Weather: April is one of the best months to see Tibet because the weather starts to turn warm, and it is still in the dry season. The Tibetan monsoon season starts in June. It is a good time to see Lhasa for early spring weather and a good time to see Everest for the clear view.
Most tourists to Tibet come to Lhasa. The weather turns comfortable in Lhasa that is one of the lowest elevation valleys. But higher elevations are still frozen. In Lhasa, it is sunny and dry with sunshine 8 hours a day. The temperatures range from an average low of 2 °C (36 °F) to a daily average high temperature of 16 °C (61 °F). The ultraviolet radiation index is extremely high in Lhasa and even higher in most of the rest of Tibet.
Clothing: For comfort in the changing temperatures and high UV radiation, you'll need to dress in layers and cover up if you are in the sun for a prolonged time due to the UV radiation. Many hotels and restaurants in Tibet have no central heating, so you might still need a coat inside. But the sunshine is so strong that you might feel comfortable in light clothing during the day. Have a T-shirt, coat, trousers, and a sun hat in Lhasa, and a heavy coat and gloves for higher places. Sunglasses can protect your eyes.
Altitude Sickness: Since the oxygen content of the air in Lhasa is only 2/3 that at sea level and it is less in most of the rest of Tibet, a health check before you go is advisable. Conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma, or heart disease are exacerbated by the high elevation. Most visitors get altitude sickness, and exertion is difficult. So it is a good idea to acclimate in Lhasa or another valley before going higher. See our Tibet health advice>>
Tibet April Weather Data Graphs
Things to Do in Tibet in April
Travel North from Lhasa
The ice at Lake Namtso has not yet melted in AprilSee Namtso Lake: Four hours from Lhasa over a 5,200 meter pass is one of the highest lakes in the world. It might have striking beautiful winter scenery because it is likely still frozen until late April when it turns an amazing turquoise or deep blue color. The high elevation and cold at 4,718 meters (15,000 feet) is too severe for most people to want to stay overnight in the scanty accommodations. But it might be good for a visit and walk. Check the weather conditions and go in a good vehicle with snow tires if the road is icy.
Travel on the Friendship Highway
April is one of the best months to leave the Lhasa valley and see attractions in the south such as Shigatse, Yamdrok Lake (4,500 meters or 14,700 feet), Mt. Everest and Mt. Kailash. There is generally dry and sunny weather in the region in the middle of spring, but heavy rains begin in June that hamper both travel and sightseeing. There are discounts on rental vehicles before crowds of tourists arrive at the end of April.
- 11-Day Overland Trip from Lhasa to Kathmandu
- 14-Day Tibet Tour including Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar
Everest with China HighlightsShigatse (3,900 meters) and Tsetang (4,000 meters): Travel is fine for these two high altitude towns in southern Tibet. But it is a good idea to acclimate. Shigatse is notable because it is Tibet's second largest city, on the road to Everest (7 hours away) and west Tibet, a place for acclimation. Tsetang is Tibet's third largest place, with Samye Monastery, Yambugalang Place, and Yamdrok Lake as notable attractions.
Hike in the Region
Low rainfall and warmer weather makes April one of the best months for regional travel and hiking in the famous high mountains in the west and south such as Kailash and Everest.
Mt. Everest Base Camp (5,200 meters): March and April are two of the best months for best time to visit Mt. Everest. It is when most climbing teams start their climb before the weather turns snowy in May. The weather is clearer, so you have a chance of seeing it as you hike around Everest Base Camp. You'll need a special hiking permit for an extended hike near Everest Base Camp which we can try to arrange. It is seriously important to acclimate and exercise for a week at the 4,000 meter level before the hike. See our private tour of Mount Everest>>
Mt. Kailash and Manasarovar area (4,556 meters): April and May are good months to go to Kailash before the rains of June. From Lhasa, people need to cross rugged roads to the west, and rain and snow storms can make the journey worse. You'll need to acclimate in a region of similar altitude for a week if you wish to do a hike there since the lake is at the 15,000 feet level, and the highest pass in a walk around is 5,500 meters or 18,200 feet.
Touring Tibet in April:Important Travel Tips and Popular Tours
Low Travel Season
Mount KailashThe more comfortable and clear travel weather, the variety of scenery, and the fewer crowds and less rainfall than in the tourist high season are reasons that April is one of the best months for touring and hiking around Tibet. It is better for finding serenity, low prices, great scenery, and better selection for accommodations and travel opportunities. Tourists flood in between the end of April and the middle of October.
Let us help you figure out where it is best for you to visit according to your preferences and the travel and weather constraints. We'll help arrange Lhasa hotel rooms, flight tickets and train tickets that you'll appreciate by our experience. You'll need a special Tibet tour visa that we can arrange for you.
Recommended Tibet Tours
If you want to discover more about Tibet, it is advisable to have an experienced private tour guide. We can help you with that.
Here are our two most popular Tibet itineraries for your inspiration:
- 5-Day Lhasa and Yomdrok Lake Tour: See Lhasa's highlights and a lakeside picnic nearby Tibetan holy Lake-Lake Yomdrok and get closer to local life in the old area.
See more Tibet tours or contact us to tailor-make a Tibet tour according to your requirements.
Further Reading