Weather And Climate Tibet
Introduction
Tibetan climate has a reputation of being very harsh, in fact there are many places in the world with much harsher weather. Tibet is cold in winter, cool in summer and generally dry, receiving only about 45cm. (18 inches) of rain or snow annually. In Lhasa the average yearly temperature is 7.5C and ranging from average 0 C in December to 17 C in June. Travel to Tibet is comfortable from April to the beginning of November, and the best time is between August and September. Lhasa can be travelled to anytime of the year. Temperature can vary greatly within a day, however, exceeding 29C (85 F) in desert areas in summer and plunging below 4C (40F) at night.
Sun radiation is extremely high in Tibet and Lhasa is called Sunlight City. The thin air can neither block the radiation effectively nor retain heat so that the temperature can be extreme between the daytime and the night time. May, June and September are the main months for tourism in east Tibet. Most annual rainfall happens in the rainy season that starts from June and last until September. Usually it rains at night in Lhasa, Shigatse and Chamdo area. The rainfall may block roads and make travel difficult but the scenery at the time will be the best.
Best Time to Visit:
Lhasa /Shigatse /Lhatse /Tingri /Nyalan: Along the Friendship highway good weather conditions persist all year around. Between December to February, the road may freeze and thaw creating minor hazards and August is known period of possible landslide due to the rainy season.
Mt. Everest Area: Early May and early October are the best time to visit Mt. Everest area. Due to the clear weather, there is the best chance to see the face of Mt. Everest. Between December and February midst winter the weather is very cold and the only tourists who venture there are real Great Adventurers.
Mt. Kailash: This area is known for heavy rainfalls and snow. However, for those determined tourists and pilgrims the best time is May, June, July, September and October.
Eastern Tibet: Eastern Tibet area is subject to the rain season in July and August. With heavy rain the road can be dangerous and subject to landslides. In winter, the road could be a subject to snow and ice.
Northern Tibet: Due its average altitude of 4,500m, this area is only accessible to tourists for very limited time and summer and July to August is the prime time to visit the great plain of northern Tibet.
What to bring and what to wear:Clothing should be simple and consisting of layers, which can be added or removed as temperatures vary during a day. A warm windbreaker and stout, comfortable shoes are essential. Formal attire such as a necktie or dress will be never be needed. Slacks and sweaters are the best. Essential items to bring are sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, hat, flash-light, lips moisturizer and personal medications.
