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Overview of China Mainland and Tibet Climate
Because Tibet's a plateau (4,380m), it's got a completely different climate than mainland China, which is mostly flatlands and rolling hills. Plus, even in mainland China, the weather in the north is nothing like the weather in the south.
Weather of China Mainland (North & South)
Northern China - Harbin, Beijing, and Xi'an: This region experiences four distinct seasons with large temperature differences between day and night.
- Summers are long and hot, while winters are long and bitterly cold. Rainfall is concentrated in the summer, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
- Winters are cold and dry, with temperatures in most areas falling below zero.
Traveling to the north, especially in spring and autumn, offers more sunny days and a better travel experience, without having to deal with sudden weather changes.
Southern China - Chengdu, Guangzhou, Kunming: It is generally milder and more humid compared to the north. It has less distinct seasons.
- Summers are hot and humid (over 40°C), while winters are damp and cold, with few sub-zero days.
- Some cities, such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen, experience a situation where summer and winter each take up half the year, with short spring and autumn periods.
- Sunny and rainy days alternate frequently, like in Chengdu.
- Kunming is an exception among southern cities - it's like spring all year round.
It's advisable to always have an umbrella when traveling in the south.
Tibet: Where the Air is Thin and the Sun is Strong
Tibet's high altitude makes its weather unique, with lots of sunshine, thin air, and big temperature swings between day and night.
Weather changes quickly, summers have short bursts of rain, and winters are cold and snowy.
Popular travel destinations like Lhasa and Shigatse are generally chilly and don't get much rain.
The best time to visit is from April to October.
Best Time to Visit China and Tibet: April to May & September to October
Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are ideal times to visit both mainland China and Tibet. Tourists typically fly into cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Chengdu, which serve as both popular destinations and transit hubs for flights to Tibet.
April to May
In spring (April to May), the temperature in mainland China gradually warms up, the climate is mild, and flowers bloom in the cities, making it ideal for outdoor tourism.
- You can explore the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Hutongs in Beijing, the capital. Or go to the ancient city of Xi'an to see the Terracotta Army, the eighth wonder of the world.
- You can also admire the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower in Shanghai, and stroll along the Bund.
- Observe giant pandas up close in Chengdu. Visit Guangzhou to see modern architecture and taste exquisite dim sum. Explore ancient towns and Erhai Lake in Yunnan.
In spring in Tibet, the days are warm and the nights are cool, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
In Lhasa, you can explore iconic landmarks like the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street. In Shigatse, catch a glimpse of majestic Mount Everest from Everest Base Camp. For the adventurous, there's the challenging kora around Mount Kailash.
The stunning lakes, snow-capped mountains, and unique cultural experiences make Tibet so unique.
Spring Temperatures (April-May)
| City/Province | Average Temperture | Highest | Lowest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 53.6°F (12°C) | 78.8°F (26°C) | 32°F (0°C) |
| Shanghai | 57.2°F (14°C) | 82.4°F (28°C) | 42.8°F (6°C) |
| Xi'an | 48.2°F (9°C) | 57.2°F (14°C) | 39.2°F (4°C) |
| Chengdu | 55.4°F (13°C) | 62.6°F (17°C) | 48.2°F (9°C) |
| Guangzhou | 62.6°F (17°C) | 71.6°F (22°C) | 59°F (15°C) |
| Yunnan (Kunming) | 60.8°F (16°C) | 77°F (25°C) | 33.8°F (1°C) |
| Tibet (Lhasa) | 51.8°F (11°C) | 64.4°F (18°C) | 19.4°F (-7°C) |
September to October
In mainland China, autumn (September to October) escapes the summer's intense heat, with sunny days, less rainfall, and cities adorned with red leaves. In Tibet, autumn temperatures are slightly warmer than in spring, making it ideal for travel on the plateau.
Autumn Temperatures (September-October)
| City/Province | Average Temperture | Highest | Lowest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 69.8°F (21°C) | 86°F (30°C) | 59°F (15°C) |
| Shanghai | 73.4°F (23°C) | 82.4°F (28°C) | 68°F (20°C) |
| Xi'an | 59°F (15°C) | 102.2°F (39°C) | 73.4°F (23°C) |
| Chengdu | 68°F (20°C) | 77°F (25°C) | 66.2°F (19°C) |
| Guangzhou | 89.6°F (32°C) | 87.8°F (31°C) | 73.4°F (23°C) |
| Yunnan (Kunming) | 64.4°F (18°C) | 78.8°F (26°C) | 62.6°F (17°C) |
| Tibet (Lhasa) | 50°F (10°C) | 73.4°F (23°C) | 37.4°F (3°C) |
Summer: An Alternative Season for Traveling in China and Tibet
Of course, sometimes your free time doesn't perfectly align with spring and autumn. In that case, summer is also a viable option.
Most cities in mainland China are hot in the summer and not suitable for tourism, but there are some summer resorts such as Kunming, where it is not hot in summer (69.8°F). You can spend a comfortable holiday here.
Going to Tibet in the summer is also a good choice. The temperature in this season is the same as in spring and autumn, cool and comfortable.
And the oxygen content is high in summer, making it less prone to altitude sickness. In summer, Tibet also has famous Shoton Festival and Horse Racing Festival to participate in.
Winter: Ideal Season for Budget Travel
If you're considering the cost of visiting both China and Tibet, winter is a budget-friendly season.
There are fewer tourists during this time, and the prices of air tickets, accommodation, and tourist attractions are lower. In mainland China, you can choose southern cities with mild winter climates, such as Guangzhou (59°F) and Chengdu (50°F), where winter temperatures are not unacceptably cold.
Some places in Tibet (24.8°F) will have snow, but tourism is still possible. Major tourist destinations in Tibet, such as Lhasa and Everest Base Camp, are normally open.
Best Time to Experience China & Tibet's Festivals
Avoid China's major holidays (Spring Festival, Labor Day, National Day) due to massive crowds. Consider the Harbin Ice Festival or explore Tibet festivals.
Spring:
- Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival (April): In spring, you can experience the stunning Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival in April, where the mountainsides are covered in a sea of pink blossoms.
- Saga Dawa Festival (June): You can also experience Tibetan Buddhist culture by attending the Saga Dawa Festival around June. Join pilgrims in the kora (circumambulation) around Mount Kailash, an experience that brings spiritual peace.
Summer:
- Shoton Festival (August): Summer brings the lively Shoton Festival to Lhasa, the most bustling festival of the season. Join countless visitors in tasting Tibetan yogurt and enjoying traditional Tibetan opera performances in the park.
- Nagqu Horse Racing Festival (August): The Nagqu Horse Racing Festival in August is a grand celebration on the grasslands, a true party for nomads.
Autumn:
Butter Lamp Festival (October/November): In autumn, Tibet celebrates the Butter Lamp Festival. On this day, countless butter lamps illuminate the night sky, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness. You can also light a lamp of your own.
Winter:
Harbin Ice Festival (mid-December to late February): This is the world's largest ice and snow festival, held annually in Harbin, China. You can step into a fairytale kingdom made entirely of ice.
Tibetan New Year (Losar - usually February or March): Winter in Tibet features the most important festival for Tibetans: Losar, the Tibetan New Year. You can experience the joyous atmosphere of the New Year in the streets of Lhasa, and even participate in family visits and help locals prepare New Year's Eve dinner.
Tips for Travelling to China and Tibet
1. Apply for Tibet Travel Permit
The Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) is essential for entering Tibet. Obtain it through a Tibet Tourism Bureau-authorized travel agency, like Asia Odyssey Travel. Submit passport, visa, and itinerary details at least one month prior.
Contact us to book your trip and expedite your TTP application.
Independent travel is not allowed in Tibet. Travel to Tibet requires a licensed travel agency. For combined China and Tibet trips, choose an agency with expertise in China travel, knowledgeable English-speaking guides, and experience handling unforeseen issues.
Asia Odyssey Travel offers diverse China and Tibet tours, managing all details - permits, tickets, transport, hotels, and guides—for a relaxed and optimized experience.
3. Bring Clothes of Varying ThicknessesThe climates in mainland Chinese cities and the Tibetan plateau are quite different. It's best to pack clothes suitable for different seasons.
For example, if you plan to bring a light jacket for mainland cities, be sure to also pack a windproof and warm coat for Tibet.
Ready to Explore China and Tibet?
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal for China and Tibet, offering comfortable weather for outdoor activities. Summer offers a heat escape and lower altitude sickness risk in Tibet, while winter is budget-friendly. Festivals are available year-round.
We offer a variety of tour packages for China and Tibet and can customize itineraries to meet your specific needs. We welcome you to contact us anytime for inquiries or to book your trip!
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