July is one of the warmest months in Tibet. It is the rainy season, sometimes with heavy rain and sometimes only short showers, mostly in the evening and at night. The landscape is at its greenest.
Climate in Lhasa — July
Average high (day)
about 23°C (73°F)
Average low (night)
about 11°C (52°F)
Sunshine
about 7 hours a day
Rain
about 130 mm, on around 18 days, mostly at night
July is high season in Tibet. Hotels in Lhasa fill up and Potala Palace tickets must be booked well ahead. Even in the rainy season, most mornings are sunny.
A giant thangka is unrolled on the hillside at Ganden Monastery, a colourful sight with many pilgrims. It is held in summer, usually in July or August, according to the Tibetan calendar.
Shoton Festival (Yoghurt Festival)
One of the biggest festivals of the year. A giant thangka is unrolled at Drepung Monastery at dawn, followed by days of Tibetan opera in the Norbulingka. It usually falls in August, sometimes at the end of July.
What to Visit in July
July is excellent for Lhasa and the cultural sights, and the summer festivals are a highlight. At Everest Base Camp, expect some cloud and rain, though clear spells are common, especially in the morning. Namtso is open and the grassland is at its greenest.
What to Wear in July
Summer clothes in the daytime; a light jacket or long-sleeved shirt is enough in Lhasa. Bring a waterproof jacket for the showers. For higher places (Everest, Namtso, Kailash) bring a down jacket, as nights are cold even in summer.
Festival tip: the dates of the Ganden Thangka and Shoton festivals follow the Tibetan calendar and change every year. Check the dates for your year and book early: these are the most popular events in Lhasa.
