The topography and geographical location of Tibet and its great altitude create peculiar climate of Tibet. Generally speaking, the climate is rather harsh, with thin air, insufficient oxygen, intense sunlight and ultraviolet radiation, It is cool in summer, but excruciatingly cold in winter. However, it is not impossible to visit this holy land.

The climate in highland Tibet belongs to the typical downy special climate. Climate in southeastern Tibet (e.g. Nyingchi) is gentle and temperate with the average temperature of eight degrees; In western Tibet (e.g. Nakqu), the average temperature is below zero degree; While in Lhasa and the central part of Tibet, the climate is normal and nice for traveling.

Sunlight is extremely intense in Tibet. The thin air neither blocks nor holds heat, so sunshine feels warm, shadows are chilly, and temperatures can vary extreme within a day, exceeding 29¡æ in desert areas in summer, and plunging below 4¡æ the same night. Most annual rainfall comes in the rainy season that starts from June to September.

Tibet has a distinct rainy season and dry season, with the rainfall being very unbalanced. In spring and winter it tends to be dry and windy. During the rainy season, which runs from June to September, the rainfall reaches 90 percent of all annual precipitation. In southern and central Tibet, it always rains heavily at night, while in northern Tibet, thunder and hailstorms frequently occur. During this season, the heavy rainfall can often brings about serious traffic problems, with roads becoming blocked due to frequent landslides.

The best time of year to be in Tibet is from April to the beginning of November, and the best time is August and September, after which temperatures start to plummet. The central Tibet, including Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse and Tsedang, generally has very mild weather from April to November, though July and August can be rainy - these two months usually see around half of Tibet's annual rainfall. October and November often bring some dazzling clear weather and daytime temperatures can be quite comfortable at Tibet's lower altitude. The coldest months are from December to February.