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Many tourists who go to Tibet are very concerned about when is the best time to travel to Tibet. The best time to visit Tibet by season: Spring (April to June) brings gentle weather, blossoming landscapes, and vibrant festivals such as the Tibetan New Year. Summer (July to August) offers pleasant temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and trekking. Autumn (September to October) showcases stunning colors and clear skies, providing breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Winter (November to March) offers a peaceful and serene experience, with fewer crowds and the opportunity to witness traditional Tibetan celebrations.
Tibet is a region in China that is located on the Tibetan Plateau, which is the highest and largest plateau in the world. The climate and weather in Tibet are greatly influenced by its high altitude and geographic location.
To pick a good time for Tibet tour, you can take reference from the following three aspects:
Tibet is an area of the highest altitude in China. For the temperature and climate, the annual National Day of May to October is the best season in Tibet, especially June and September. The oxygen content is not as low as it is in winter, so you don't need to worry much about having altitude sickness. Although it is also very good in July and August, there are more rains, especially when traveling to Nyingchi. Sometimes it even rains for half a day.
But lukily the sun can still be seen every day. Tibet weather is indeed changeable. Moreover, this season is also the best season of the year to tour the mountains in Tibet. They look much greener than they are of any other seasons. the grass starts to turn yellow in September. Therefore, those who like natural beauty more is recommended to travel to Tibet during summer.
Some people have a freer time schedule and would avoid the busy season. If you prefer to pick a time not being too crowded with too many people, you are suggested to avoid the summer vacation. However, if you prefer seeing more people or look for carpooling, then June-September is the best season for you to go. The scenery is beautiful, and it is easy to find a travel companion on the way.
Many people think the beautiful sceneries can be bought by money, and they are willing to pay more for the view. Therefore, more people travel to Tibet the most beautiful season: from June to September, when it is also the most expensive time for Tibet tours. The price can even be twice as high as the off-season in the peak-season (July-August).
For the limited resources in Tibet, sometimes the price of the hotel/car/service fee in Lhasa rises sharply at that time, and there is even nothing to provide. (The tourism reception capability in Tibet have been greatly improved since 2015. However, it is still recommended to book hotels ahead of time in the peak season).
Travelling to Tibet in winter is a good choice to save money. Even the ticket for the Potala Palace is free in the off-season. However, in winter, Tibet gets cold in the morning and evening/night, and the air is dry. You are strongly recommended to wear more and keep warm. It is comforting though that winter sunshine in Lhasa is great, and it is not cold during the day. Lhasa truly deserves to be called the world famous City of Sunshine. Are you ready to come to Lhasa to feel the sunshine there?
After reading all the above, have you figured out your own answer for the best time to come to Tibet? I would recommend the time from the end of May to June. The price at this time is the most reasonable and the sceneries are the most beautiful as well. Most of the main tourist attractions in Tibet were normally thawed in April, by the way.
On the world’s highest and largest plateau, Tibet is dry much year-round as the mountains catch most of the rainfall. It can get very cold and dry, especially during winter (November – March). May – October is considered the best time to visit Tibet, when the weather is warmer (above 10°C) and the ice has melted, unblocking roads out of the cities. September – October is the ideal time to trek, and rich autumnal colors make for fantastic photos – if you want to get a clear, cloud-free view of Mount Everest, travel then, or during April and May.
Best Time to visit Tibet largely depends on your travel preferences and the purpose of your visit. However, generally speaking, Best Time to visit Tibet is from April to October, offering perfect a blend of mild weather and cultural festival.
Spring is one of Best Times to visit Tibet if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy moderate temperatures, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 19°C. During this time, the snow begins to melt, and the flowers start to bloom, making it an ideal time for trekking and sightseeing. (Please note: Tibet is usually closed to visitors in March for Tibetan New Year)
In summer, the weather is warm during the day and cool at night, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 24°C. The lush vegetation and the highest oxygen content, make it a lower risk to suffer altitude sickness. However, it is important to note that the summer season may have also occasional rain and thunderstorms.
Autumn is considered one of Best Times to visit Tibet, with clear skies, stunning views of the Himalayas, and comfortable temperatures ranging from 7°C to 20°C. The autumn colors add to the beauty of the landscape, making it a good time to hike and trek in Tibet. Additionally, the clear skies provide an excellent opportunity for photography enthusiasts to capture the majestic mountain peaks without the obstruction of clouds.
Winter is the coldest season in Tibet, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 11°C. Although the weather is cold and dry, the skies are often clear, providing the clearest snow-capped mountains and the most colorful rivers. However, some attractions may be closed due to heavy snowfall, and travel to remote areas can be challenging.
| Season | Clothing | Accessories |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr-May) | long-sleeve shirts, light sweater or fleece,warm coat or down jacket, long pants, waterproof and windproof jacket, hat, gloves, and scarf, comfortable, sturdy shoes or hiking boots. | SunglassesSunscreenLip balmWater bottleTravel towelCamera ChargersExtra memory cardsPersonal hygiene items |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | short-sleeve shirts, long-sleeve shirts for sun protection and cooler evenings, light sweater or fleece, light waterproof and windproof jacket, long pants and shorts, hat, gloves, and scarf (for higher altitudes), comfortable, sturdy shoes or hiking boots | |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | long-sleeve shirts, warm sweater or fleece, warm coat or down jacket, long pants, waterproof and windproof jacket, hat, gloves, and scarf, comfortable, sturdy shoes or hiking boots | |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Thermal or woolen base layers, warm long-sleeve shirts, heavy sweater or fleece, warm coat or down jacket, long pants and thermal or woolen leggings, waterproof and windproof jacket and pants, hat, gloves, and scarf, warm, comfortable, sturdy shoes or hiking boots. |
If you're a first-time visitor to Tibet, we recommend spending 8 to 15 days exploring this region. This will give you enough time to acclimate to the high altitude, as well as to visit some of the most important cultural and natural sites in the area.
Tour Lhasa city and surroundings 4 Days or 5 DaysFor 4 days, it is highly recommended to visit Lhasa Private Tour for Best HighlightsFor 5 days, it is highly recommended to visit Lhasa Essence Tour with Great Three Monasteries
Add 2 or 3 More Days to Visit Gyantse & ShigatseFor 5 days, it is highly recommended to visit Lhasa & Yamdrok Lake Private TourFor 6 days, it is highly recommended to visit Lhasa Yamdrok Lake Shigatse Private Tour
Add 2 More Days to Mount EverestFor 7 days, it is highly recommended to visit Tibet Nepal Overland Tour from Lhasa to Gyirong via EBCFor 8 days, it is highly recommended to visit Tibet Discovery Tour from Lhasa to Mount Everest Base Camp
To extend further, you can cover Mount Kailash (3 Days), Guge Kingdom & Zanda Earth Forest (1 Day), Namtso Lake (1 Day), etc.9 Days Panorama Tibet Tour from Lhasa to EBC with Namtso Lake15 Days Mount Kailash Pilgrimage Tour with Lhasa Shigatse & EBC
With over 10 years of local expertise in Lhasa and Tibet (Xizang), our dedicated team at Asia Discover Tour brings you carefully curated Tibet tours for an authentic and unforgettable experience.
Drawing upon our extensive experience, we have meticulously crafted a range of Tibet tour packages, including Lhasa tours, Mount Everest Tours, Mount Kailash Tours, Tibet Trekking Tours, Tibet Train Tours, and Tibet Overland Tours. Whether you prefer the comfort and flexibility of a private tour or the budget-friendly option of a group tour, we have you covered without compromising on quality.
From must-visit Buddhist monasteries in Lhasa and heavenly lakes located in its surroundings to the epic road trip to Everest Base Camp, Mt. Kailash and Manasrovar kora and onward overland tour to Kathmandu, etc., we handpick the best traveler-choice itineraries and ingeniously make them into the best budget Tibet group tours for worldwide travelers. With tourist-friendly service and quality guarantee, we make sure you enjoy the authentic Tibetan experience, with the affordable and reasonable budget.