The high altitude and special topography and geography of Tibet create the special climate in this area. Generally speaking, Tibet is one of the harshest places for human existence with thin air, intense ultraviolet radiation, and distinct rainy season and dry season. The climates are much different in different areas in Tibet and temperatures vary greatly within a single day. Climate in southeastern Tibet (e.g. Nyingchi) is gentle and temperate with the average temperature of eight degrees; in western Tibet (e.g. Nakqu), the average temperature is below zero degree; While in Lhasa and the central part of Tibet, the climate is normal and nice for traveling.
However, the weather is not as harsh as you imagine it to be. It is suitable for travel to from April to the beginning of November, and the best time is August and September. But if you only stay in Lhasa, you can go there any time of the year. Most annual rainfall comes in the rainy season, staring from June to September, when the precipitation covers 90% of the whole year. The precipitations gradually decrease from 5000 millimeters in the lower part of southeast to just 50 in the northwest. Usually it rains at night in Lhasa, Shigatse and Chamdo area.
See when the best time to visit Tibet is
Solar radiation is extremely strong in Tibet. The sunlight in Lhasa is so intense that the city is called Sunlight City. The thin Tibetan air can neither radiate nor absorb heat, resulting in temperature extremes during both day and night.
See what you need to prepare for Tibet Climate
