Best time to visit Tibet

The rainy season runs from late May or June to September or October, with most of it falling in July and August. The best time to travel to Tibet therefore is April and May, or September and October – either side of the peak of the summer rains and the winter snow.

High season in Tibet runs from April to October. Travelling at the beginning of this season allows you to enjoy snow outside of Lhasa without too much disruption. Towards the end, autumn foliage colours the landscapes and harvest festivals are held in October.

Winter in Tibet certainly has its charms, with snowy scenes and lower prices proving a draw for many. But in December, January and February, the mountains and trekking routes are inaccessible, and many roads may be blocked as well.

You can still visit Lhasa in winter. Days will be dry and bright but cold – with wind chill making it feel even chillier. Nights plummet below freezing from November to February.

There are plenty of festivals in Tibet, one of the biggest being Losar – or Tibetan New Year. This takes place in either February or March, and is celebrated for 15 days – with the first three being the most important. However, the Chinese government periodically restricts the issue of visas during Losar – so do check if they are available before planning your trip at this time.

If you’re heading to Everest Base Camp, April, May and early June as well as late September to early December tend to promise the clearest views across to Mount Everest. July and August can be overcast, leaving the mighty mountain shrouded in cloud.