Lhasa sits at 3,656 metres (11,995 feet) on the Tibetan Plateau, earning its nickname “Sunlight City” for 3,000-plus hours of annual sunshine. The city has a cold semi-arid climate with extreme daily temperature swings of 15-17°C, thin air carrying roughly 68% of sea-level oxygen, and intense UV radiation year-round. This month-by-month guide covers temperatures, rainfall, and what to pack. For seasonal planning, see our best time to visit Lhasa guide.
Lhasa Weather in January
January is Lhasa’s coldest month: average high 7°C (45°F), low -9°C (16°F). Daytime sun can feel warm due to intense solar radiation at altitude, but shade and wind drop the felt temperature sharply. Practically zero rainfall (1mm) and 8-9 hours of daily sunshine. The Barkhor circuit and Potala Palace are uncrowded, but many smaller guesthouses close. Heavy down jackets, thermal layers, sunglasses, and SPF 50+ sunscreen are essential. Indoor attractions like the Tibet Museum stay open; see our things to do in Lhasa guide for winter-accessible sites.
Lhasa Weather in February
Average highs reach 9°C (48°F) with lows around -6°C (21°F). Precipitation stays at 1mm. Tibetan New Year (Losar) often falls in February, filling the city with festival activity despite the cold. Sunshine remains strong at 8-9 hours daily. UV exposure intensifies as the sun angle climbs. Check our Lhasa events calendar for exact Losar dates, which shift annually with the lunisolar Tibetan calendar.
Lhasa Weather in March
Noticeable warm-up: average high 12°C (54°F), low -2°C (28°F). Precipitation rises slightly to 4mm over 2 days. Plateau winds pick up and dust storms can occur. Daytime is comfortable for sightseeing but evenings still need winter gear. Tourist numbers begin climbing. Norbulingka and outer monasteries become accessible as approach-road snow melts.
Lhasa Weather in April
Average high 16°C (61°F), low 1°C (34°F). Precipitation reaches 10mm across 4 days. Lhasa’s short spring arrives: barley fields turn green in the Kyichu Valley and apricot blossoms appear in monastery courtyards. Afternoon wind gusts remain common. A fleece jacket over layers handles daytime; bring a warm coat for evenings.
Lhasa Weather in May
Average high 20°C (68°F), low 5°C (41°F). Rainfall increases to 26mm across 8 days as pre-monsoon moisture arrives. One of the best months to visit: warm days, cool nights, green landscapes, and before summer crowds peak. Wildflowers bloom on surrounding hillsides. The Saga Dawa festival (commemorating Buddha’s birth and enlightenment) often falls in May or June.
Lhasa Weather in June
Average high 23°C (73°F), low 9°C (48°F). Monsoon influence begins with 79mm of rain across 14 days, mostly as afternoon showers and evening thunderstorms. Mornings are reliably clear and sunny. Humidity rises to 45%, a noticeable shift from winter’s dry air. The landscape turns lush green. Tourist numbers climb as summer holidays begin. Pack a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes.
Lhasa Weather in July
July is the warmest month: average high 22°C (72°F), low 10°C (50°F). It is also the wettest with 130mm across 20 rain days, almost entirely as afternoon downpours that clear by evening. Morning sunshine is reliable. The monsoon keeps daytime highs moderate despite midsummer sun. This is peak domestic tourism; hotels fill up and Tibet Travel Permits become harder to arrange. Our where to stay in Lhasa article lists bookable hotels by area.
Lhasa Weather in August
Average high 21°C (70°F), low 9°C (48°F). Rainfall remains heavy at 122mm over 20 days. The Shoton (Yogurt) Festival typically falls in August, drawing crowds for the giant thangka unveiling at Drepung Monastery. Afternoon rain is nearly guaranteed; schedule outdoor activities for mornings. Humidity peaks at 55%.
Lhasa Weather in September
Average high 19°C (66°F), low 7°C (45°F). Rain tapers to 60mm across 13 days. September offers a sweet spot: the monsoon recedes, skies clear, temperatures stay comfortable, and crowds thin after summer. This is arguably the best photography month with crisp air and golden light on the Potala Palace. Daytime needs only a light jacket.
Lhasa Weather in October
Average high 16°C (61°F), low 1°C (34°F). Precipitation drops sharply to 7mm over 3 days. Clear blue skies return, golden poplar leaves line the Lhasa River, and the tourist season winds down. Days are pleasant but nights turn cold. This is the last comfortable month before winter. Accommodation prices drop from summer peaks.
Lhasa Weather in November
Average high 11°C (52°F), low -5°C (23°F). Essentially zero precipitation (1mm). Skies are intensely blue with 9 hours of daily sunshine. The diurnal range widens dramatically: you might wear a t-shirt at midday and a down parka by sunset. Tourist numbers hit their annual low and hotels offer significant discounts. Some outdoor monastery sections reduce operating hours.
Lhasa Weather in December
Average high 8°C (46°F), low -8°C (18°F). Zero precipitation, 8-9 hours of daily sunshine. The dry sunny days are deceptive: without cloud cover, nights are bitterly cold. Hotels that stay open offer the year’s lowest rates. The Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple see very few tourists, though some sections may close early. The Butter Lamp Festival falls in the first Tibetan lunar month.
Lhasa Monthly Climate Table
| Month | High (°C) | Low (°C) | Rain (mm) | Rain Days | Sun Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7 | -9 | 1 | 1 | 8.5 |
| Feb | 9 | -6 | 1 | 1 | 8.5 |
| Mar | 12 | -2 | 4 | 2 | 9 |
| Apr | 16 | 1 | 10 | 4 | 9 |
| May | 20 | 5 | 26 | 8 | 9.5 |
| Jun | 23 | 9 | 79 | 14 | 8.5 |
| Jul | 22 | 10 | 130 | 20 | 7 |
| Aug | 21 | 9 | 122 | 20 | 7 |
| Sep | 19 | 7 | 60 | 13 | 8 |
| Oct | 16 | 1 | 7 | 3 | 9.5 |
| Nov | 11 | -5 | 1 | 1 | 9 |
| Dec | 8 | -8 | 1 | 1 | 8.5 |
