Tibet Weather in July: What to Do and Travel Tips

July is one of the rainiest but also one of the most popular months in Tibet. It's the peak of the summer monsoon, so showers are frequent, though most of them fall at night. Daytime sightseeing is usually unaffected, and temperatures stay mild and pleasant across major towns and scenic areas. However, long hikes are less ideal because of the frequent rainfall.

The mild temperatures make Tibet a good place to escape the summer heat. The landscape turns green, daylight hours are long, with joyous and grand outdoor festivals.

For travelers worried about altitude sickness, July is one of the easiest months to adapt. Warm temperatures, higher humidity, and richer oxygen levels help the body adjust more quickly than in winter.

Weather Averages in July:

• Temperature range: 10–25°C (50–77°F)
• Rainfall: 117 mm / 4.6"
• Rainy days: 20
• Sunny days: 11
• UV index: Extremely high

Climate Overview of Major Destinations

July is the rainy season across Tibet, though most precipitation comes as light showers or brief rain. In Lhasa and Shigatse, rain usually falls at night, so daytime sightseeing is rarely affected.

Everest Base Camp sees milder temperatures and is more comfortable for visits than in other months, but clouds often cover the mountain, making full views of Mount Everest less likely. Clear nights, however, offer a chance to see the starry sky above the mountains.

Nyingchi experiences rain throughout the month, with clouds often hiding Namcha Barwa. The abundant rainfall nourishes grasslands, wildflowers, and forests, and you'll see vibrant and lush landscapes.

If you're hoping to avoid rain and mountain fog, early July is recommended, as rainfall is generally lighter during this period.

Best Things to Do in July

Trek Around Mount Kailash

Although it's the rainy season in the rest of Tibet, Ngari remains mostly dry in July, making it the best time to trek Mount Kailash.

The warmer temperatures and richer oxygen are helpful to ease altitude discomfort, so the three-day kora will be less challenging than in colder months.

Mt. Kailash kora

Mount Kailash is one of the most sacred mountains in Tibetan Buddhism, and walking its 52-kilometer kora is a meaningful experience even if you're not religious. Along the way, you'll meet local pilgrims spinning prayer wheels, prostrating on the path, or quietly chanting as they walk.

If you're doing the Kailash kora, Lake Manasarovar is an easy and rewarding add-on.

The lake is close to Mount Kailash, just sitting at the foot of the mountain, in a 30-minute drive. It shines a clear, deep blue in July. You can stop by the shore for a short walk or simply enjoy the calm view of water and snow peaks together. See our 14-Day Tibet Tour with Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.

Experience the Wangguo Festival

Wangguo is one of Tibet's most joyful countryside festivals, it's very authentic, local, and less commercialized than other Tibetan festivals.

The festival doesn't have a fixed date. Local communities choose the time based on their farming cycle, usually between July and August. When the crops start to ripen, villagers gather to walk around the fields, chanting prayers and singing to wish for a good harvest.

After the blessings, there will be a lively highland sports fair. You'll see horse racing, archery, tug-of-war, stone lifting, dancing, and even Tibetan opera performances. There's no strict schedule, so activities begin whenever people are ready. You'll feel the festival's relaxed, spontaneous charm.

Tibetan opera performance

You can experience the Wangguo Festival in Lhasa, Shannan, Shigatse, and many Tibetan villages. If you're interested in experiencing the Wangguo Festival, you can contact our travel experts to plan a tour that includes it.

Enjoy the Summer Scenery of the Lulang Forest

July is one of the best months to visit Lulang Forest in Nyingchi with its lively landscape, which feels like a hidden summer paradise. Pine forests, wide grasslands, wooden villages, grazing yaks, and turquoise streams create a calm, refreshing world that makes you want to slow down and simply enjoy the view.

Lulang Forest

Whether you walk along the forest paths or stop at a viewpoint overlooking the whole valley, July gives you the most vibrant and photogenic version of Lulang.

If you're seeking a more varied experience, you can add nearby spots like Basum Tso Lake for emerald waters or the Sejila Pass for sweeping green grasslands and views of Namcha Barwa. Contact us to discover the cool and vibrant summer of Nyingchi.

Crowds and Costs

July is one of the busiest months in Tibet, because Tibet is very popular as one of China's top summer escape destinations. July coincides with school and university holidays, so the number of domestic travelers rises sharply. Popular places like Lhasa, Nyingchi, and Shigatse can feel noticeably busier throughout the month.

Travel costs also go up in July. Flights to Tibet become more expensive, train tickets are extremely hard to secure, and hotel prices can climb to nearly double the usual rate.

To avoid stress and last-minute surprises, we suggest booking at least two months in advance, and let us help you build a travel plan by our own experience. We'll also help to book your hotel rooms, flight tickets, and train tickets so you can enjoy a hassle-free Tibetan trip.

What to Wear

July in Lhasa is warm during the day and cool at night, so packing a mix of light and layer-friendly clothing works best.

Daytime temperatures hover around 22°C, and you can stay comfortable in breathable cotton or linen T-shirts, light trousers, or thin denim. Long sleeves are better than short ones because the sun is strong at this altitude. Sunglasses, a sun hat, and basic rain gear are also essential.

At night, the temperature drops to around 10°C. A light jacket, cardigan, or windbreaker will keep you warm when the breeze picks up. Shoes should be comfortable and slightly water-resistant, especially if you plan to explore outdoor sites after a rain shower.

If you plan to visit higher-altitude places, bring a heavier jacket and gloves, as temperatures can fall quickly at these places even in summer.

Tibet Weather by Month

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