Tibet Weather in June: What to Do and Travel Tips

June is one of the best months to visit Tibet. The weather is warm, the skies are bright, and the landscape looks fresh after the first light showers of the season. The first half of the month stays mostly dry. Monsoon rains begin to pick up around mid-June, but showers are usually light and short. 

It is part of the summer high season, yet crowds are smaller compared with July and August. Whether you want to enjoy natural scenery or visit monasteries, June offers mild weather, fewer people, and a very comfortable travel experience.

However, in summer, the UV index is extremely high across the Tibetan Plateau, so make sure to protect your skin to avoid sunburn.

Weather Averages in June:

• Temperature range: 6–20°C (43–68°F)
• Rainfall: 63 mm/ 2.48"
• Rainy days: 19
• Clear days: 9
• UV index: Very high

Climate Overview of Major Destinations

June marks the beginning of summer and the early monsoon season in Tibet, with generally mild and pleasant weather.

Lower-altitude areas receive more rainfall. In Lhasa and Shigatse, most rain falls at night, leaving sunny and comfortable days for sightseeing. Nyingchi sees heavier rain, so Namcha Barwa is often hidden by clouds, but the refreshed fields, forests, and rivers create vibrant, lush scenery that's worth exploring.

Higher-altitude regions remain dry. The mild and dry climate makes June one of the best months for trekking in Ngari and visiting Everest Base Camp.

Best Things to Do in June

Hiking around Sacred Mountains

June offers some of the most reliable conditions for high altitude trekking. Rain is still light, temperatures are comfortable, and the climate is dry and mild at higher elevations. If you wish to experience Tibetan sacred mountains on your own, June is one of the best times to walk them. We suggest the following two classic routes.

The first is the trek from Old Tingri to Everest Base Camp. This trek lets you walk to the world's highest peak. After 66 km of valleys and high meadows, you'll finally reach Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world, and find Mount Everest in front of you. You can see our 11-Day Tibet Tour with Everest Base Camp Trek.

Our customers at Everest Base Camp

The second route is the Mount Kailash Kora. This is not just a hike but a sacred pilgrimage around one of Asia's holiest mountains. You'll witness believers prostrating every few steps, feel the sacred and immersive atmosphere. It's a journey of a rare encounter with devotion and spiritual power.

Mount Kailash Kora

Viewing Rhododendron in Basum Tso Lake, Nyingchi

June is the peak season for rhododendrons in Nyingchi. The flowers usually reach full bloom from mid-May to early June, painting the mountainsides with soft pinks, reds, and whites. Among all the places to enjoy them, Basum Tso Lake is our top recommendation for its abundant landscapes.

Lake Basum Tso

Along the lakeshore, the flowers grow low to the ground, so your photos won't be filled with messy branches or blocked views. With our private car service, you can visit and walk along the quieter sections of the lakeside trail, where you'll get everything at once: snow-capped peaks, a turquoise lake, grazing yaks, and endless stretches of rhododendrons.

Join the Linka Festival in Lhasa and Shigatse

The Linka Festival (or Zamling Chisang) is a traditional Tibetan summer celebration held in June or early July. It marks the start of the warm season. Because of the high altitude and long-time cold, Tibetan people cherish warm days and enjoy them as much as possible. It's a time for locals to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with family and friends. 

During the festival, Tibetans gather in green meadows or along rivers for picnics, especially in Norbulinka Palace and Zongjiao Lukang Park. They bring food, drinks, and blankets, drink barley wine and butter tea, play traditional instruments, sing folk songs, and watch Tibetan opera. You are welcome to join the fun—just greet with a friendly "Tashi Delek!" to join in their celebration.

In Shigatse, the Linka Festival is even more special. It has been set as a public holiday lasting 5–7 days from June 1st every year. The Gongjue Linka Palace becomes the center of celebration, with crowds watching horse racing and archery before settling down to their own picnics. Spending an afternoon here lets you experience Tibetan summer exactly the way locals enjoy it.

Experience the Grand Saga Dawa Festival

Saga Dawa, celebrated on the 15th day of the 4th month in the Tibetan calendar (usually May–June), is Tibet's most important and longest religious festival. It lasts about thirty days and marks the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana. 

Tibetans believe that good deeds bring multiplied merit during this period, so everyone participates, and many people offer alms, burn incense, release animals, or join the sacred kora around Mount Kailash.

In Lhasa, the heart of the celebration gathers on the Lingkor path outside the Potala Palace. During Saga Dawa, this becomes the main circumambulation route. 

From early morning, you'll see streams of pilgrims walk clockwise, chanting Om Mani Padme Hum and turning prayer wheels. Many carry cypress branches to burn in incense pots along the way. You can experience this large-scale kora and magnificent scene only on the Lingkor path during Saga Dawa. At other times, few people walk this route.

As the thin smoke rises and blends with soft chanting, you'll feel the calm, devout, and incredibly moving atmosphere. You can join in the kora and walk a short section to experience the festival up close.

Tips for joining Saga Dawa respectfully:

• You can eat meat in restaurants, but avoid ordering freshly slaughtered animals.
• When walking with pilgrims, always follow the clockwise direction and try to complete a full circuit.
• Avoid touching local children's heads or animals that accompany their owners during circumambulation.
• When giving alms, follow local custom and offer small amounts rather than large sums.
• Avoid fishing or any activity that harms animals during the festival period.

Crowds and Costs

June is part of Tibet's high season. Although it's not as crowded as July and August, you will still see more tour groups at the main attractions compared with spring. The warm and sunny weather brings many Chinese travelers into Lhasa and Shigatse, but overall, the crowds remain manageable.

Flight prices start rising in June. If you want to save on transport costs, the train is a good alternative. Just keep in mind that tickets in June are harder to get, so it's best to book early or contact us in advance, we will try our best to secure the tickets for you.

What to Wear

June is warm and comfortable across most of Tibet, but temperatures still change a lot between day and night. During the daytime, a light long-sleeve T-shirt or a thin jacket is usually enough for sightseeing and also helps protect your skin from the strong sun. Comfortable walking shoes will make your sightseeing much easier.

At night and early in the morning, the temperature drops quickly, so it's better to switch to a fleece jacket or a lightweight down coat. 

If you're heading to high-altitude places such as Everest Base Camp or Mount Kailash, you'll need heavier layers. A thick down jacket and a windproof shell are still essential at those elevations.

Tibet's UV index in June is very high, so sun protection should be part of your daily outfit. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. 

You may also need to pack a light waterproof or windproof jacket. June can occasionally bring short showers.

Tibet Weather by Month

For a summary, see The Best Times to Visit Tibet.