September is the start of autumn in Tibet. The rainy season ends, the air gets drier and the trees start to turn yellow. Eastern Tibet, especially Nyingchi, is wonderful in September.
Planning a trip in the autumn holidays? See Autumn Holidays in Tibet 2027 for crowds, autumn colours and our autumn departures.
Climate in Lhasa — September
Average high (day)
about 21°C (70°F)
Average low (night)
about 8°C (46°F)
Rain
about 60 mm, mostly early in the month
Climate in Shigatse — September
Average high (day)
about 19°C (66°F)
Average low (night)
about 6°C (43°F)
Rain
falling, mostly early in the month
What to Visit in September
Southern Circuit: Shigatse, Gyantse, Yamdrok Lake, EBC, Kathmandu
September is one of the best months to leave Lhasa and explore the south: Gyantse, Shigatse, Everest and on to Nepal. The roads are good and the skies get clearer through the month.
Ganden–Samye Monastery Trek
One of the best treks in Tibet, about 80 km over high passes from Ganden to Samye. Less rain and mild weather make late September ideal. Bring good rain gear just in case.
Everest Base Camp (5,200m)
Clear weather returns at Everest in the second half of September. Days of about 12–15°C and nights around freezing make it an excellent time.
Mt. Kailash & Manasarovar
September is a good month for Kailash after the summer rain. Lake Manasarovar (4,590 m) is a brilliant blue, and the kora is at its best.
Nyingchi & Eastern Tibet
The forests of Nyingchi start to change colour in September, one of the most beautiful sights in Tibet.
What to Wear in September
September is lovely: not too hot and not too cold. A sweater or light jacket is fine during the day in Lhasa, but bring a warm coat for the evenings. For higher places (Namtso, Everest, Kailash) a good down jacket is essential. Pack a rain jacket, as there are still a few showers.
September tip: September is one of the best months for foreign visitors: less crowded than summer, with excellent weather and the first autumn colours. Early September can be busier, when many Chinese families travel to Tibet with a son or daughter who has just been admitted to university. China’s National Day holiday, 1–7 October, has less effect than you might think.
