Climate of Tibet

Tibet's climate is characterized by extreme dryness for about nine months each year, resulting in an annual snowfall of just 18 inches. This arid condition is primarily due to the rain shadow effect. The western regions experience consistently low temperatures and a barren landscape devoid of substantial vegetation, except for small bushes. Relentless winds sweep across vast arid plains, adding to the desolation.

Eastern Tibet, influenced by the Indian monsoon, exhibits somewhat different climatic patterns. Northern Tibet, on the other hand, witnesses high temperatures in summer and extreme cold in winter. Despite its challenging climate, Tibet is renowned as a holy land, drawing millions of pilgrims who consider it the world's center of sanctity.

Although Tibet is often nicknamed 'The Land of Snows,' it experiences surprisingly little snowfall. Visitors can expect neither extreme cold in winter nor excessive heat in summer. The best times to travel to Tibet are from March to October. The majority of annual rainfall occurs during the rainy season, from May to September, covering 90 percent of the year. Rainfall typically occurs at night in areas like Lhasa, Shigatse, and Chamdo.

Precipitation levels vary greatly across Tibet, decreasing from approximately 5000 millimeters in the lower southeastern regions to just 50 millimeters in the northwest. Winters (November to March) are cold, with an average January temperature of -2°C, but there is limited snowfall. Summers (May to September) bring warm days with strong sunshine and cool nights. At higher elevations above 4000 meters, even summer days can be chilly. Spring and autumn can be unpredictable, with the possibility of experiencing all four seasons in a single day, including occasional snowfall.