Tibet Weather in October: What to Do and Travel Tips

October is one of the best months to visit Tibet. The weather is cool and dry, with clear skies, little rain, and excellent visibility for mountain viewing. The landscape turns golden as autumn arrives, and it's ideal for outdoor activities and photography.

Temperatures range from 2–17℃ (36–63℉) in lower-altitude areas like Lhasa to -7–15℃ (19–59℉) in high-altitude regions like Mount Kailash. The dry, stable weather brings exceptional clarity for viewing snow-capped peaks.

Noted that some high-altitude areas like Namtso Lake and Mount Kailash may be closed by late October due to early snowfall, so plan your trip for early to mid-October if these destinations are on your list.

Weather Averages in October

• Temperature range: 0–15℃ (32–59℉)
• Rainfall: 8 mm / 0.3″
• Rainfall days: 2 days
• Clear days: 28 days
• UV index: Very high

Climate Overview of Major Destinations

Lhasa and Shigatse enjoy dry, mild, and comfortable conditions throughout October. You can comfortably visit most cultural sites, such as temples and streets, during this month.

Ngari and Mount Everest Base Camp are significantly colder, especially at night, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing. 

Nyingchi, with its lower altitude, stays warmer but receives more rainfall than other regions, though skies still remain mostly clear. 

The lake area of Namtso begins to freeze in late October, so if you want to avoid the cold, plan to visit earlier this month.

Best Things to Do in October

Visit Yamdrok or Namtso Lakes

October is one of the best months to visit Tibet's sacred lakes, you'll see the lakes at their most vivid with excellent light for sunrise and sunset photography. The monsoon has ended, skies are clear and stable, and visibility is at its best.

If your time is limited, Yamdrok Lake is the easier choice. Located about 100 kilometers southwest of Lhasa at 4,441 meters, you can visit comfortably on a day trip. You'll see the lake like a sapphire ribbon, surrounded by brown hills and distant snow-capped mountains. October temperatures are relatively mild, around 0–15℃/32–59℉, and the area is less windy than Namtso. See our 5-Day Lhasa Classics and Lake Yamdrok Tour.

Yamdrok Lake

Namtso is farther and better suited if you have more time. The lake sits at 4,718 meters, about 250 kilometers northwest of Lhasa, and usually requires an overnight stay in Damxung County if you want to explore at a relaxed pace. Temperatures range from -5 to 14℃/ 23 to 57℉, with strong winds and sharp drops after sunset. You will find ice forming along the shore in late October, and we suggest visiting earlier in the month before winter closures approach.

Namtso Lake

Meet Mount Everest at Base Camp

October is one of the best months to visit Everest Base Camp. You'll have a higher probability of seeing Everest's summit clearly than in the summer months.

Mount Everest

With only 4mm of rainfall and 25 clear days, the weather is dry and stable, offering good visibility. Temperatures range from -8 to 17℃/ 18 to 63℉, cold at night but comfortable during sunny days. 

You'll reach the base camp at 5,200 meters after crossing high mountain passes with sweeping views of the Himalayas. If you choose to stay inside the Everest Base Camp at night, you'll have the chance to catch the "Golden Summit" sunset, starry sky, and sunrise of Mount Everest. You can check our 8-Day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Tour.

Enjoy Autumn Colors in Nyingchi

October is peak season for Nyingchi's autumn colors, especially mid-to-late October. Come to Nyingchi to see the landscape transforms into layers of gold, orange, and crimson. With 18 clear days and mild temperatures (5-17°C) in this month, conditions are comfortable for exploring valleys, villages, and lakes.

Our top recommended spots to catch the autumn colors include Lulang Forest, Basum Tso Lake, and Rawok Lake. In October, birch and poplar trees turn brilliant yellow, while maples blaze red against evergreen pines. You'll see some Tibetan villages nestled in valleys and surrounded by terraced fields of golden barley, creating stunning color contrasts. 

Autumn in Basum Tso Lake

You can also join an event called the Nyingchi Autumn Colors Festival, which typically begins on October 25 and runs through November. During the festival, you can dress in Han or Tibetan-style clothing and take photos among the colorful forests, and join simple craft activities such as leaf rubbing, plant-print dyeing, and DIY postcards.

Mount Namcha Barwa (7,782 meters) dominates the landscape, but often shrouded in clouds. You'll have a higher possibility of seeing this peak in October, and catch the spectacular golden sunset of Mount Namcha Barwa. Locals believe that seeing the Golden Sunlit of the peak is a sign of good fortune.

Trek Around Mount Kailash

If you want to visit the most sacred mountain, Mount Kailash in the Ngari region, October is the last chance before winter comes. With only 2mm of rainfall and 26 clear days, conditions are dry and stable. The clear skies let you see Kailash's four faces without cloud cover. Temperatures range from -7 to 15℃/ 19 to 59℉, manageable with proper gear. 

Mount Kailash

The 52-kilometer kora usually takes 3-4 days, and it demands fitness and acclimatization. You'll walk alongside Tibetan pilgrims performing prostrations and chanting mantras.

October is also a rewarding time to explore the wider Mount Kailash region. Along the route, you'll see Lake Manasarovar shimmering under clear skies, its vast blue surface reflecting the surrounding peaks.

Keep in mind that conditions change quickly toward the end of the month. By late October, temperatures drop sharply, and heavy snow closes the route, so plan for early to mid-October.

Crowds and Costs

October splits into two distinct periods. The first week (October 1–7) coincides with China's National Day Holiday, when domestic tourists flood into Tibet. Popular sites like Potala Palace, Namtso, and Yamdrok become crowded, and prices for transportation and hotels will double. We suggest avoiding this period.

After October 7, tourist numbers drop dramatically as the holiday ends. Prices come down across the board. You'll find quieter trails, emptier viewpoints, and more authentic interactions with locals. 

Mid-to-late October offers the best balance: excellent weather, beautiful autumn scenery, and peaceful travel experiences. If your schedule allows flexibility, we strongly recommend traveling after the Golden Week rush.

What to Pack

October in Tibet comes with large temperature swings between day and night, dressing in layers is the key to staying comfortable. Thermal underwear is useful for cold mornings and high-altitude areas, while a fleece jacket or thick wool sweater works well during the day. For evenings and higher elevations, you'll need a down jacket, along with a windproof and waterproof outer shell to protect against strong winds and occasional rain.

For your lower body, warm trousers are essential, and thermal leggings help add insulation when temperatures drop. Bring a warm hat, gloves, and a scarf or neck warmer, as the wind can feel sharp, especially after sunset. Comfortable walking shoes are fine for cities, but waterproof hiking boots are strongly recommended for treks and high-altitude destinations.

The sun remains intense even in October, so pack SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. The air is very dry, so moisturizer and lip balm are important, along with any personal medications you may need.

Tibet Weather by Month

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