Tibet Climate and Weather

Tibet has a peculiar climate due to its unique topography and high altitude. The weather is harsh because the air is thin and temperatures can rise or drop suddenly. Tibet has a dry, cold climate and is particularly cold in the mountains and plateaus, which are swept by strong winds all year round. In summer (June to August), the daily temperature fluctuates greatly between day and night. At midday it may be 80F (27C), but after sunset the mercury plummets abruptly to as low as 32F (3C). There is more sunshine in Tibet than many would expect, which prevents temperatures getting too low during the day. It does also make ultraviolet rays a problem for travellers, so they should be sure to take plenty of sunscreen no matter what the season. July and August are the wettest months, particularly in the central area around Lhasa, but average annual precipitation is actually very low. Northern Tibet experiences frequent thunderstorms and hail during the rainy months.

The best time of year to visit Tibet is between April and October, when the weather is mild. This only really applies to the central and southeast regions of Tibet though; the best months to visit the north are July and August, as winter at this altitude is freezing.

Tibet