When is the best time to visit Tibet?

Visiting Tibet in February - March

The weather is extremely cold and often snowy during this period, making much of the country inaccessible beyond the main cities. In addition, the Chinese government often does not issue Tibet permits to foreigners during a six-week period during this time, for Tibetan New Year.

Events & Festivals

• Tibetan New Year typically falls in February, and is celebrated by a week-long festival of horse races, archery and dancing.

Visiting Tibet in April

Temperatures begin to rise, melting the snow and opening up more areas to visit. This is still before the summer so you’ll avoid the highest prices and visitor numbers. This is still in the dry season so you’re likely to have clear skies and great views of the mountains. Travelling outside of Lhasa will provide you with spectacular wintery landscapes, with snowy mountains and frozen lakes.

Visiting Tibet in May

The weather is generally warm and sunny in May, with clear skies and great views. Temperatures at the lower altitudes average at around 20°C (just under 70°F) although due to the high altitude this can feel warmer in the sun. It gets a little busier with more visitors arriving to take advantage of the inclement climate, so prices also start to rise. Flowers begin to bloom and the trees turn green.

Visiting Tibet in June

Temperatures get warmer again but from mid-June the rainy season begins so the whole of June is generally cloudier than in April and May. This is still before the busiest summer months though, and offers pleasant conditions for walking in the mountains.

Events & Festivals

• Incense Festival is a one-day event in June, during which Tibetans dress up as spirits and dance to ‘scare away’ the ghosts which are said to prowl on this day.
• Sho Dun Festival is held to worship Buddha, and is celebrated with bonfires at night and operas and picnics held in parks during the day.

Visiting Tibet in July - August

This is rainy season in Tibet so there is often cloud cover, which means if you’re trekking in the mountains during these months you may not get clear, panoramic views. However, this is also the time of year when the alpine flowers bloom and the mountains are at their most verdant. Temperatures are also mild and pleasant.

Visiting Tibet in September

The rain is usually over by September and temperatures are still warm, making September a lovely time to visit Tibet. Colourful autumn foliage begins to appear across the landscape.

Visiting Tibet in October

October is one of the most popular times to visit Tibet because the days are long, dry and generally sunny. Daytime temperatures average between 15 and 20°C (60-70°F), although the high altitude makes it feel warmer.

Events & Festivals

• Harvest Festival usually falls during October, celebrated by prayers, singing, dancing and drinking.

Visiting Tibet in November - December

The weather is typically dry, sunny and very cold during November and December, with temperatures dropping well below freezing at night. There aren’t usually many people visiting during this time, so prices tend to drop accordingly.

Events & Festivals

• Tsongkhapa Festival commemorates the death of Tsongkhapa by lighting fires on the roofs of all monasteries.