LHASA WEATHER IN
JANUARY
TEMPERATURES
Although January is the coldest month of the year in Lhasa, daytime temperatures are quite comfortable averaging 7 °C / 46 °F. January is only slightly colder than December. On most days temperatures range from 2 °C / 35 °F to 13 °C / 55 °F.
Nighttime temperatures can drop to -9°C (15.8°F). Usually, temperatures range from -11 °C / 12 °F to -3 °C / 26 °F.
January can be windy, with an average wind speed of 12.6 km per hour / 7.8 miles per hour.
HISTORICAL WEATHER DATA
CLOUDS, RAINFALL, AND HUMIDITY
During the year, Lhasa sees about 92 days with rain. However, precipitation is very uneven during the year. January along with December are the driest months of the year. On most days the weather is clear and there is very little chance of rain. On average, it rains less than 1 day in January!
That’s why it is unusual to see snow in Lhasa. In some years, snow falls in the mountains surrounding Lhasa and stays there, as temperatures at high elevations are lower than in Lhasa. It creates opportunities for beautiful photos with perfectly white snow covering mountains in the background.
DAYLIGHT AND UV INDEX
The length of the day starts to gradually increase in January. On January 1 the daylight lasts 10 hours and 17 minutes, while on January 31st it is 10 hours and 46 minutes.
The latest sunrise of the entire year is on January 11 at 6:51 AM. On January 1st, the sunset is at 5:07 pm, and on January 31st it is at 5:32 pm.
Although sun radiation is not as strong as in summer months (maximum UV index between 3 and 5), you need to protect yourself from the sun. Wear a wide brim hat or a baseball hat, sunglasses, use sunscreen and lip balm.
COMPARING LHASA WEATHER IN WINTER MONTHS
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: 12.6 kph / 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 11.2h hours
Sunshine: about 8.1h hours
Windspeed: 13.7 kph/ 8.5 mph
Sunrise: 6:22 – 6:45 am
Sunset: 5:33 – 5:53 pm
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT LHASA IN JANUARY
January is definitely not a popular tourist season, and that is exactly why some people prefer to visit during that time. It is an opportunity to see the real Tibet. Tibetans prepare for the New Year that usually falls on February or March and pilgrims flock to Lhasa.
Only in winter Lhasa streets are crowded with Tibetans and not tourists.
At the same time, hotels and tickets to some attraction sites are less expensive than in the high season.
If you don’t mind putting on some extra layers of clothes, you can experience real Tibet with very few tourists and at a lower cost. Since the weather is mostly clear, you can also take beautiful bright photographs.
LHASA GALLERY
WHAT TO WEAR IN LHASA IN JANUARY
If you start your day early or come back to your hotel late in the evening, be prepared for temperature changes. In addition, with a strong wind, it might seem colder than it actually is.
It is best to wear layers and have a warm jacket ready. Bring a long sleeve shirt or a base layer, add a wool or fleece sweater. Finally, have a warm jacket, such as a puffer jacket. We also suggest having warm accessories, such as hat, scarf, and gloves.
As we always walk a lot, when touring Lhasa, we highly recommend bringing comfortable shoes. Have hiking shoes or sneakers. Don’t bring a brand new pair of shoes. Try to wear them a few times to break in them. Wear your shoes with warm socks, wool, or special hiking socks.
There is very little chance of rain in January, and you won’t need any rain gear. The sunshine is still quite strong. Bring a good pair of sunglasses and use 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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