Tibet Travel in February

Chinese New Year is usually in February, and the holiday is also around February. February means the end of the severe winter for the rest of the mainland China, and the March with spring blossoms is coming, while for Tibet, February is still in cold winter, with warm daytime but cold nights. Even so, travel to Tibet in February is possible. 

Tibet Weather Feature in February

When travelling to Tibet, compared with January, Tibet in February becomes slightly milder, even though it is still in harsh winter. In February, there is little precipitation in Tibet, and less cloudy weather. Direct sunlight makes the solar ultraviolet in Tibet strong, therefore, even if you go to Tibet in winter, you’d better be prepared for sun protection. The weather is cold and dry, yet during the sunny days, you can feel nicely cool. Temperatures in the daytime can reach up to over 10℃, while the nights may drop to as low as -8℃, averagely. It snows little actually in most regions of the plateau, while the wind is rather strong.

Read More: Tibet Travel Weather and Climate in February

What to Wear in February

It is good to dress in layers for the temperature disfference between day and night. Usually, thick coat and trousers are necessities. Due to the intense UV radiation, it is suggested to bring suncream, sun hat and sunglasses.

What to Wear in Lhasa in February

The Lhasa weather in February is similar with January, with temperatures ranging from -5℃ to 15℃. Sweater and down jacket are standard collocation for Tibet winter. Tourists who are not afraid of cold can also wear sweaters and jackets, in short, adding and reducing clothes according to your feeling to the cold. In the downtown of Lhasa, you don’t have to wear too many, because you can only visit manasteries on foot. No matter visiting Drepung monastery or Sera Monastery, you can only walk to visit. And when visitting the Potala Palace, you have to climb some steps to visit, so it is recommended that in fine weather, during sunny days, you can wear properly to lest action inconvenience. Remember to wear warmer in the evening and morning. 

What to Wear in Shigatse in February

Although the altitude difference between Shigatse and Lhasa is only 200 meters, and the temperature difference is not too large, the altitude is higher along the way, so you should take warm clothes with you when you go to Shigatse from Lhasa. The average temperature of shigatse in February is from -7℃ to 12℃, with relatively warm daytime but cold nights. Shigatse is smaller than Lhasa and the wind is a little bit stronger, so keep warm. On the way from Lhasa to Shigatse, although there are many scenic spots, the stay to visit attractions in February is generally not too long, because of the cold temperature and strong wind, coupled with the barren winter, no shelter. When getting off the bus, wear hat and scarf to minimize direct contact with the wind.

What to Wear at Everest Base Camp in February

Everest base camp is about 5,200 meters above sea level, and temperatures are low in February, with the highest temperature around 5℃ during the daytime and as low as -20℃ at night. When you go to Everest base camp in February, you should wear more. Thermal underwear, sweaters, fleece jacket and outdoor jackets are necessary. It’s also important to keep your feet warm as you rarely move while waiting for the sunset and sunrise of Mount Everest. Thick wool socks and warm shoes will keep you warmer. Visitors who are really afraid of the cold can choose to use warm paste.

What to Do in Tibet in February

Although winter in Tibet is long, and it is cold even in February, not all parts of Tibet are in a frozen pattern. On the contrary, the tourist attractions and most areas of Tibet are suitable for tourism in all seasons, especially Lhasa and Shigatse, where sunshine is abundant in winter. In addition, not only in February, travelling to Tibet in Winter need to pay attention to the problem of wind protection, especially the wind proof for head. The wind in the urban areas is not strong sheltered by buildings. Once you reach open areas such as Everest Base Camp, Yamdrok Lake and Karola glacier, the wind is strong and cold, which can easily make you dizzy and headache.

Things to Do in Lhasa in February

Basking in Barkhor street and chatting with friends in sweet tea house are the most comfortable life for Tibetan people and the best way to travel in Lhasa. A visit to the Sera monastery to see a debate, a visit to the Drepung monastery to see the ancient frescoes, and a visit to the outskirts of Lhasa to climb a mountain and look down on the whole city are also suitable for visitting Tibet in February.

Recommended Attractions

Things to Do in Shigatse in February

Shigatse is the center of Tseng. There is not only the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the resident of Panchen Lama, but also Everest Base Camp, the best place to see the world’s highest peak. From Lhasa to Shigatse, you will pass the holy lake Yamdrok, Karola Glacier, Palcho Monastery and so on.

Recommended Attractions

Visiting Everest Base Camp in February

Everest base camp is in the off-season in February. There are relatively few tourists to visit Mount Everest. In addition to the low temperature, February is really an good time to enjoy Mount Everest. There are many days in February tourists can see the whole picture of Mount Everest. This is the envy of the tourists who come to Mount Everest in summer. When you come to Mount Everest in summer, you have half the chance to see only part of Mount Everest, or you can’t even see it at all.

Notes:

  • Many tourists think that it is not worthwhile to go to Tibet in winter. In fact, the main scenic spots in Tibet are open in winter. Some scenic spots are easy to be blocked by snow because of the geographical location and weather, such as Namtso Lake. Whether you can see the beauty of frozen Namtso Lake in winter depends on luck. But Everest base camp is basically not affected by rain or snow, let alone blocked by snow.
  • Natural landscapes such as snow mountains and lakes in Tibet will be slightly affected by the weather, while lakes in areas with heavy rain and snow will be frozen like Namtso Lake. The view out the window is a little less beautiful than in other seasons. But winter is the perfect time to see the snow-capped mountains, at this time, it will be easier to see Mount Everest from Everest Base Camp and see Namcha Barwa Peak from Shergyla Mountain Pass than the rainy season. 

Experience Tibetan New Year (Losar)

Tibet New Year is the traditional festival of Tibetan People, however, the calculation method of the Tibetan New Year is different from the lunar Chinese New Year. And the time of the Tibetan New Year is different every year, basically in January or February of the Gregorian calendar. If you want to experience the Tibetan New Year, you can know the time of Tibetan New Year in advance and make preparations.

Enjoy Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year/Spring Festival is the largest national holiday. It falls in February about 2/3 of the years. The Chinese people will traditionally have 7 days off from New Year’s Eve. Then they can reunite with family and enjoy the food together.

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