Even in the height of summer, every August in Tibet is far from hot. The average temperature is from 10°C to 25°C, which in comparison to other cities at the same coordinates, is around 10 degrees lower. Though August and July are the two months with the most rain in Tibet, most days in August are still sunny, because the rain often comes in the nighttime. Unlike the wind season, when the humidity is lower than the body comfort needs, August in Tibet comes with an average humidity of around 57%, which is just an ideal figure (humidity lower than 25% would feel very dry, and humidity over 60% can be a little too moist). In conclusion, except the high mountain areas where severe weather is likely to happen all year round, Tibet in August is a perfect combination of warmth, coolness, and moistness, which is very pleasant as both a cultural tour and outdoor exploration.
| Cities/Data | Lhasa | Shigatse | Nyingchi | Shannan | Nagqu | Ngari | Chamdo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ave. High | 21°C | 19°C | 22°C | 23°C | 15°C | 20°C | Not open for foreign tourists |
| Ave. Low | 10°C | 6°C | 11°C | 11°C | 3°C | 7°C | |
| Precipitation | 130mm | 91mm | 119mm | 114mm | 97mm | 26mm | |
| Humidity | 54% | 59% | 70% | 59% | 62% | 39% | |
| Sunrise (Aug 1st) | 7:14AM | 7:24AM | 7:02AM | 7:13AM | 7:07AM | 7:53AM | |
| Sunset (Aug 1st) | 8:48PM | 8:57PM | 8:35PM | 8:45PM | 8:48PM | 9:38PM | |
| Length of Day(Aug 1st) | 13h33m | 13h32m | 13h33m | 13h32m | 13h40m | 13h44m | |
Note:
The data about Shannan weather is collected from Tsetang (pingyin:Zedang) Town;
The data about Nagqu weather is collected from Xainza (pingyin: Shenzha) Town;
The data about Ngari weather is collected from Shiquanhe Town.
Disclaimer:
The above information is collected from past weather data, mainly from 2018 or 2019. And a differing weather pattern may occur in the future.
1) Documents: Passport, ID (multiple copies of these documents that can prove your identity); Tibet Entry Permit, which is needed when boarding the plane and train to Tibet. Passport photos can come in handy.
2) Emergency contact information is wise to write down and carry with you.
3) Travel guides, such as maps, contact lists, etc.
4) Clothing for warmth: beanie, scarf, shawl, neckerchief, hat, down jacket/ coat, slacks or leggings, plenty of socks, mountaineering shoes that repel water.
5) Eye protection & Skincare: sunglasses, sunscreen, sun cream, moisturizer, lip balm.
6) For a good sleep: eye patch.
7) For deterring bugs: bug spray.
8) Adapter for your electronic devices.
9) Super light, quick-dry towel, quick-dry T-shirt, or quick-dry underwear.
10) Extra packing for outdoor activities. Items like a wrist guard, bandages, trekking pole, lightweight raincoat/shoes cover.
11) Waterproof gear for your electronic devices, backpack, and outfit.
12) Money: Though online payment is very convenient, in remote areas, the signal for online payment could be too weak to enable a successful transaction. Therefore, sufficient cash should be prepared, and a smaller denomination is recommended.
13) What we suggest that you leave at home：heavy make-up gear and unnecessary electronic devices that need to be charged.
Lhasa/Shigatse/Shannan/Nyingchi：
In the daytime: Early summer clothing such as T-shirt and Jeans, plus one light jacket is recommended to wear.
In the night time: A light down jacket that will keep you warm from the average low temperature of 10°C.
Mount Everest/ Mount Kailash/ Namtso Lake:
In the daytime: Long-sleeved T-shirt, light down jacket, and wind-proof outdoor jacket for the top; quick-dry running pants or leggings; and mountaineering shoes;
In the early morning: Light down jacket or thick down jacket/coat may suit people who have different levels of cold resistance.
Extra packing is necessary for the mountain passes where the wind is likely to be heavier. Pack things like a beanie, hat, scarf, shawl, and neckerchief.
Lhasa Downtown
Rainbows are the best gifts which come from rain. They redefine the definition of good weather when you see them. We have seen ecstatic guests record their experience of encountering seven rainbows during their stay in Tibet in August. Onetime, a multi-colored cloud was seen too. It’s like if you can’t have a clear view of the unblocked peaks, then you’ll be surprised by the incredible rainbows from the generous Tibet. We’ll still highly suggest that you try your tour to Mount Everest or Mount Kailash in August because these two attractions will receive the warmest temperature then and you’ll get to enjoy the view without being afraid of freezing temperatures. However, if you’re after some quieter region of Tibet during this busiest month of Tibet travel, then you could consider the following places.
Lulang Town is 80km east from Bayi Town, the seat of Nyingchi Prefecture, Tibet. It was first opened to tourists in 2016. With a strong atmosphere of Tibetan culture, Lulang Town is also rich in natural beauty. Home to the famous Lulang Forest, the oxygen level in Lulang is almost the same as other major cities in inland China. Precisely, the oxygen level is around 90% of that in Beijing or Shanghai. Lulang has an average altitude of 3,385 meters, which is around 1,000 meters lower than the average altitude in the whole Tibet region. Therefore, it is also more physically friendly for travelers who have no experience traveling in a high altitude region. As a newly developed town, many accommodations come with high standards and are clean, modern, stylish and comfortable.
Lulang Forest
Besides, foodies can try the famous local dish Lulang Stone Pot Chicken, which is a healthy soup cooked with local chicken and more than ten kinds of local herbal medicines; Yummy and nutritious, this cuisine is also great for your body to get acclimatized to the plateau climate.
Sightseeing: After resting at Lulang Town, you can visit the nearby attractions of Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon and Mount Namcha Barwa. The former is the deepest gorge in the world, and the latter is renowned as China’s most beautiful peak.
