Weather in Lhasa

Planning a trip to Lhasa or already here? In this section, you will find the freshest weather information, including detailed forecasts and visual charts to help you plan your day in the best possible way.

The climate in Lhasa, located in a high-altitude region, is distinguished by pronounced seasonality and significant daily and annual temperature fluctuations. Overall, it can be described as a mountain continental climate. This means you can expect rather sharp contrasts between day and night temperatures, as well as a clear division into warm and cold seasons.

Winter in Lhasa (from December to February) is cold and very dry, with average temperatures significantly below freezing (around -6°C to -9°C) and almost a complete absence of precipitation. Spring (March-May) brings gradual warming, although nights can still be cool, and average temperatures rise from negative values to approximately +5°C. Summer (June-August) is the warmest time of the year, with average temperatures around +11°C. It is during the summer months, especially July and August, that the majority of annual precipitation falls, forming a sort of wet season, although the total amount of rainfall remains moderate. Autumn (September-November) is characterized by gradual cooling and decreasing precipitation, preparing the city for the arrival of winter.

Lhasa experiences a significant annual temperature range, typical of high-altitude areas. The coldest month is generally January, when the average temperature drops to -8.6°C, with minimum nighttime temperatures reaching -15.8°C and daytime highs around -1.4°C. Conversely, the warmest month is July with an average temperature of +11.4°C; during this time, daytime temperatures can rise to +15.8°C, while nighttime temperatures drop to +7.0°C. One of the key features of Lhasa's climate is the substantial daily temperature variation, where the difference between the daily maximum and nightly minimum can be 10-15°C or more throughout the year.

The summer months, from June to August, bring the most comfortable weather for visiting Lhasa, although they are also the wettest. Average daytime temperatures fluctuate in the range of +15°C to +16°C, creating pleasant warmth. Nights remain cool, with temperatures around +5°C to +7°C, which requires warm clothing even in summer. June, July, and August show average temperatures around +10.8°C, +11.4°C and +11.1°C respectively, making them the peak of the tourist season.

The winter period, covering December, January, and February, is characterized by stable frosty weather. Average temperatures during these months range from -6.1°C in December to -8.6°C in January. At night, the thermometer regularly drops to -13°C...-15°C, while daytime highs often remain below freezing or exceed it only slightly (from -1.4°C to +0.7°C). The spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) months are transitional, with a gradual rise or fall in temperatures, but with significant daily fluctuations persisting.

Precipitation in Lhasa has a clearly defined seasonal character. The city experiences a prolonged dry season and a relatively short but noticeable wet season. The greatest amount of precipitation falls during the summer months, while winter is characterized by its almost complete absence. Overall, the total annual rainfall in Lhasa is low, which is typical for high-altitude regions with a continental climate.

The wet season in Lhasa occurs during the summer months, reaching its peak in July, which is the rainiest month of the year with an average precipitation of 7 mm and approximately 28 rainy days. August is also quite wet, with 5 mm of precipitation and 26 days with rain. In June and September, 4 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days is about 22. Summer precipitation usually falls in the form of rain, sometimes intense, but more often short-lived.

The dry season covers the period from late autumn to early spring. January and December are the driest months, when no precipitation is observed at all (0 mm), and the number of days with precipitation is minimal (4-5 days). In November, February, and March, only 1 mm of precipitation falls. Given the low temperatures in these months (average temperatures in January and February are -8.6°C and -7.7°C respectively), any precipitation will most likely be in the form of snow. Transitional months, such as April, May, and October, show a gradual increase or decrease in the amount of precipitation and the number of wet days, while in April and October, with average temperatures close to zero, both rain and snow are possible.

When planning a trip to Lhasa, it is important to choose your wardrobe correctly, considering the high-altitude climate and significant temperature changes throughout the year. The key principle is layering. This will allow you to easily adapt to changing conditions, from cool mornings to warmer daytime hours and back to the evening chill. Regardless of the season, be sure to bring comfortable shoes for walking, as you will be moving around a lot. Also, due to the high-altitude location, the sun here is very active, so high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a head covering (hat or cap) are your faithful companions all year round. Don't forget lip balm, as the air can be dry.

Winter months in Lhasa (from December to February) are characterized by very low temperatures (averages from -6°C to -9°C, with night frosts down to -15°C) and almost a complete absence of precipitation. Your luggage should include: warm thermal underwear, fleece sweaters, very warm windproof and preferably waterproof outerwear (for example, a down jacket), insulated trousers, a warm hat covering your ears, gloves or mittens, and a warm scarf. Shoes should be winter-appropriate, with thick soles and good insulation.

The summer period (June-August) is the warmest, with average temperatures around +11°C, but nights remain cool (around +5°C to +7°C). This is also the wettest season, with frequent, though not always heavy, rains. It is recommended to bring: T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, a light sweater or fleece, as well as a waterproof and windproof jacket. Comfortable trousers, possibly made of quick-drying fabric, will be very useful. Don't forget an umbrella or a raincoat. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are transitional seasons with changeable weather. Dress in layers, be prepared for both sunny days and cool weather, as well as possible precipitation in the form of rain or even wet snow, especially in early spring and late autumn.