May is the first busy month of the year in Tibet and the warmest month of spring. In most places it is not yet rainy and the temperature is pleasant, so May is a good choice for almost every Tibet route.
Planning a trip in the spring holidays? See Spring Holidays in Tibet 2027 for Saga Dawa, Everest views and our May departures.
Climate in Lhasa — May
Average high (day)
about 21°C (70°F)
Average low (night)
about 6°C (43°F)
Sunshine
about 8–9 hours a day
Rain
about 25 mm, mostly short showers at night
The summer rains start in June, so May is a sweet spot of warm, clear weather. Book early, as May fills up with Chinese and international travellers.
Saga Dawa Festival
Holiest Month of the Tibetan Calendar
Saga Dawa is the fourth Tibetan month, usually from late May into June. It celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha. Thousands of pilgrims walk around Barkhor Street and the Lingkor through the month, and the full moon day is the busiest. It is a local festival and makes little difference to hotels. Read more about Saga Dawa.
What to Visit in May
Namtso Lake (4,718m)
Usually open in May. The lake shines under clear spring skies, and nomad families move back to the grassland around it.
Mt. Kailash & Manasarovar (Ngari)
Late May and June are among the best times for the Kailash kora. The roads are clear and the skies are usually sunny.
Everest Base Camp
Still excellent in May. It is the busiest time for climbers, and clear days give great views of the Himalayan giants.
Nyingchi
The peach blossom is mostly over by May, but the forests are fresh and green and the weather is mild.
What to Wear in May
In Lhasa, light clothes and a fleece or light jacket are enough in the daytime. For higher places (Namtso, Everest, Kailash) bring a warm down jacket, thermal layers and good walking shoes. Sun protection is still essential.
Booking tip: May is a busy month, and hotels in Lhasa sell out weeks ahead. Book your tour, train tickets and Potala Palace visit as early as you can, ideally two to three months ahead.
