CLIMATE
Basically, the Tibetan climate
is not as harsh as many people imagine it to
be. The best time of year to be in Tibet is
from April to the beginning of November, after
which temperatures start to plummet.
The central Tibet, including Lhasa,
Gyantse, Shigatse and Tsedang, generally has
very mild weather from April to November, though
July and August can be rainy - these two months
usually see around half of Tibet's annual rainfall.
October and November often bring
some dazzling clear weather and daytime temperatures
can be quite comfortable at Tibet's lower altitude.
The coldest months are from December
to February. The low altitude valleys of Tibet
(around Lhasa, Shigatse and Tsedang) see very
little snow.
Spring does not really get under
way until April, though March can have warm
sunny days and is not necessarily a bad month
to be in Tibet. More specific information in
different areas:
Here is some more specific
information in different areas:
Lhasa /Shigatse
/Lhatse /Tingri /Nyalan : Along the
Friendship highway is basically in good conditions
year around. But from December to February,
the thawed road could make some trouble. Try
to avoid August - landslide could happen in
the rainy season.
Mt. Everest Area
: Early May and early October are the
best time to visit Mt. Everest. Due to the clear
weather, you have great chance to see Mt. Everest's
true face (if you are lucky). From December
to February, you'd better not to go to this
area because it is too cold - except you are
real Great Adventure People.
Ali (Mt.Kailash)
: Even without climate restrictions,
this area is already inhospitable. Big rain
and snow could make the journey worse. However,
for those determined tourists, the appropriate
time is May, June, July, September and October.
Eastern Tibet :
Don't go to this area in July or August (the
rainy season) because the rain could ruin the
road, and make terrible landslides. In winter,
the road could be frozen.
Northern Tibet
: With the average altitude of 4,500m,
this area offers very limited time for tourists.
Summer (July to August) is the prime time to
enjoy the great plain in northern Tibet.
BEST TIME TO VISIT TIBET
Despite the high altitude of the
Tibetan Plateau, the daytime temperatures are
actually quite mild. Between March and November
the average temperature ranges form 15-25 degrees
Celsius and the skies are generally clear and
blue. From July to August though there can be
the odd shower during the day. The nights, however,
can be very cold and temperatures can drop below
0 degrees Celsius. During the day a light shirt
or jumper and lightweight pants will be suitable,
but a warm fleece or down jacket is recommended
for the evenings.
The best time of year for
overland tours in Tibet is from March to November
and for treks and Mt. Kailash tour from April
to the beginning of October.
Layered clothing is recommended
as day and night-time temperature vary greatly.
Down jackets are required from October to March
(three is snow). The rainy season is June-September.
The main temperature is 8 degree in the north.
Tibetan Temperature
Average
Temperature in different places of Tibet
|
| Place |
Yearly ['C / 'F] |
January ['C / 'F] |
February ['C / 'F] |
| Lhasa |
7.5 / 45.5 |
-2.2 / 28.04 |
15.1 / 59.18 |
| Nagqu |
-1.9 / 28.58 |
-13.9 / 7 |
8.9 / 48.02 |
| Qamdo |
7.6 / 45.68 |
-2.5 / 27.5 |
16.3 / 61.34 |
| Damshung |
1.3 / 34.34 |
-9.9 / 14.18 |
10.8 / 51.44 |
| Pome |
8.5 / 47.3 |
-0.2 / 31.64 |
16.5 / 61.7 |
| Amdo |
-3.0 / 26.6 |
-15 / 5 |
7.9 / 46.22 |
| Nyingchi |
8.6 / 47.48 |
-0.2 / 31.64 |
15.6 / 60.08 |
| Tsedang |
8.3 / 46.94 |
-0.7 / 30.74 |
15.5 / 59.9 |
| Xigatse |
6.3 / 43.34 |
-3.8 / 25.16 |
14.2 / 57.56 |
| Gyangtse |
4.7 / 40.46 |
-5.1 / 22.82 |
12.8 / 55.04 |
| Tingri |
0.7 / 33.26 |
-11.3 / 11.66 |
10.9 / 51.62 |
| Zayui |
-11.8 / 10.76 |
-4.0 / 24.8 |
18.6 / 65.48 |
| Note: Data
Format ['C / 'F]. 'C is in Celsius.
'F is in Fahrenheit. |
|
| |
|
The Average Temperature of Lhasa in a Year
|
| |
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Ave |
'C |
0.3 |
1.6 |
5.5 |
9.1 |
13 |
17 |
16.4 |
15.6 |
14.3 |
9.2 |
3.9 |
0 |
|
'F |
32.5 |
34.89 |
41.9 |
48.4 |
55.4 |
62.6 |
61.5 |
60.1 |
57.7 |
48.6 |
39 |
32 |
| Max |
'C |
12.2 |
15.5 |
18.3 |
21.6 |
25 |
27.8 |
27.2 |
25.5 |
23.9 |
21.6 |
16.6 |
13.9 |
|
'F |
54 |
59.9 |
64.9 |
70.9 |
77 |
82 |
81 |
77.9 |
75 |
70.9 |
61.9 |
57 |
| Min |
'C |
-14.4 |
-11.6 |
-8.3 |
-4.4 |
-0.5 |
4.4 |
6.1 |
5.5 |
3.9 |
-5.0 |
-9.4 |
-13.3 |
|
'F |
6 |
11.1 |
17.1 |
24.1 |
31.1 |
39.9 |
43 |
41.9 |
39 |
23 |
15.1 |
8.06 |
|
