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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.
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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 : The
Friendship highway is basically in good
conditions year around. But from 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 magnetism 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. |