In fact, the Tibetan climate is not as harsh as many people imagine
it to be. It is suitable for travel to Tibet from April to the beginning
of November, and the best time is August and September. But if you
only stay in Lhasa, you can go there anytime of the year.
Sun radiation is extremely strong in Tibet. The sunlight
in Lhasa is so intense that the city is called Sunlight City. The
thin air can neither block off nor retain heat so that the temperature
extremes can be met in daytime and the same night respectively in
Tibet. However it is not impossible to visit the holy snow land. May,
June and September are the tourism season in east Tibet.
Most annual rainfall comes in the rainy season that
starts from June to 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.
Here is some more specific information in different
areas:
Lhasa - Shigatse - Lhatse - Tingri - Nyalan:
Along the Friendship highway is basically in good conditions year
around. But from December to February, the thawed road could make
some trouble. Try to avoid August - landslide could happen in the
rainy season.
Mt. Everest Area: 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 (if you are lucky).
From December to February, you'd better not to go to this area because
it is too cold - except you are real Great Adventure People.
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 go to this area
in July or August (the rainy season) because the rain could ruin the
road, and make terrible landslides. 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 (July to August)
is the prime time to enjoy the great plain in northern Tibet.
Real time weather report in different
places in Tibet: