Planning a trip to Tibet? You might be wondering: What’s the temperature like? When is the best time to visit?What should I pack? Tibet’s climate is very different from lowland regions such as Taiwan or Malaysia — weather changes quickly, the temperature difference between day and night can be large, and UV radiation is much stronger.This guide provides everything you need to know about Tibet’s weather, the best seasons to visit, and practical packing tips, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
Tibet Weather｜Why should I pay special attention to temperature and clothing?
- High altitude:Tibet sits at an average elevation of about 4,000 meters, meaning thinner air and lower oxygen levels.
- Large day-night temperature difference: Daytime highs can reach around 20°C, but temperatures often drop below 0°C at night.
- Strong sunlight: UV radiation is much stronger than in Taiwan, Singapore, or Malaysia — sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are essential.
- Distinct dry and rainy seasons: The dry season lasts from October to April, while the rainy season is mainly in July and August (usually nighttime showers, still fine for daytime travel).
- Best time to visit: April to October offers the most pleasant weather, with mild temperatures and relatively higher oxygen levels.
- Winter in Tibet: Temperatures in Tibet remain relatively stable throughout the year. In winter, daytime sunshine makes it feel pleasantly warm, although nights can get very cold. The coldest hours are usually after midnight, so it rarely affects daytime activities.
Tibet Seasonal Climate and Dressing Guide
Spring (March–May)｜Peach Blossoms & Thawing Lakes
- Temperature:-4°C to 15°C.Early and late spring can feel chilly, but daytime temperatures are generally comfortable.
- What to Wear:Light down jacket, windproof shell, long-sleeved T-shirt layered with a knit top, jeans or casual pants, and comfortable walking shoes. Don’t forget sunscreen.
- Season Highlights:March–April brings the famous peach blossoms in Linzhi; lakes like Yamdrok and Namtso thaw in May.
Summer (June–August)｜The Best Season for Snowy Mountains & Sacred Lakes
- Temperature: 10°C to 25°C.Days are sunny and pleasantly cool, while nights can be chilly and breezy.
- What to Wear:Short-sleeve T-shirts with a light sun-protective jacket for the day, a thin down or 3-in-1 jacket for the evening. Quick-dry pants or jeans are recommended. Don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat. If you are sensitive to the cold, pack windproof layers for nighttime.
- Season Highlights:In June, the grasslands turn lush green. From July to August, golden rapeseed flowers blanket the fields, Namtso Lake shines in its deepest blue, and the views from Everest Base Camp are simply breathtaking.
Autumn (September–November)｜Golden Season for Photography in Tibet
- Temperature:5°C to 20°C.September is pleasantly mild with clear skies, but after October, temperatures gradually drop, especially during the day, so be sure to pack layers to stay warm.
- What to Wear:Layer a light down jacket over a jumper or sweatshirt, paired with windproof trousers or fleece-lined pants. Don’t forget a windproof hat, scarf, and wool gloves to keep cozy as autumn advances.
- Season Highlights:September offers the clearest, bluest skies — perfect for photography. In October, Tibet transforms into a golden landscape, with the grasslands of Linzhi and Shigatse glowing in autumn sunlight. By November, early frost and snow turn the temples into a peaceful, snowy wonderland.
Winter (December–February)｜Mystical & Pure, Explore the Blue Ice Caves
- Temperature:Around 0°C to 10°C during the day, dropping to -10°C to -20°CThe strong sunshine keeps daytime relatively comfortable, but nights can be extremely cold — be sure to stay well-prepared.
- What to Wear:A heavy down jacket layered with warm base layers and wool pants. Pair with insulated or waterproof boots, thick socks, gloves, scarf, earmuffs, and a wool hat. The key is to stay warm and windproof.
- Season Highlights:Experience the spiritual atmosphere of pilgrimages in Lhasa and Jokhang Temple with fewer crowds and a more serene vibe;The stunning Blue Ice Caves at Laigu Glacier and Yalong Glacier are crystal clear and visible only in winter— a rare natural spectacle.
Tibet Monthly Scenery and Dressing Chart
| months | Scenic Highlights | clothing advice (All onion-style dresses) |
|---|---|---|
| March | Peach blossoms bloom in Linzhi at the end of March | Down jacket + long sleeves |
| April | Peach blossoms& snowy mountain flower sea | Light down jacket + windproof pants |
| May | Lakes thawing, grasslands turning green | Softshell jacket + long sleeves |
| June | Early green grasslands, cattle and sheep grazing | Light jacket + inner layer |
| July | Golden roadside rapeseed blooms, and Namtso Lake glows deep blue. | Light jacket + inner layer |
| August | Best view of Everest, lakes at their most spectacular | Thin long sleeves + jumper |
| September | Bluest sky, best for photography | Jumper + long-sleeve shirt |
| October | Golden grasslands & snowy mountains | Down jacket + knitwear |
| November | Early winter frost and temple scenery | Down jacket + sweater |
| December | Pilgrimage season &Blue Ice Cave | Heavy down jacket + warm clothes |
| January | Pilgrimage to Jokhang Temple,Blue Ice Cave | Heavy down jacket + windproof pant |
| February | Windy highlands,Blue Ice Cave still spectacular | Fleece jacket + windproof pants |
Reminders for Travelers from Taiwan and Malaysia
When preparing for Tibet, remember to dress in layers and choose windproof, warm, and comfortable clothing:
- Strong UV:Sunscreen, sunglasses, a light sun-protective jacket, and a hat are must-haves.
- Layering:Choose clothing that’s easy to take off during the day and add on at night.
- Pack Light:Due to long drives and temple dress codes, bring only 1–2 nice outfits for photos.
- Essentials:A softshell jacket, non-slip sneakers, and a hat work for all seasons. Hiking shoes are only needed for special routes like the Ali trek.
Best Time to Visit Tibet
April – October: The most comfortable season, with peach blossoms in spring, vibrant lakes in summer, and golden grasslands in autumn.
November – February: A quieter, more spiritual atmosphere — the perfect time to see the crystal-clear Blue Ice Caves and experience winter pilgrimages.
Temperature and Temperature Difference in Tibet
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