Tibet Weather in March: What to Do and Travel Tips

March is a good time to visit Tibet, because you can experience the highlights of Tibet's spring with mild weather. Nyingchi's peach blossoms in late March will paint the ground pink and white against snowy mountains.

As the tail end of winter and the driest month, March brings warmer temperatures and clear skies to most of Tibet. Daytime temperatures usually sit between 3 ℃ and 16 ℃, and under strong sunshine at noon, it can feel close to 20 ℃. The crisp light and fresh air make city walks and outdoor sightseeing comfortable.

Note that during the Tibetan New Year period (typically during mid-February to mid-March, dates will be different every year), Tibet is not open to foreign visitors. Contact us to better plan your travel time.

Weather Averages in March

• Temperature range: –5 to 16 ℃ (23 to 61 ℉)
• Rainfall: 5 mm / 0.2"
• Snowfall days: 2 days
• Clear days: 20 days
• UV index: High

Climate Overview of Major Destinations

Major tourist cities such as Lhasa, Shigatse, and Nyingchi enjoy mild days with plenty of sunshine. Mornings and evenings are cold. But midday sun makes sightseeing comfortable.

Nyingchi is the warmest region and where spring arrives first. The famous peach blossoms begin to bloom in mid-March, and the pink and white peach blossoms blooming everywhere create a dreamlike scene.

Everest Base Camp is open but quite cold. March offers around 23 clear days, and it's excellent for viewing the world's highest peak.

Some high-altitude regions are still not suitable for visiting in March. The weather is extremely cold, and roads are often icy or blocked by snow. In the Ngari (Ali) region, Mount Kailash remains closed until April. Namtso Lake is also frozen and very windy at this time of year, making conditions harsh and uncomfortable for travel.

Best Things to Do in Tibet in March

March in Tibet is dry and mild, and most places offer a comfortable sightseeing experience except for the highest-altitude regions.

If you're worried about altitude sickness, classic cultural sites such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, and Tashilhunpo Monastery are easy to explore without much physical effort.

Here are our recommended seasonal special experiences you can enjoy in March.

Experience the Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival

The Peach Blossom Festival in Nyingchi usually runs from mid-March to early April. During this time, delicate peach flowers bloom against snow-capped Mt. Namcha Barwa and turquoise rivers. You'll see one of Tibet's most beautiful spring landscapes.

We recommend visiting Bomi Peach Blossom Valley, China's largest peach blossom valley. The flowers here are dense and abundant, and you'll see them framed by traditional Tibetan houses, open grasslands, and golden rapeseed fields.

Spring in Nyingchi

March is also one of the driest months in Nyingchi, which means you have a higher chance of seeing Namcha Barwa clearly. You may even catch the unforgettable golden glow of sunset on the summit on clear days.

To make sure you catch the full bloom, we recommend arriving at the Bomi Peach Blossom Valley after March 25. Our 7-Day Lhasa, Nyingchi, and Bome Tour is specifically planned for spring blossom timing, so you won't arrive too early or miss the petals when they're at their best.

View Mount Everest Under Clear Blue Sky

March is one of the best months to visit Everest Base Camp. The weather is cold but stable, and with around 23 clear days, the chances of seeing the full view of Mount Everest are very high.

On these clear days, the north face of Everest appears sharp and unobstructed against the sky, giving you a direct sense of its power and scale. You may even witness the rare "cloud flag" phenomenon — a long, white, thin cloud stretching from the summit like a banner in the wind. See our 8-Day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Tour.

Mount Everest with a cloud flag

If you plan to visit EBC in March, you must dress in thick layers. Nights can be especially uncomfortable due to low temperatures and thin air. We recommend staying in Tashizong (Everest Town), about 50 km from the base camp. The altitude is lower, and the hotels offer better heating and oxygen supplies.

Crowds & Costs

March is one of the quietest months to visit Tibet (except for Nyingchi in late March). Tourist numbers are low. Popular sites like the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and major monasteries are far less crowded. You'll have more space to explore and won't need to rush through visits.

Prices reflect the low season. Hotels typically cost 15–25% less than in July and August. Flights and tour packages are also cheaper, making March one of the most budget-friendly times to travel.

When booking hotels in March, we suggest avoiding Tibetan boutique hotels. March is still cold, and many Tibetan boutique hotels do not have central heating but only provide electric blankets.

However, during the Peach Blossom Festival in late March, flights and hotels can be booked out quickly. If you plan to visit Nyingchi for the blossoms, make sure to book your flights and accommodation at least 3 months earlier to secure better options.

What to Pack

In March, dressing in layers is the best way to stay comfortable when visiting Tibet. Start with thermal underwear and long-sleeve base layers, add a fleece or down vest for warmth, and top it off with a windproof, waterproof jacket you can remove when the sun gets strong.

Bring warm trousers and consider thermal leggings if you're heading to high-altitude areas like Everest Base Camp. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip are essential, especially on icy mountain passes.

Don't forget a warm hat and gloves for early mornings. A scarf or neck gaiter helps on windy days at high passes. Pack lip balm, and reapply often. The UV index in March is extremely high, so you'll also need high-SPF sunscreen and sunglasses.

Altitude Sickness Risk in March

Altitude sickness is the main health concern in Tibet. March's cold, dry weather can make altitude symptoms feel worse. Keep warm, stay hydrated, and don't push yourself too hard in the first few days.

Lhasa sits at 3,650 meters (11,975 feet), and other destinations go even higher. We suggest spending your first day or two resting in Lhasa. Avoid heavy exercise, washing hair, and alcohol. Drink plenty of water and get good sleep. Mild headaches and fatigue are normal in the first 24–48 hours and usually pass as your body adjusts.

Most hotels and guesthouses have oxygen available if needed. We provide Oxygen bottles and medicine in our private car. Our experienced local guide will help you get medical aid whenever you need it.

Tibet Weather by Month

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