Lhasa in December
Not the best time
December rewards hardy travelers with empty attractions and rock-bottom prices, but the cold is genuinely punishing. Only attempt this if you're comfortable with sub-arctic conditions at altitude.
Weather
December ushers in winter's full fury with frigid temperatures and bone-dry conditions. Daytime sunshine provides little warmth, and nights plummet well below freezing. Snow occasionally falls but rarely sticks in the city center due to the intense sun and dry air.
8°C high-9°C low1 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$42/day average
December Tips
- •Bring serious winter gear - this isn't the time for light jackets
- •Hotel heating varies wildly - read reviews before booking
- •Many outdoor sites close early due to weather conditions
All Months
May through September gives you the best weather, with daytime temperatures reaching 20°C and minimal rainfall. But July and August bring crowds and higher prices — hotel rates double during peak season. June hits the sweet spot with warm days, clear skies, and fewer tour groups.
Winter in Lhasa is brutal. Temperatures drop to -15°C at night, many guesthouses close, and the thin air makes the cold feel even sharper. But if you can handle it, you'll have the Potala Palace almost to yourself, and hotel rooms cost half the summer rate.
Avoid Chinese holidays completely — Golden Week in October turns Lhasa into a zoo of domestic tourists. The Tibetan New Year (usually February or March) brings incredible festivals but also means many attractions close for several days.
Lhasa Scores
Solo
7/10
Couples
6/10
Families
4/10
Adventure
8/10
Budget
5/10
Luxury
3/10
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