Best Time to Visit Lhasa

The peak Season in Lhasa not only has the best landscape of the year, but also coincides with many public and local holidays. Accordingly, the influx of tourists leads to the higher price for plane, hotel and restaurant. The traveling expense is highest in July and August, which is the summer vacation in China. 
 

For people who prefer less crowded attractions, November to April is the best time to visit Lhasa. Moreover, traveling during this period is very cost effective, for many scenic areas offer 50% discounts on entry tickets, and airline companies and hotels also give preferential policies. One thing should be mentioned is that Nov. to Mar. is the cold winter here and there is a big difference between the day and night temperatures, thus tourists should bring appropriate clothes to keep warm.
 

Many Chinese tourists plan their self-driving or guided tour to Tibet at the National Day holiday, from Oct. 1st-7th. Because of the Chinese students' summer break, July to August is also a busy season for Tibetan tourism. During these times, popular attractions in Tibet can be crowded, and hotels and restaurants charge tourists more than usual. Therefore, overseas tourists might avoid visiting Lhasa during these times.

 See More about Public Holidays in China 
 

Spring in Lhasa is cold, dry and windy.
Average temperature: 4 – 18℃ (40 – 65℉)
Clothes: windbreaker, warm jacket, sweater, sweatpants

Recommended tour destinations:
Potala Palace, the landmark of Lhasa, is a must for every tourist. Apart from the unique Tibetan architectural style, one may go inside to enjoy the beautiful mural, Thangka, goldwares and silverwares. Nearby attractions such as Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street are also worth seeing.

When it comes to natural landscape, spring is the best time to visit Lhasa’s Yarlung Tsangpo River. Blue water, pink peach blossoms and white snow-capped mountains make up a picturesque scene. If time permits, the Peach Blossom Festival in Nyingchi every March to April is very popular. In May, it is recommended to visit the Mount Everest in Shigastse owing to less windy or snowy days and high visibility.
 

Summer in Lhasa is very cool, and it usually rains at night. Since temperature plummets in the evening, a warm jacket is very important for night time.
Average temperature: 10 – 22℃ (50 - 72℉)
Clothes: shirt, hoodie, warm jacket, jeans

Recommended tour destinations:
With wild flowers scattering around and green grassland stretching for miles, Jun. to Aug. is the Lhasa best time to visit Namtso Lake. Its glittering water at sunrise and sunset is the photographers’ favorite. Norbulingka, better known as the Tibetan Summer Palace, is another place of interest. Tourists may feast their eyes on rare flowers and plants, as well as delicate ponds and rockeries. 

For people interested in Buddhism, they cannot miss the Shoton Festival held every late August. During this grandest festival in Tibet, the gigantic scroll painting of Sakyamuni is placed alongside the hill. Tourists could see it at either the Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery or the Ganden Monastery. Tibetan Opera, yak racing and horse show are also interesting.
 

Temperature and rainfall start to decrease in autumn in Lhasa.
Average temperature: 2 – 17℃ (36 - 63℉)
Clothes: overcoat, warm jacket, cardigan, sweater

Recommended tour destinations:
Sunny autumn permits a clear view of Lhasa cityscape. Tourists may visit the Chakpori Hill, whose sightseeing platform is said to be the best place to have a panorama of the Potala Palace. Nietang Buddha, the biggest Cliffside sculpture in Tibet, is also an eye-opener. If tourists want to know more about the profound Tibetan Buddhism and history, Tibet Museum should be on their list. A wide variety of statues, hand-written scriptures, seals, musical instruments and handicrafts are exhibited.
 

Winter in Lhasa is long, dry and cold, and the average day/night temperature difference is 16℃ (60℉).
Average temperature: -6 - 10℃ (21 - 50℉)
Clothes: down coat, padded trousers, scarf, gloves, boots

Recommended tour destinations:
In November to March in Lhasa, you may consider the Ramoche Monastery. At this attraction with both Han and Tibetan architectural style, tourists could appreciate beautiful murals and turn the prayer wheel to wish for good luck. Last but not least, November to March is the best time to visit Lhasa’s Yangpachen area. Though high in altitude, this place is blessed with rich geothermal resources, and accordingly developed hot spring services. Tourists could enjoy hot spring while seeing the snow mountain far away, truly relaxing.