Tibet is not a destination you can just visit "whenever."
It sits at 4,000 meters (13,000 ft) above sea level. The weather here is extreme, unpredictable, and dictates everything—from whether you can see Mount Everest to whether your flight can even land.
I have seen clients book trips in August dreaming of blue skies, only to stare at grey fog for 5 days.
I have seen others go in winter and have the most magical, crystal-clear experience of their lives.
So, when is the actual best time to go?
The answer depends on what you want: Clear Views, Warm Weather, or Local Culture. You usually can't have all three at once.
Here is the month-by-month breakdown to help you pick your perfect window.
The "Sweet Spot": Spring & Autumn
(April, May, September, October)
If you want the best balance of decent temperatures and clear skies, this is it.
Weather: Crisp and dry. Days are sunny (15°C / 60°F), nights are chilly but manageable.
Why Go:
Everest Visibility: These are the best months to see the peak of Mt. Everest. The monsoon clouds haven't arrived yet (Spring) or have just left (Autumn).
Trekking: Perfect conditions for the Mt. Kailash kora trek.
Crowds: Moderate. It’s busy, but not "summer insane."
The Downside: October is Golden Week (Chinese National Holiday). Avoid the first week of October unless you love crowds.
My Pick: Late May or Late September are the two best weeks of the year.
The "Peak" Season: Summer
(June, July, August)
This is when most tourists come, but ironically, it might be the worst time for mountain views.
Weather: Warm! Daytime highs can reach 25°C (77°F). Oxygen content in the air is higher (good for altitude sickness). The grasslands are lush green.
Why Go:
Festivals: The Shoton Festival (Yogurt Festival) usually happens in August. It’s a massive party with giant Thangka paintings unfurled on hillsides.
Comfort: You don't need a heavy coat in Lhasa.
The Downside: The Monsoon. It rains. A lot.
Real Talk: In July/August, the mountains are often shrouded in clouds. You might drive all the way to Everest Base Camp and see... nothing.
Cost: Prices for hotels and guides are at their highest.
The "Secret" Season: Winter
(November to January)
Most people think Tibet in winter is a frozen wasteland.
Actually, it’s a hidden gem.
Weather: Yes, it’s cold at night (-10°C), but the days are surprisingly sunny and pleasant (10°C). It’s dry cold, not wet cold.
Why Go:
Authenticity: The tourists are gone. The city is filled with Tibetan pilgrims from the countryside who come to Lhasa to pray in winter. You will see real, raw culture.
Blue Skies: The visibility is incredible. The photos you take in winter are sharper than any other time.
Price: Hotels and tours are 30-50% cheaper.
The Downside:
Namtso Lake: Often closed due to snow on the pass.
Cold Hotels: Many cheaper hotels have poor heating. (We only book hotels with good heating for our winter guests!).
The "Forbidden" Season: February & March
⚠️ Critical Warning:
Tibet is typically closed to foreign tourists for about 5-6 weeks every year in February and March.
Why? It coincides with the Tibetan New Year (Losar) and politically sensitive anniversaries.
The Rule: The government simply stops issuing Tibet Travel Permits.
Planning Tip: If you want to travel in spring, book for April 1st onwards. Do not plan a trip for March; it will likely be cancelled.
Summary Chart: Pick Your Priority
| Goal | Best Month | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Seeing Mt. Everest | May, Oct, Nov, Dec | July, August (Clouds) |
| Warmest Weather | June, July, August | Dec, Jan |
| Fewest Tourists | Nov, Dec, Jan | July, Aug, Oct 1-7 |
| Festivals | August (Shoton) | - |
| Budget | Winter | Summer |
Final Advice from Sunny China Travel
If I were planning my own trip?
I would go in mid-May. The rhododendrons are blooming in the valleys, the sky is blue, and it’s not too cold.
But if you are a photographer, go in Winter. The light is unmatched.
Still unsure?
Send us your travel dates. We check the weather patterns and permit status daily. We’ll tell you honestly if it’s a good time to go.