Tibet experiences a cold winter, a cool summer, and a generally dry climate, with only about 450 millimeters (18 inches) of precipitation, including rain and snow. The sunlight is intensely strong, and the thin air does not retain heat. As a result, sunshine feels warm, while shadows can feel chilly, and temperatures can vary greatly throughout the day.

Summer (June to September) brings surprisingly mild temperatures, averaging around 20°C during the day, though it can drop significantly at night to about 8°C. Rainfall occurs intermittently in June, July, and August.

Winter (October to March) is harsh, with frequent frosts and snow. Daytime temperatures typically hover around 0°C, with nighttime lows in Lhasa reaching about -9°C. The higher you go, the colder it gets, and winter winds can be fierce.

In southern Tibet, rainfall occurs sporadically from May to September, helping to nourish barley fields and bring greenery to the valleys.

Average temperature in Tibet: