LHASA WEATHER IN
FEBRUARY

TEMPERATURES

February is the third coldest month of the year with average daytime temperatures well above freezing, averaging 9.3°C / 48.7°F. On most days, daytime temperatures range from 3 °C/ 38°F and 14 °C / 58°F.

Nighttime temperatures drop significantly and can go to -10 °C / 14 °F and averaging -5 °C / 23 °F. On most nights, temperatures range from -9 °C / 15°F and 1 °C/ 33°F.

Both daytime and nighttime temperatures in February on average are slightly higher than in December and January, making it the warmest month in winter. However, the wind is the strongest in February, averaging 13.7 km per hour / 8.5 miles per hour. In fact, February is usually the windiest month of the year.

HISTORICAL WEATHER DATA

CLOUDS, RAINFALL, AND HUMIDITY

February is the least humid month of the year with an average humidity of 26%. It is also the second driest month of the year after January. 

On average, it only rains or snows on only 1 day in February! If you get lucky to see snow in Lhasa, the view is absolutely magical. 

Clouds cover the sky only 31% of the time, making it one of the months with the highest chance of a clear sky. 

DAYLIGHT AND UV INDEX

The sun radiation is very strong in February with a UV index reaching 6 – 7.

The day grows by 44 minutes compared to January. On February 1st, the day lasts for 10 hours and 48 minutes. The sunrise is at 6:45 am and the sunset is at 5:33 pm.

On February 28, the day lasts for 11 hours and 31 minutes. The sunrise is at 6:22 am, and the sunset is at 5:53 pm.

COMPARING LHASA WEATHER IN OTHER MONTHS

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: 12.6kph / 7.8 mph
Sunrise: 6:46 – 6:51 am
Sunset: 5:07 – 5:32 pm

February


Average high: 9.3°C (48.7°F)
Average low: -10°C (14°F)
Rainfall: 1.2 mm / 0.05″
Humidity: 26%
Daylight: about 11.2 hours
Sunshine: about 8.1 hours
Windspeed: 13.2 kph/ 8.2 mph
Sunrise: 6:22 – 6:45 am
Sunset: 5:33 – 5:53 pm

March


Average high: 12.7°C (54.9°F)
Average low: -4°C (24.8°F)
Rainfall: 2.9mm /0.11″
Humidity: 27%
Daylight: about 12 hours
Sunshine: about 7.9 hours
Windspeed: 13 kph/ 8.1 mph
Sunrise: 5:46 – 6:21 am
Sunset: 5:54 – 6:13 pm

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT LHASA IN FEBRUARY

While February, along with January are the least popular months among tourists, it is a great time to see the real-life of Tibetans. If you visit in winter, you will see very few tourists. At the same time, many pilgrims visit Lhasa during that time. They travel from remote areas to buy all necessary supplies for the Tibetan New Year. 

Photographers will also enjoy the winter months. The sun’s radiation is strong, making all colors very bright and vivid. You will find it much easier to take beautiful photos on busy streets, such as Barkhor since there will be more Tibetans, not tourists. Finally, since February is typically dry, you will see a clear sky on most days. 

Budget travelers should also consider visiting Lhasa in February as tours are less expensive, and many hotels offer lower prices.

TIBETAN NEW YEAR

Tibetan New Year often falls on February. Please, note, that although Chinese and Tibetan holidays are celebrated according to the Lunar calendar, the New Year often falls on different dates.

During Chinese New Year you might see more tourists in Lhasa. Outside of the holiday time, there are very few tourists.

Lhasa streets are busy with pilgrims who travel from all different parts of Tibet to prepare and celebrate Tibetan New Year. 

LHASA GALLERY

WHAT TO WEAR IN LHASA IN FEBRUARY

Group of visitors by the Yamdrok Lake in Tibet
Group of visitors by the Yamdrok Lake in Tibet

Daytime temperatures are warm in Lhasa in February. In addition, most of the days are clear and sunny. Because of the high altitude, solar radiation is very strong in Lhasa. Due to such strong sun, it feels warm during the daytime. Although you should be prepared for a significant temperature drop as the sun sets in the evening. 

The best way to pack for Lhasa is to bring clothes that you can layer. Have a long-sleeved shirt or a base layer, fleece or a wool sweater, and a warm jacket. Wear comfortable pants with a base layer when needed. In addition, pack a warm hat, scarf, and a pair of gloves. You don’t need rain gear in Lhasa in winter as it mostly dry.

While exploring Lhasa, we walk a lot. Bring a pair of comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes, and wear them with wool or hiking socks.

It is recommended to protect your skin and eyes from the strong sunshine. Bring a pair of sunglasses and you can use sunscreen to protect the skin of your face.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LHASA WEATHER

Frequently asked questions

The warmest month in Lhasa is June. The average daytime temperature is 23.2°C / 73.8°F. Nighttime temperature is 9.8°C / 49.6°F on average.

The warmest day historically is June 26, when temperature ranges from 12 °C / 53°F to 22 °C / 72°F.

The coldest month in Lhasa is January. However, it is only slightly colder than December. In January, the average daytime temperature is 7.2°C / 45°F. Nighttime temperature is -9°C / 15.8°F on average.

The coldest day historically is January 7, when temperatures range from -8 °C / 18°F to 6 °C/ 43°F.

During the year, Lhasa sees 92 days of rain with a total rainfall of 420 mm / 17 inches. Most of the rain falls during Monsoon Season in July and August.

The wettest month in Lhasa is July with an over 54% chance of rain and a total rainfall of 116.6mm / 4.59 inches. July sees 19- 20 days of rain on average.

During the year, Lhasa sees 92 days of rain with a total rainfall of 420 mm / 17 inches, and most of the rain falls during summer. Winter in Lhasa is dry and sunny.

The driest month is December with only a 0.4% chance of rain and a total rainfall of 1mm / 0.04 inches.

The weather in Lhasa is pleasant all year round. Winters are dry, sunny, and not too cold during the daytime. Summer is very warm with cool mornings and evenings. Because of the high altitude sun radiation is very strong and it feels much warmer than temperature suggests.

Although summer sees many rainy days, it usually rains during the nighttime. It makes summer the most popular time to visit Lhasa.

The shortest day in Lhasa is December 21st. It lasts for 10 hours and 15 minutes. The sun rises at 6:46 am and the sunset is at 5:00 pm.

The longest day in Lhasa is June 21st. It lasts for 14 hours and 3 minutes. Sunrise is at 4:55 am, and sunset is at 6:58 pm.

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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.

View on Lhasa from Drepung Monastery, Tibet

POPULAR TOURS IN LHASA

Potala Palace seen from the Chak Pori Hill in Lhasa Tibet
4 DAYS LHASA TOUR
Monk on the way to the New Palace in Norbulingka
5 DAYS LHASA SIGHTSEEING
Ganden Monastery near Lhasa, Tibet
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Yamdrok Lake
5 DAYS LHASA AND NATURAL WONDERS
Kumbum Stupa in Gyantse, Tibet
6 DAYS TIBET HIGHLIGHTS

Jokhang Temple, view from the Barkhor Square in Lhasa, Tibet
LHASA DAY TOURS

POPULAR TOURS IN TIBET

Trekking towards Everest North Face 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.

Stupas of The Dira Puk Monastery by the Kailash Mountain in Tibet

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.

Boudhanath stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal

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.

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