Tibet Weather in January
January is the coldest month in Tibet. Nights are below freezing almost everywhere on the plateau.
New Year’s Day 2027 falls on 1 January. If you are travelling over New Year, see Christmas & New Year in Tibet 2026–27 for winter conditions, what is open, and our January departures.
Climate in Lhasa — January
| Average high (day) | about 8°C (46°F) |
| Average low (night) | about −8°C (18°F) |
| Sunshine | about 8 hours a day |
| Rain or snow | almost none |
The cold is not as hard as many people expect. On a sunny afternoon Lhasa can feel mild, the air is dry, and the sky is deep blue, with some of the clearest views of the year.
What to Wear in January
Wear warm layers: a good down jacket, thermal underwear, windproof trousers, gloves and a warm hat. The sun is still very strong, so bring sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen. Many hotels and restaurants in Tibet have only limited heating, so keep a warm layer with you indoors.
What to Visit in January
Concentrate on the cultural sights at lower altitude. These are open and rewarding in January:
- Lhasa (3,650 m): the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung and Sera monasteries are all open. Pilgrims from all over Tibet come to Lhasa in winter, which is an extraordinary sight.
- Shigatse (3,840 m): Tashilhunpo Monastery is open. Days reach about 5°C.
- Tsedang (3,550 m): the cradle of Tibetan culture, with easy roads from Lhasa.
- Nyingchi (about 2,950 m): lower and milder than Lhasa, and beautiful in winter.
4 Reasons to Visit Tibet in Winter
Far Fewer Tourists
After the October holidays most Chinese tourists leave, and in January there are very few foreign visitors. You have the monasteries almost to yourself.
Clear Skies & Great Views
January is cold but dry and sunny. The clear air gives wonderful views of the snow mountains.
Tibetan Pilgrims
Farmers and nomads have free time in winter, and many come to Lhasa on pilgrimage. You see Tibetan Buddhism at its most alive.
Cheaper Prices
Hotels and tours cost less in winter, and many hotels in Lhasa, Shigatse and Tsedang give good discounts.
Winter travel notes: (1) There are fewer group departures in winter; many winter trips are private tours. (2) Mount Kailash and Namtso are usually not possible in winter. (3) The tent camp at Everest closes in winter. Visitors sleep at the Rongbuk guesthouse, at the one star-rated hotel near Everest — it has oxygen supply and heating in the rooms, but is more expensive — or further back in Shegar or Tingri. (4) Tibet is usually closed to foreign visitors for some weeks around February and March, so check the dates if you plan a late-winter trip.
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