LHASA WEATHER IN
DECEMBER
TEMPERATURES
In December, days are still quite warm, averaging 8°C / 46.4°F. However, it is colder than November and similar to January. January and December are the two coldest months in Lhasa.
On most of the days, the temperature ranges between 2 °C/ 36°F and 14 °C/ 57°F.
Nights in Lhasa in December are cold, with temperatures ranging from -11 °C/ 13°F to -2 °C/ 28°F.
Wind speed continues to increase, compared to November, averaging 10 km per hour / 6.3 miles per hour.
HISTORICAL WEATHER DATA
CLOUDS, RAINFALL, AND HUMIDITY
December, along with November and January are the driest months in Lhasa. In December, you can expect rain on only 1 day in a month and a total rainfall of only 11 mm or 0.04 inches.
The sky is mostly clear in December, with a chance of clouds only about 15%, while there is an 85% chance of a clear bright blue sky.
Humidity is also low at about 34% on average.
DAYLIGHT AND UV INDEX
The earliest sunset of the year is on December 2nd at 4:56 PM.
The shortest day of the year is December 21. With sunrise at 6:46 am and sunset at 5:00 pm the day lasts for 10 hours and 15 minutes (compared to 14 hours and 3 minutes on June 21st, the longest day of the year).
The longest day in December is December 1st, lasting for 10 hours and 23 minutes. The sunrise is at 6:32 am and the sunset is at 4:56 pm.
COMPARING LHASA WEATHER IN OTHER MONTHS
November
Average high:12.1°C(53.8°F)
Average low: -4.2°C (24.4°F)
Rainfall: 1.3mm /0.05″
Humidity: 38%
Daylight: about 10.7hours
Sunshine: about 8.9hours
Windspeed: 9 kph / 5.6 mph
Sunrise: 6:08 – 6:31 am
Sunset: 4:56 – 5:09 pm
December
Average high: 8°C (46.4°F)
Average low: -8.2°C (17.2°F)
Rainfall: 1mm /0.04″
Humidity: 34%
Daylight: about 10.3hours
Sunshine: about 8.3hours
Windspeed: 10 kph / 6.3 mph
Sunrise: 6:32 – 6:50 am
Sunset: 4:56 pm – 5:06 pm
January
Average high: 7.2°C (45°F)
Average low: -9°C (15.8°F)
Rainfall: 0.8mm /0.03″
Humidity: 28%
Daylight: about 10.5 hours
Sunshine: about 8.1 hours
Windspeed: 7.6kph / 4.7 mph
Sunrise: 6:46 – 6:51 am
Sunset: 5:07 – 5:32 pm
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT LHASA IN DECEMBER
December can be a great time to visit Lhasa if you pack proper clothing to stay comfortable during cold mornings and evenings (read below for packing suggestions).
First of all, there are very few tourists in Lhasa in December and you can see real Tibetan life. Many Tibetan pilgrims from different regions visit Lhasa during that time. At the same time, you will get to explore popular Lhasa attractions without the usual crowds.
The next reason to visit Lhasa in December is its good weather. Although it is cold at night, daytime temperatures remain quite pleasant. In addition, there is very little chance of rain and most of the days have a bright clear sky. With strong sunshine and a clear blue sky, you can take beautiful photos of both landscapes and the city views.
Finally, with a low tourist season, you can book cheaper tours in Lhasa compared to the summertime tours.
LHASA GALLERY
WHAT TO WEAR IN LHASA IN DECEMBER
Since there is a significant variation between day and nighttime temperatures, you should prepare by wearing layers. Have a long sleeve shirt or a wool base layer, fleece or wool sweater, and a warm puffer jacket. Wear a pair of comfortable pants with a base layer when needed. Add warm accessories, such as a hat, a scarf, and a pair of gloves.
You will also need a pair of comfortable sneakers or hiking boots. Wear them with wool or special trekking socks.
Although you are traveling in winter, sun radiation is always strong in Lhasa. Don’t forget to bring a pair of sunglasses and sunscreen for your face.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WEATHER IN LHASA AND TIBET
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LHASA WEATHER
Frequently asked questions
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PLACES TO VISIT IN LHASA
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LHASA
LHASA ALTITUDE
Lhasa altitude is 3,656 meters/ 11,995 feet above sea-level. At that altitude, the oxygen level is lower compared to the sea level. For most visitors, it will take a few days to naturally acclimatize to such altitude.
On your first days in Lhasa, we recommend getting more rest, walking slowly, and taking your time going up the stairs. In addition, try to get more sleep, stay hydrated, and avoid exercising. Most people will naturally acclimatize after a couple of days in Lhasa and will be ready to explore high-altitude areas in Tibet.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
All foreign visitors traveling to Lhasa need a valid Chinese visa. You can apply for a Chinese visa in the country where you reside. For travelers, who plan to travel to Lhasa from Nepal, the procedure is different and you will need to apply for a Chinese Group Visa in Kathmandu.
Your local Tibetan agency will apply for all necessary permits to travel in Tibet. It might take up to 15 business days to receive your permit, you need to arrange your tour in advance. Once the permit is ready, your agency will mail it to you. All foreign travelers need the original permit to travel to Tibet.
HOW TO TRAVEL TO LHASA
You can travel to Lhasa by flight, train, or overland. Because of the long duration of the overland journey and high transportation costs for tourists in Tibet, most travelers prefer to fly or to take a train.
Flights are available from all major cities in China, including non-stop flights from Beijing, Xining, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Lijiang, Kunming, and Shangri La. In addition, there are 90 minute long flights from Kathmandu in Nepal.
Traveling by train to Lhasa takes time, however, offers a great way to enjoy the scenery along the way. Cities with railroad connections to Lhasa are Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Xining, and Lanzhou.
MORE ABOUT LHASA
Lhasa is the capital of Tibet, and its cultural and religious center. Read more about geography, history, modern day and Lhasa. Main attractions, when to visit, and the best tours in Lhasa.
POPULAR TOURS IN LHASA
4 DAYS LHASA TOUR
5 DAYS LHASA SIGHTSEEING
5 DAYS LHASA SURROUNDINGS
5 DAYS LHASA AND NATURAL WONDERS
6 DAYS TIBET HIGHLIGHTS
LHASA DAY TOURS
POPULAR TOURS IN TIBET
8 DAYS LHASA TO EVEREST TOUR
A beautiful and exciting journey, starting in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and going to the Everest Base Camp. The tour visits Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera, Drepung and Tashilhunpo monasteries, Kumbum Stupa, Yamdrok Lake, and Karola glaciers.
Both group and private tours are available.
15 DAYS MOUNT KAILASH PILGRIMAGE TOUR
One of our most popular group tours, starting in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and going to Mount Kailash for three-day trekking around this sacred mountain. During this tour, we visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse monastery and Kumbum stupa, Mount Everest, Lake Manasarovar, Mount Kailash, and much more.
7 DAYS LHASA TO KATHMANDU TOUR
This tour starts in Lhasa. We will stay there for 2 days to explore the capital and acclimatize. After that, we will head to the center of attraction in the Himalayas – Mount Everest. We will spend a night by the highest mountain on a planet and continue driving through majestic mountain ranges, alongside rivers and waterfalls to the border between Tibet and Nepal.
PREPARE FOR TIBET TOUR
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