Weather in Shigatse

Be prepared for any surprises from nature when packing for Shigatse. Here you will find the freshest information on temperature, precipitation, and detailed forecasts to help you comfortably plan your journey.

The climate in Shigatse, located in a high-altitude region, is distinguished by its rugged character and significant temperature fluctuations. Overall, the weather here can be described as cold and dry in winter, transitioning to a cool and more humid summer. Even in the warmest months, there is no sweltering heat, which is a welcome relief for many travelers; therefore, it is always recommended to carry warm, layered clothing.

There is a clear change of seasons throughout the year. Winter, lasting from November to March, brings frosty nights when the temperature drops to -11°C, yet there is practically no precipitation during this period, and the days are often sunny. Summer brings a long-awaited warming: daytime temperatures in June and July can reach a comfortable +16...+18°C, making this a popular period for visits.

An interesting feature of the weather in Shigatse is the distribution of humidity. While winter and spring are very dry, the number of rainy days increases sharply in summer—in July and August, precipitation can be recorded almost daily (up to 28 days a month). Nevertheless, the total volume of rainfall remains small, so instead of heavy downpours, travelers can more often expect light drizzle or variable cloudiness.

The climate in this high-altitude region is rigorous, so Shigatse requires thorough preparation for a trip at any time of the year. Winter here is cold and long: the frostiest month is January with an average temperature of about -4.9°C. During this period, night frosts reach -11.3°C, and during the day, the air barely warms above freezing. February and December also maintain negative average indicators, making warm winter gear a necessity for travelers.

The summer season brings welcome warmth, but there is no intense heat here. According to statistics, June is the warmest month, when daytime temperatures reach their maximum of +18.4°C. July and August, although the height of summer, are characterized by moderate warmth with daytime readings around +16.5°C...+16.7°C. Such weather is ideal for active tourism, as it excludes the exhausting heat common in many other regions of Asia.

An important feature of the local temperature regime is the sharp difference between day and night. The amplitude of fluctuations is 12–13 degrees almost all year round. For example, in April or October, comfortable daytime temperatures of +10...+11°C are quickly replaced by frosts after sunset. Even in summer, when the sun shines during the day, nights remain cool with temperatures around +6...+7°C, so layered clothing will be useful to you even in the warmest season.

Precipitation in Shigatse is distributed extremely unevenly and has a distinct seasonal character. Winter months, as well as November and March, are distinguished by exceptional dryness: at this time, precipitation is practically absent (0 mm), and the sky remains clear. Despite negative temperatures in winter, snowfall here is a great rarity due to the low humidity of the air.

Summer brings significant changes: July and August are considered the wettest months of the year. However, the statistics here are quite unusual: although it may rain very often (up to 28 days in July), the intensity is minimal. The average level of precipitation in summer is only 6–8 mm per month, which indicates a prevalence of light drizzle or brief weak rains that rarely interfere with excursion plans.

Transitional periods, such as May, June, and September, are characterized by gradual weather changes. In May, the number of rainy days begins to grow, reaching a peak in summer, and in September, the rainy season smoothly declines (about 21 days with precipitation), although the volume remains small. By October, the weather stabilizes sharply, returning to a dry and sunny regime.

When planning a trip to Shigatse, it is important to remember that the climate here is harsh and high-altitude, so the main principle of your wardrobe should be layering. Even in the summer months, when the average temperature holds around +12°C, nights can be cold. For a trip at any time of the year, be sure to take quality thermal underwear, warm fleece sweaters, and a windproof jacket. In winter, when the temperature consistently drops below freezing, you will also need a hat, scarf, and gloves.

The summer season (from June to September) is characterized by the highest amount of precipitation: rains can occur often, although they are not too heavy. At this time of year, a light raincoat or a membrane windbreaker with a hood will become indispensable to protect against dampness and wind. Given the terrain and the need to walk a lot, give preference to comfortable trekking shoes with non-slip soles, which will ensure comfort and safety while sightseeing.

Do not underestimate the mountain sun either. Due to the altitude, ultraviolet radiation here is very intense even in cloudy weather, so be sure to pack sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF 50+) and sunglasses. We also recommend taking facial moisturizer and lip balm to protect your skin from the dry air and wind. A small backpack will be useful for carrying water and storing extra clothing when the air warms up during the day.