Shigatse, Tibet’s second city, has a dry plateau climate with summer rain. It ranges from warm summer days of over 20°C to very cold winter nights. The average for the whole year is about 6°C.
Shigatse Climate at a Glance
Season
Months
Temperature
Conditions
Spring
March–May
about −1 to 18°C
Dry, windy, warming
Summer
June–August
about 8 to 23°C
Warmest; rain mostly at night
Autumn
September–October
about 0 to 19°C
Clear, crisp, ideal
Winter
November–February
about −15 to 8°C
Cold, dry, sunny
Rainfall & Sunlight
Most of Shigatse’s rain falls in July and August, in evening and night showers. It has about 3,300 hours of sunshine a year, which makes it one of the sunniest cities in Tibet. From October to April there is almost no rain.
Best Time to Visit Shigatse
The best time is April to October, and the best conditions are from May to September. Summer is warm with some evening rain. Autumn is perhaps the finest season: crisp, clear and dry. In winter it is cold, but Tashilhunpo Monastery stays open and hotels give good discounts.
Everest Base Camp Climate (5,200m)
Everest Base Camp is about 330 km by road from Shigatse. At 5,200 m it is much colder than the city.
Everest Base Camp — Year Round
Season
Day
Night
Notes
Spring (April–May)
about 5–15°C
about −10 to −5°C
Best season
Summer (June–August)
about 10–15°C
about 0°C
Some cloud and rain
Autumn (September–October)
about 8–15°C
about −8 to 0°C
Excellent
Winter (November–March)
about −5 to 5°C
about −15°C or colder
Very cold; tent camp closed
What to Wear
Dress in layers in Shigatse in every season. A down jacket, thermal layers, sunscreen and sunglasses are needed all year. For Everest, add a warm down jacket, gloves and a warm hat, even in summer: nights at 5,200 m are always cold.
Shigatse gateway tip: Shigatse is the base for trips to Everest Base Camp and Mount Kailash. A night in Shigatse (3,840 m) on the way helps your body adjust before you go higher.
