May–June and September–October bring the clearest mountain views. July and August are greener but wetter; winter Lhasa is cheap and sunny.
Month by month in Lhasa
Lhasa is dry and sunny for most of the year. The daytime highs climb from about 8°C in January to 24°C in June, then fall again. Nights are always cold: the average low is below freezing from November to March and around 10°C to 11°C in summer. Almost all the rain falls from June to September, about 130 mm in each of July and August, against 1 to 3 mm in winter months.
Cold mornings, bright days, few visitors. Highs reach 13°C and 17°C. Nyingchi’s peach blossom peaks in this window. The Everest road opens in mid April.
The sweet spot for many people: highs of 21°C to 24°C, long days and clear views. Book the Potala early.
The green season. Afternoon showers are common and the plateau is at its most colourful. Some roads can close briefly after heavy rain. Shoton falls in August.
Clear air and golden valleys. Highs of 21°C and 18°C. Golden Week, 1 to 7 October, is crowded and slows permits.
Cold, dry and sunny, with lows of -3°C to -9°C. Hotels and flights cost less. Many sights stay open, but the Everest and Kailash roads are closed or difficult.
Choosing by destination
For Everest Base Camp aim for late April to early June or late September to October, when views are most often clear. Namtso is open from May to October and best from June to September. Mount Kailash treks run from May to September. Nyingchi suits March and April for blossom, and September and October for colour.
If you can only choose one window, choose late May to early June or late September.
Planning around permits and holidays
Permits take longer in busy periods. We ask for your scans 25 working days before arrival from May to September, and 30 working days before Golden Week or Losar. Book early if your dates sit near a Chinese public holiday: hotels and Potala tickets fill first.
Dicci le date e risponderemo con un piano e la timeline dei permessi.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tibet too cold in winter?
Lhasa is sunny but cold at night. If you pack warm layers it is a good, quiet time for the city, though the roads to Everest and Kailash are closed or difficult.
Is the monsoon a problem?
Rain falls mostly in the evening and on the southern side. Lhasa stays much drier than the Nepal side, but landslides can briefly delay roads in July and August.
When is the Everest road open?
Base camp is open from mid April to late October. Views are most often clear in the early morning.
When are the Tibetan holidays?
Losar falls in February or March, Shoton in August and Golden Week from 1 to 7 October. Plan more time for permits around them.