| Climate of Tibet |
Basically, the Tibetan climate is not as harsh
as many people imagine it to be. The best time of year to be in
Tibet is from April to the beginning of November, after which
temperatures start to plummet.
The central Tibet, including Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse and
Tsedang, generally has very mild weather from April to November,
though July and August can be rainy - these two months usually
see around half of Tibet's annual rainfall.
October and November often bring some dazzling clear weather and
daytime temperatures can be quite comfortable at Tibet's lower
altitude.
The coldest months are from December to February. It is not
impossible to visit Tibet in winter. The low altitude valleys of
Tibet (around Lhasa, Shigatse and Tsedang) see very little snow.
Spring does not really get under way until April, though March
can have warm sunny days and is not necessarily a bad month to
be in Tibet. More specific information in different areas:
Lhasa - the border of Nepal/China : A friendship highway links Nepal with China along which one can travel without any hindrance round the year but in rear cases December to
February, the thawed road could make some trouble. Besides, try
to avoid August - landslide could happen in the rainy season.
Mt. Everest Region : Early May and early October are the best
time to visit Mt. Everest. Due to the clear weather, you have
great chance to see Mt. Everest's true face. From December to
February, it's too cold to go to this region. But the magnetic beauty
of Mt. Everest always attracts people anytime of the year.
Ali (Mt.Kailash) : Even without climate restrictions, this area
is already inhospitable. Big rain and snow could make the
journey worse. However, for those determined tourists, the
appropriate time is May, June, July, September and October.
Eastern Tibet : Don't touch this area in July or August, the
rain could ruin the road, and make terrible landslides. While in
winter, the road could be frozen.
Northern Tibet : With the average altitude of 4,500m, this area
offers very limited time for tourists. Summer is the prime time
to enjoy the great plain in northern Tibet. |
