Weather: September is one of the best months for travel to regions far from Lhasa because rainfall decreases, but the weather is still relatively warm and comfortable. Dry air comes in, and the autumn colors appear in the vegetation.
Lhasa is one of the lowest elevation valleys most tourists go to. In Lhasa, the average nightly low temperature is 8 °C (46 °F). The average daily high temperature is 20 °C (68 °F). It feels warmer because the altitude is 3,600 meters (12,000 feet). During the day, it is generally warm and sunny, and the UV radiation is maximumly intense.
Clothing: Dress in layers for the temperature drop between day and night and the weather extremes as you travel. You might be able to wear shorts and T-shirts in some places during the day, but you'll need a coat at night. You'll need a sun hat, sunglasses, and rain gear. Take a coat and winter gear up to the higher mountain regions.
Altitude Sickness: Oxygen is 2/3 that of sea level or less in most of Tibet. Have a medical check because some conditions are exacerbated. Most people get altitude sickness. Acclimate before heading to higher elevations. Tibet health advice>>
Tibet September Weather Data Graphs
Things To Do in Tibet in September
Tashilhunpo Monastery in ShigatseSightsee South Along the Friendship Highway
September is one of the best months to leave the Lhasa valley and see the southern towns and attractions such as Shigatse, Gyantse, Yamdrok Lake, Mt. Everest and Kathmandu.
Yamdrok Lake (4,500 meters or 14,700 feet): This lake is among the most beautiful and highest in Tibet along with Namtso and Manasarover. It is about two hours outside of Lhasa along the highway.
Shigatse (3,900 meters): The average daily high temperature in September is 19 °C (66 °F), and the average nightly low is 6 °C (43 °F). It is a good place for sightseeing. It is Tibet's second largest town, and it is a seven hours from Everest.
Tashilhunpo Monastery: This big red brick monastery in Shigatse has a rugged high mountain background. You can get beautiful photographs with grey rocks and blue and white sky. It was a town for 5,000 monks and contains dorm rooms, temples, and assembly halls, and temples.
Tibet Hiking
Hike between Ganden Monastery and Samye Monastery: It is one of the best hiking routes in Tibet and is about 80 kilometers long. The lower rainfall and warm weather makes it a good time for a several day hike especially later in the month. Be prepared with good rain gear.
Everest Base Camp with China HighlightsMt. Everest Base Camp (5,200 meters): A window of clear weather opens up later in the month for sightseeing and hiking at Mt. Everest. It is still above freezing mostly. The average nightly low temperature is 2 °C (36 °F), and the average daily high temperature is 17 °C (63 °F). It feels warmer because of the 17,000 feet elevation.
Mt. Kailash and Manasarovar area (4,556 meters): September is a good month for Kailash after the rain and snowstorms of the summer. The lake is at the 15,000 feet level, and the highest pass in a walk around is 5,500 meters or 18,200 feet.
Touring Tibet in September: Important Travel Tips and Popular Tours
High Travel Season
High season: There are fewer tourists than in August. Classes and universities are in term, so there are fewer younger tourists, and there is a lull before the Mid-Autumn Festival and another lull before the October travel rush. Finding accommodations, renting vehicles, and booking train tickets may be more difficult. Make your travel smooth, and let us help you build a travel plan by our experience and book your Lhasa hotel rooms, flight tickets and train tickets in advance. A special Tibet tour visa is required that we can get.
Recommended Tibet Tours
If you want to discover more about Tibet, it is advisable to have an experienced private tour guide. We can help you with that.
Here are our most popular Tibet itineraries for your inspiration:
- 5-Day Lhasa and Yomdrok Lake Tour: See Lhasa's highlights and a lakeside picnic nearby Tibetan holy Lake-Lake Yomdrok and get closer to local life in the old area
- For a Tibet tours, or a tailor-made Tibet/China tour, please do not hesitate to tell us your interests and requirements.