Lhasa Weather and Climate - Best Time to Visit Lhasa

30 May 2022 Last updated at 16:54

Lhasa (coordinates: 29°39′N 91°07′E), the capital and the biggest city of Tibet, is located in southeast Tibet and north of Lhasa River, the branch of the Yarlung Zangbo River. Lies in the north part of Himalayas, and middle of Qinghai Tibet Plateau, Lhasa is one of the highest cities in the world at an altitude of 3,650m.

Deeply affected by its unique geographic location and topography, Lhasa is the plateau temperate semi-arid climate with typical features of strong radiation, long hours of sunshine, large temperature difference between day and night, dry, cold and windy in winter and spring, warm and humid in summer and autumn.

Lhasa Monthly Temperatures - Select a Month to Visit Lhasa

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When is the Best Time to Visit Lhasa

Generally, tourists can visit Lhasa all the year round with different climate features in each period. April to October is the best time to travel to Lhasa and the peak season is from May to September. During that period, the climate in Lhasa is warm and humid, not so dry and windy in winter and spring. Lhasa has a good reputation of “Sunlight City ” with a long duration of sunshine all year round.

If you go to Lhasa during summer and fall, you can visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple as well as Drepung Monastery at daytime and feel the strong and mysterious religion atmosphere. In the event that you arrive at Lhasa just during the Shoton Festival. As in winter and spring, you can enjoy the discount off the normal admission price in Lhasa. Moreover, it is the best time to experience the plateau thermal spring and try to climb the snow mountain.

Lhasa Four Seasons - Seasons to Go

Spring

During spring, when most flatland cities are in vibrant green, Lhasa is dry and a little cold, even it snows sometimes. And temperature varies widely from day to night in a day. Moring and evening is a little bit chilly, but noon is warmer. There still have strong ultraviolet rays of the plateau sun. But this season Lhasa receives fewer tourists than following summer and autumn peak times.

Recommended Activities: visiting Lhasa landmark attractions (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Ganden Monastery)

Summer

Summer is a good time and one of the busiest seasons for Lhasa. It is the peak season crowded with tourists from all over the world when climate and scenery are the best. Lhasa is not as hot as many other inland cities in summer days, usually just has maximum temperature less than 25~26 degree centigrade, which is much comfortable in a coat. At the same time, rainy season of Lhasa begins with frequent rains at night. In one day, morning is kind of like spring, midday is the hottest period and evening is much colder like winter when sleeping needs to cover bed quilt. Remember to wear a long-sleeve coat and bring your sunglasses, sunhat, sunscreen and other things to protect yourself from sunburn.

Recommended Activities: except the classic monasteries and Potala Palace, you can also visit Norbulingka – Summer Palace of Dalai Lamas, Namtso Lake – great photography place, watch the Princess Wencheng Drama, and enjoy the local hot spring of Yangpachen.

Autumn

The autumn is considered one of the best and the most beautiful seasons of Lhasa. All you feel will just be comfortable and pleasant cool. The sky is purely blue with floating clouds, trees are turning yellow, and everything is beautiful in abundant color. Please note that to take protective measures to protect your skin anytime you visit Tibet Lhasa. Remember to wear some warm coats and shoes in autumn, especially at night when it is much colder than day.

Recommended Activities: you can visit all most cultural landscape in Lhasa, including Potala Palace, Jakhang Temple, Derpung Monastery, Norbulingka, natural attractions like Namsto Lake will be largely affected by the weather at that time.

Winter

It’s thought to be the shoulder season in Lhasa with fewer tourists. However, Lhasa’s winter is not cold as you thought, for the average temperature is -7~9 degree centigrade. It’s windy, colder than other seasons, but travel to Lhasa in winter is another impressive experience. You can enjoy the warm sunshine in the day, or take a bath in hot spring of Yangpachen, watch the splendid and amazing snow mountain, even witness the local Tibetans celebrate the Losar (Tibet New Year Festival). You will be freer and cozier to explore more local attractions after surprisingly finding there are few tourists than peak season, even some accommodation and tickets are discounted largely.

Recommended Activities: all the cultural landscape in Lhasa, such as Potala Palace and monasteries, Jakhang Temple, Derpung Monastery, Sera Monastery.

Beautiful Flowers Bloom in Spring

The Namsto Lake in Pure Blue

Colorful Scenery of Lhasa in Autumn

Snow Covered Road before Potala Palace

Travel Tips:

1. April to October is the best time to visit Lhasa and the peak season is from May to September. Better book your tour package in advance, because it will be quite difficult to book your train/flight ticket in peak seasons.

2. Lhasa has strong radiation ultraviolet radiation and large temperature difference between day and night at all seasons. Please do enough sunblock protections and prepare some warm cloths and long-sleeve coats, shoes from getting cold.

3. Lhasa is situated in Qinghai Tibet Plateau with high elevation. For the most concerned high altitude sickness, both physically and mental condition mean a lot. You can contact us for more professional advice.

4. In winter, tourists can tour the downtown Lhasa area, sometimes roads to other destinations may be closed due to heavy snowfall. Choose a good time to go is very important.