°C (49°F) and nighttime lows plunging to -7°C (20°F). Conditions remain bone-dry with no measurable precipitation, and the low-angle winter sun creates beautiful light for photography despite the cold. This is firmly off-season, offering solitude at major sites but requiring serious cold-weather preparation.