Tibet Weather in December
Season: Winter
As winter deepens in Tibet, December experiences a significant temperature drop. Although the midday sun shines brightly, it still feels cold because of frequent winds. Additionally, December in Tibet is mostly sunny and dry, with minimal rainfall.
Averages for Tibet Weather in December
High Temperature: 9°C / 73°F
Low Temperature: -6 ℃ / 48°F
Rainy Days: 0 day
Rainfall: 0mm
Sunrise: 8:33~8:50
Sunset: 18:56~19:06
Pros & Cons of Visiting Tibet in December
Pros
Less Cost: In December, enjoy discounted or even free tickets to attractions, significantly lowered accommodation costs, and heavily discounted air tickets. Rich Festivities: In December, tourists can celebrate Palden Lhamo Festival alongside Tibetans in Jokhang Temple, as well as Barkhor Street, and immerse themselves in a dream-like sea of butter lamps during Tibetan Light Festival.Cons
Coldness Challenges: December’s chilly climate and the thinner air in Tibet make it essential to bundle up and to guard against a higher risk of altitude sickness. Winter-Closed Spots: High-altitude attractions such as Mount Everest and Namtso Lake may become inaccessible or temporarily closed due to snow and ice. Therefore, consider lower-altitude destinations like Lhasa, Nyingchi, and Motuo as viable alternatives.Tibet Travel Essentials in December
Clothing: December's chilly climate in Tibet calls for outerwear that includes down jackets or three-in-one jackets, layered with thick sweaters or thermal underwear for warmth. Accessories: To prevent heat loss from the head and hands, wear warm gloves, hats, and scarves. Footwear: Non-slip hiking shoes or sneakers ensure comfort and stability for walking and hiking. UV Protection Items: Due to the plateau's intense ultraviolet rays, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential. Moisturizing Essentials: The dry climate of Tibet necessitates the use of moisturizing skincare products and lip balm.
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Top Things to Do in December
1. Experience Palden Lhamo Festival and Tibetan Lamp Festival in Lhasa
In Lhasa, Palden Lhamo Festival brings together believers in their finest attire, holding a hada, and carrying highland barley wine to Jokhang Temple to devoutly welcome the arrival of Palden Lhamo, the goddess of wisdom and strength in Tibetan Buddhism.
Tourists are warmly invited to join in this sacred ritual by presenting a hada to the goddess. On Barkhor Street, you can join the believers in spinning prayer wheels and offering blessings to yourselves and your loved ones.
During Tibetan Light Festival, believers light up butter lamps to honor Tsong Khapa, the wise founder of Gelugpa Sect, while monks conduct chanting ceremonies at Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, inviting tourists to light their own butter lamps and make wishes.
Sera Monastery, Ramoche Temple, and Ganden Monastery are also good destinations to engage in lamp lighting activities with fewer people.
In 2025, Palden Lhamo Festival will be celebrated on December 4th, with Tibetan Light Festival following suit on December 14th.
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2. Discover Nyingchi's Snowscape
In winter, Lulang in Nyingchi transforms into a snowy paradise, with its lush forests and meadows adorned with neatly arranged Tibetan-style houses, now covered in a blanket of snow. The distant snow-capped mountains peek through the mist, making the landscape like a serene Chinese ink-wash painting.
As December unfolds, the dry climate and minimal rainfall render Mount Namcha Barwa even more striking and vivid. On sunny days, it is treated to a golden afterglow, as the sunlight bathes it in a breathtaking and enigmatic spectacle.
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| Tibet Golden Mountain in December |
3. Trek in Motuo's Chill Winter
Winter in Motuo offers a delightful escape with its mild climate, perfect for trekkers.
Hanmi Waterfall plunges 400 meters down like shimmering silver threads, their roar echoing through the air. Standing in front of these cascading wonders, you'll feel the refreshing chill of the spray around you.
Under the clear winter sky above Xigong Lake, early mornings bring a misty haze shrouding the lake, making surrounding mountains like a magical mirage. As sunlight dances across the lake, the reflections shimmer in hues of red, purple, and green, a painter's dream come true.
Under the clear winter sky above Xigong Lake, early mornings bring a misty haze shrouding the lake, making surrounding mountains like a magical mirage. As sunlight dances across the lake, the reflections shimmer in hues of red, purple, and green, a painter's dream come true.
See more about Motuo Trekking
- Last updated on Nov. 04, 2024 by Jally Zhang -