Enjoy the hot springs in Yambajan in winter.Weather: Temperatures drop below freezing at night in November, but there is a big temperature increase during the day so it is usually sunny and comfortable. It is one of the best months for travel around Lhasa and Tibet because it is very dry and sunny and because it is tourist low season. There are 9 hours of sunshine a day and only 2 mm of precipitation falls on only 1 day of the month generally.
Lhasa feels warmer in the winter than much of the US. The average nightly low temperature is -4 °C (25 °F), and the average daily high temperature is 12 °C (54 °F). It feels warm because of the 3,600 meter (12,000 feet) altitude. The UV radiation is high. See the Lhasa weather forecast>>
Clothing: There is a huge temperature drop of 16 °C at night. Dress in layers with a coat, trousers, and a T-shirt. Cover up and wear a sun hat and sunglasses because of the intense UV radiation. You might need a coat inside hotels and restaurants because many of them don't have central heating. Take heavier winter gear up to higher mountain areas.
Altitude Sickness: Oxygen in Lhasa is only 2/3 that at sea level. Most people get altitude sickness. Seek medical advice before you go as issues like high blood pressure are exacerbated. More Lhasa health advice>>
Things to Do in Lhasa in November
Yambajan Hot Springs Bathing: People will be amazed to swim outside in this 4,300-meter-high pool. It makes for a good day trip, since it is only about 1½ hours northwest of Lhasa along road G109. The waters are high in sulphur and are reputed to be beneficial for one's health.
Shop and Dine on the Barkhor
Barkhor Street is Lhasa's main shopping street. You'll see people bowing and stretching out on the pavement. This is a traditional Buddhist way to worship and make pilgrimages. Their focus is Jokhang Temple that is on the street. They worship outside it and circle it.
The street has dozens of stores that sell artwork and handicrafts such as Tibetan rugs, clothes, crafts products, and gold and silver jewelry. These make for good souvenirs. Haggling is expected. Around the temple, you may find only foreign tourists and Tibetans at this time of year.
Tour the Ganden Monastery
Ganden MonasteryGanden Monastery: This authentic ancient monastery is where crowds of monks still live. It is probably the most scenic and interesting monastery in Tibet. It is on top of a mountain at an elevation of 4,300 meters or 14,000 feet. There is good hiking behind it and between it and Samye.
Ganden is still an active monastery unlike those in Lhasa. It is one of Tibetan Buddhism's three main monasteries. It was founded in 1409. Many think it is Tibet's best monastery to see because the scenery is great.
Visit the Potala Palace
The gigantic ancient Potala Palace is a world famous Lhasa landmark and is recommended by UNESCO. Many recognize it from movies. A structure was first built in the 600s, and in 1645 the present building was begun.
There are 1,000 rooms in 13 stories. Now it is a museum, but it is still used as a worship place. Crowds of pilgrims and locals worship during their ceremonies. It is advisable to acclimate for two days before touring the building.
Touring Lhasa in November
Low Travel Season
The Potala PalaceLow season: Tourism drops substantially at the end of October. So November is an excellent time to tour the highlights. You'll get lower ticket prices and room rates, have a better choice of accommodations, and meet fewer crowds.
We can help arrange tickets and accommodations and design a travel plan according to our experience and your interests. You'll need a Tibet tour visa that we can arrange. We can help to get Lhasa hotel rooms, flight tickets and train tickets that you'll appreciate. Getting train tickets to Lhasa is also much easier than in summer.
Recommended Tour Packages
7-Day Train Trip from Xining to Lhasa and Tour: You can watch the scenery from the windows while you acclimate to high altitude, and then enjoy a tour of the Lhasa highlights.
4-Day Essence of Lhasa Tour: Tour the highlights including the Potala Palace and Barkhor. Modify these tours as you wish.
Create a trip with our "Tailor-Made Form">>
Further Reading
- Tibet Weather in November
- Top Places To Visit in November
- The Best Places To See Fall Foliage in China
Lhasa Average Daily Temperatures Based on Historical Data
| Date | Average High | Average Low | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 1 | 56 °F | 13.33 °C | 27 °F | -2.78 °C |
| November 2 | 55 °F | 12.78 °C | 27 °F | -2.78 °C |
| November 3 | 55 °F | 12.78 °C | 27 °F | -2.78 °C |
| November 4 | 55 °F | 12.78 °C | 26 °F | -3.33 °C |
| November 5 | 55 °F | 12.78 °C | 26 °F | -3.33 °C |
| November 6 | 54 °F | 12.22 °C | 26 °F | -3.33 °C |
| November 7 | 54 °F | 12.22 °C | 25 °F | -3.89 °C |
| November 8 | 54 °F | 12.22 °C | 25 °F | -3.89 °C |
| November 9 | 53 °F | 11.67 °C | 25 °F | -3.89 °C |
| November 10 | 53 °F | 11.67 °C | 24 °F | -4.44 °C |
| November 11 | 53 °F | 11.67 °C | 24 °F | -4.44 °C |
| November 12 | 53 °F | 11.67 °C | 24 °F | -4.44 °C |
| November 13 | 52 °F | 11.11 °C | 23 °F | -5 °C |
| November 14 | 52 °F | 11.11 °C | 23 °F | -5 °C |
| November 15 | 52 °F | 11.11 °C | 23 °F | -5 °C |
| November 16 | 51 °F | 10.56 °C | 22 °F | -5.56 °C |
| November 17 | 51 °F | 10.56 °C | 22 °F | -5.56 °C |
| November 18 | 51 °F | 10.56 °C | 22 °F | -5.56 °C |
| November 19 | 51 °F | 10.56 °C | 22 °F | -5.56 °C |
| November 20 | 50 °F | 10 °C | 21 °F | -6.11 °C |
| November 21 | 50 °F | 10 °C | 21 °F | -6.11 °C |
| November 22 | 50 °F | 10 °C | 21 °F | -6.11 °C |
| November 23 | 50 °F | 10 °C | 21 °F | -6.11 °C |
| November 24 | 50 °F | 10 °C | 20 °F | -6.67 °C |
| November 25 | 49 °F | 9.44 °C | 20 °F | -6.67 °C |
| November 26 | 49 °F | 9.44 °C | 20 °F | -6.67 °C |
| November 27 | 49 °F | 9.44 °C | 19 °F | -7.22 °C |
| November 28 | 49 °F | 9.44 °C | 19 °F | -7.22 °C |
| November 29 | 48 °F | 8.89 °C | 19 °F | -7.22 °C |
| November 30 | 48 °F | 8.89 °C | 19 °F | -7.22 °C |
