Tibet Travel Weather and Climate in May
Tibet Travel Weather and Climate in May
Average Minimum Temperature (℃): 5
Average Maximum Temperature (℃): 19
Tibet Average Temperature (℃): 12
Average Precipitation/Rainfall (mm): 25
Wet Days (>0.1mm): 3
Relative Humidity (%): 59
(Overall Tibet weather in May)
When you ravel to Tibet in May, May is often seen as the true start of spring, and across most of Tibet, the weather is dry with bright sunshine and cool to warm temperatures. For Lhasa, it is one of the best months, with temperatures of around 20 degrees in the daytime, dropping to only 6 degrees at night, almost two-thirds of the days in May are sunny, and the city is full of energy and vitality. In the areas of Yamdrok, Shigatse, and Namtso, the weather is also warmer, while Lake Yamdrok and Shigatse see temperatures of up to 23 degrees, Lake Namtso is still warming up and defrosting, with daily temperatures of around 11 degrees.
What to Wear for a May Tibet Travel
Around Lhasa, light winter clothes are still needed, but you could wear T-shirts in the sunshine, but we suggest that you cover up to avoid sunburn. Have a coat and gloves for higher mountains. Sunglasses and sun hatscan protect you from the UV light.
Useful Travel Tips for your Tibet Travel in May
- There are some medications for altitude sickness available, but you should consult your own doctor before you take them, and it is not recommended.
- Tibet Travel Permit: This permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and is required for all international travelers heading for Tibet. You need to apply for this permit one month prior to your arrival in Tibet as this permit takes some time to get ready and you need to produce the original copy of this permit at the Airport before you board the flight.
- Oxygen levels are much lower in Tibet, so most people get altitude sickness. Cardiovascular conditions are exacerbated, so for the best experience, seek health advice before going and acclimate before exertion or going higher than Lhasa.
- Along with the better weather, travel is especially busy in the first week of May for the May 1 national holidays.
Things to see and do at Tibet in May
- If you are visiting Lhasa, May is one of the last months when you can get to tour around the city without the crowds of people that will son descend on the high-altitude capital, making the attractions cramped and busy.
- To the north of Lhasa, Lake Namtso has defrosted from its long winter freeze, and the ice and snow is slowly melting, making a journey to the lake shore a must for many visitors to Tibet in May.
- May sees the blooming of the stunning azalea blossoms in the mountain areas of Nyingchi between Dongbacai Village and the Baifengtai foothills. These amazing flowers glow red in the early spring sunshine. May is also the best time for hiking in the Yarlung Zangbo River area, especially around the Grand Canyon, and the trekking trails give great views of the surrounding mountains as they run through the dense azalea forests.
- Lhokha often sees a rapid increase in overall temperatures in May, yet is still low in rainfall, making it the best time for trekking in the area, especially for the trek from Ganden to Samye Monasteries and for a trip to the famous Yumbulakang Palace.
- May is the start of the best season to travel to Lake Yamdrok, and with the warmer weather, and the temperature reaching as high as 12 degrees, this stunning lake is an amazing sight.
