Tibet Weather in May

May is one of the best months to visit Tibet. Spring arrives later in Tibet, so in May, it is still in the spring season. During this time, the weather remains chilly in the early mornings and evenings, with occasional light rainfall. However, daytime temperatures gradually warm up. On average, temperatures range from 5℃ to 20℃, with an overall average of around 12℃. Spring brings Tibet to life - trees begin to green, flowers bloom, and the weather is mostly dry and sunny. With the rainy season starting in late June, May offers a great time to explore remote areas and embark on high-altitude treks. It’s also a fantastic time to enjoy Tibet’s picturesque lakes and the beauty of its cities.

What to Wear in May?

Although the climate in Tibet warms up in May, the temperature at night can drop below 10℃, creating a significant day-night temperature difference, so it's essential to pack warm clothing. If you want to visit some low-altitude areas like Lhasa or Nyingchi, light winter clothes and T-shirts are needed. While, if you want to visit remote regions with high altitudes like Everest Base Camp or Mount Kailash, you need to bring some warm clothes like fleece jackets or sweaters, lightweight layers, shirts or hiking tops, breathable cotton pants, warm socks, and sturdy hiking boots. 

Since the ultraviolet rays are strong, it is recommended to bring sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, and lip balm to avoid sunburn. Meanwhile, try to drink plenty of water in the dry and sunny weather.

For trekkers planning to explore Tibet in May, it's recommended to bring trekking poles, a sleeping bag, and other essential gear. Since heat loss is rapid in high-altitude areas, carrying high-calorie snacks is helpful for maintaining energy. This will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable adventure.

What to Do in May?

The weather in May is very pleasant, making it one of the best times to visit Tibet for both indoor and outdoor activities. Below is the weather overview for Tibet’s must-visit destinations.

1. Lhasa

Known as the "City of Sunshine," Lhasa is suitable to visit year-round. In May, the weather in Lhasa is warm with relatively little rainfall, with daytime temperatures usually ranging from 15℃ to 25℃ and nighttime averages between 5℃ and 10℃. The pleasant temperatures make the city vibrant and enjoyable. In Lhasa, visitors can explore attractions such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Barkhor Street, and Norbulingka. It is recommended to stay in Lhasa for 2 to 3 days, allowing time to see the main sights while also resting and acclimating to the high-altitude climate. Additionally, in May, the number of tourists is moderate, and the overall atmosphere remains calm and relaxed, giving visitors the chance to explore this sun-filled city at a leisurely pace.

>> See more about Lhasa tours

2. Nyingchi

In May, the weather in Nyingchi has already warmed up. The average daytime temperature is around 19℃, while nighttime temperatures are about 7℃, and the region enters its rainy season. Snow has melted in the Lulang Forest, and along the G318 Highway you can enjoy natural scenery such as vast rhododendron blossoms, snow-capped mountains, and lakes. May is also one of the best times for trekking in the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, offering magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. Bomi's Gang Spruce Forest is another excellent trekking destination, as it enters its best viewing season, with dense woodlands.

>> See more about Nyingchi tours

3. Shannan

Shannan is regarded as the cradle of Tibetan culture and a sacred land for practitioners, where you can explore authentic Tibetan villages. In May, warm and humid air currents from the Indian Ocean flow through the valleys of Tibet, turning the grasslands of Shannan lush and green as flowers bloom across the region. Daytime temperatures average around 20℃, making the weather mild and pleasant, with moderate high-altitude UV levels. At night, temperatures fall below 10℃, so extra warmth is needed. May is an excellent time to enjoy both natural and cultural sights in Shannan, including Yamdrok Lake, Yumbulakang, and the Kulagangri Snow Mountain.

>> See more about Shannan tours

4. Shigatse

As the second-largest city in Tibet and a key stop on the way to Everest Base Camp, western Shigatse remains slightly cool in May, though much warmer than earlier in the year. Daytime temperatures are around 17–18°C, while nights drop to about 3°C. During this period, the weather is clear and pleasant. Aside from the dry climate—requiring regular hydration—the overall conditions are very comfortable. It is also an excellent time to visit the representative Gelugpa monastery of Tibetan Buddhism, Tashilhunpo Monastery.

5. Everest Base Camp

Early May is the best time to visit Mount Everest, with relatively warm and comfortable weather and clear skies that offer a high chance of seeing the magnificent golden glow on the peak at sunset. The average daytime temperature is around 13℃, while nighttime temperatures drop to about –5℃. With a day–night temperature difference of up to 20℃, it’s important to keep warm in the early mornings and evenings. This period is also considered the best season for climbing Everest and an ideal time for trekking. The trekking route from Tingri to Mount Everest Base Camp is very popular, covering about 70 kilometers and typically taking around 12 days to complete the full journey.

>> See more about Mt.Everest tours

6. Lake Namtso

In May, the weather begins to warm up, and the ice on Lake Namtso starts to melt as the lake slowly awakens. Daytime temperatures range from 5℃ to 15℃, offering a comfortable climate for visiting, with clear views of the lake’s vivid turquoise water. At night, temperatures drop to around –2℃, with strong winds and a large difference between day and night, so warm clothing is essential. If you stay by the lakeshore overnight, you have a chance to enjoy the magnificent sunrise and sunset over the world’s highest saltwater lake, along with a brilliant starry sky.

7. Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar

Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar are among the most sacred mountains and lakes in Tibet, drawing thousands of pilgrims each year for the traditional circumambulation. Around May, temperatures begin to rise, and Mount Kailash reopens to international travelers. With relatively little rainfall and many clear days, this period is ideal for trekking around both Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.

Daytime temperatures range from 10–15℃, while nights drop to around 0℃, and the mountain passes may still have snow and strong winds. For visitors heading to Kailash in May, the classic three-day Parikrama is highly recommended. This approximately 52-kilometer route follows the footsteps of Tibetan pilgrims from start to finish and will be one of the most unforgettable journeys of your life.

>> See more about Mt.Kailash tours

Other Tips

1. From May 1st to 3rd, there is a Labor Day Holiday in China. Thus, the booking of train or flight tickets to Tibet and the hotel becomes much more difficult. Therefore, try to confirm your travel plan and book tickets and accommodation in advance.

2. Most travelers may suffer altitude sickness, so it is essential to have a good rest when you arrive in Tibet, to get acclimatized to the high altitude in Tibet.