Fall in Lhasa brings a real shift in weather as the city moves from the rainy summer into a drier, cooler season. Daytime temperatures usually drop from mild highs near 17°C in September to chilly single digits by November.
Nights cool off fast, and by the end of fall, temperatures often dip below freezing.
Rain mostly disappears after September, so you get mostly autumn days that are dry and clear. Sunshine hours go up, and those blue skies make the mountains pop.
Because of the high altitude, the air feels thinner, and the cooler weather seems sharper than the numbers might suggest.
If you’re planning a visit, autumn gives you a mix of comfortable days in early September and colder, brighter conditions by late November. These changes really affect what you pack and how you explore, so it’s worth knowing the details before you go.
Overview of Lhasa’s Fall Climate
Lhasa’s climate in autumn comes from its high altitude, dry atmosphere, and the shift from summer monsoon to the cold, dry winter. You’ll get cooler temperatures, clearer skies, and less rainfall as fall rolls on.
Location and Altitude Impact
Lhasa sits at about 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level on the Tibetan Plateau. This elevation means you get less oxygen and stronger sunlight.
Even when it’s cool out, the sun feels intense, and nights get chilly fast.
Since Lhasa sits in a mountain basin, the city avoids some extreme weather, but you’ll still feel sharp temperature swings between day and night. The air stays dry because the thin atmosphere holds little moisture.
At this altitude, fall feels crisp and clear, with fewer clouds than in summer. You’ll notice more sunshine during the day, but after sunset, heat disappears quickly.
Climate Classification and Characteristics
The climate of Lhasa falls under the Köppen classification Dwb—that’s a subarctic climate with dry winters and a warm summer. In practice, you get mild to cool summers, a sharp drop in fall, and very cold winters.
Most rain falls during the summer monsoon, so autumn turns much drier. By late fall, rain is almost gone and skies usually stay clear. Snow doesn’t show up much in early autumn, but it can appear by November.
Humidity runs really low, typically near 0% muggy conditions, so you rarely feel sticky or damp. Instead, the air feels dry, and if you’re not used to high-altitude climates, it can bother your skin or breathing.
Temperature Trends in Autumn
During fall, daily highs in Lhasa drop from about 68°F (20°C) in early September to around 50°F (10°C) by late November. Nighttime lows fall even faster, from about 50°F (10°C) to near 23°F (-5°C).
You’ll get warm, sunny afternoons at the start of fall and freezing nights by the end. That chill sets in pretty quickly by October.
Daylight hours also get shorter, from nearly 12 hours 45 minutes in early September to about 10 hours 24 minutes by late November. With those clear skies, you get bright, cool days and long, cold nights.
Temperature swings of more than 20°F (11°C) between day and night are common, so you really need to prepare for both mild afternoons and frosty mornings.
Average Temperatures During Fall
In fall, temperatures in Lhasa steadily drop as the region moves from the end of the rainy season into the dry, cold months. Days stay cool and sunny, while nights get colder fast, especially later in the season.
September Temperature Patterns
September brings the first signs of cooler weather after summer. Average daytime highs reach about 20°C (68°F), while nighttime lows fall to around 8°C (46°F).
Early mornings and evenings feel crisp, but afternoons stay mild.
Rainfall drops compared to August, and humidity goes down too. With less cloud cover, the sun feels stronger, so you’ll want sun protection even when it’s cool.
You’ll notice a big difference between day and night temperatures. Light layers work during the day, but you’ll want something warmer after sunset.
October Temperature Patterns
By October, things cool down more. Daytime highs average about 15°C (59°F), and nighttime lows often dip to 2–3°C (36–37°F).
After sunset, mornings can feel close to freezing.
Rain is minimal, and skies usually stay clear. Sunshine hours rise compared to the rainy summer, so days are bright but not hot. The dry air and higher altitude make the sun’s effect stronger, so UV exposure stays high.
You can expect a bigger daily temperature range. Midday might feel pleasant, but you’ll want a jacket in the evening.
November Temperature Patterns
November leans heavily toward winter. Average highs drop to about 12°C (54°F), and nighttime lows fall well below freezing, often near -2°C (28°F).
The cold hits hardest at night and in the early morning.
Rain is almost gone, with averages close to 1 mm. The air gets very dry, and humidity stays low. Clear skies dominate, but shorter days mean just over 10 hours of daylight.
You’ll need heavier clothing, especially after sunset. The dry, cold climate can feel harsh if you’re not ready, but daytime hours are still sunny and calm.
Rainfall and Precipitation in Autumn
Rainfall in autumn drops off steadily as Lhasa moves from wet summer months to the dry winter season. You’ll see less frequent rain, shorter showers, and clearer skies as fall goes on.
Monthly Average Rainfall
Rain in Lhasa drops sharply after the summer monsoon. September still gets moderate rain, averaging around 70–80 mm, but that’s less than half of July’s peak.
By October, rainfall drops further to about 20–30 mm, and showers get brief. November is much drier, averaging only 2–5 mm—many days pass without any rain at all.
You’ll notice September can still have damp evenings, while November is almost totally dry.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | ~70–80 |
| October | ~20–30 |
| November | ~2–5 |
Rainy Days and Probability of Rain
The number of rainy days drops quickly through fall. In September, you might get rain on 8–10 days, but showers are lighter than in summer.
By October, the chance of rain is down to only 3–4 days in the month. Showers are usually short and often come in the late afternoon or evening.
In November, rain is rare, with only 1 day on average seeing any measurable precipitation. Sunshine takes over, and you’re unlikely to get rained on while traveling.
Transition from Wet to Dry Season
Autumn in Lhasa marks the change from the summer monsoon to the dry, cold winter. The biggest shift happens between September and October, when rain and humidity drop fast.
September still has some of summer’s moisture, but by late October the air feels much drier. Nights get colder, which cuts down the chance of rain even more.
By November, the dry season really settles in. Rain is nearly absent, skies are clearer, and it already feels more like early winter than late autumn.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
In Lhasa during fall, daylight slowly decreases, but sunshine stays strong compared to most cities. You’ll get clear skies a lot, though some days have clouds that cut down the direct sun.
Average Daylight Duration
Daylight hours in Lhasa shrink steadily from September to November as fall heads toward winter. In early September, you get close to 12.5 hours of daylight each day. By late November, it’s down to about 10.5 hours.
Because Lhasa sits so high up (over 3,600 meters), daylight feels bright and crisp even as days get shorter. The thin air lets more sun through, so the sunlight feels stronger.
Here’s a rough range of daylight hours in fall:
| Month | Average Daylight Hours |
|---|---|
| September | 12.3 – 12.6 hours |
| October | 11.2 – 11.6 hours |
| November | 10.4 – 10.7 hours |
As daylight drops, mornings start later and evenings get dark earlier, which can change your plans for outdoor activities.
Sunshine Hours and Cloud Cover
While daylight is the time between sunrise and sunset, sunshine hours show how much direct sun you actually get. Lhasa is one of the sunniest cities in Asia, with over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. In fall, you usually get 7 to 9 hours of sunshine per day.
September still brings some leftover summer rain clouds, but skies get clearer in October and November. By late fall, days are drier and sunnier, so you get long stretches of bright weather.
Even on cloudier days, Lhasa gets more sun than most big cities. For example, it has more annual sunshine than Tokyo or Buenos Aires. Fall is a great time if you want reliable daylight for sightseeing or outdoor trips.
Wind Speed and Weather Conditions
Autumn in Lhasa brings calmer skies than the windy months of late winter and early spring. You’ll notice cooler days, less rain, and clearer air, making outdoor travel more pleasant.
Typical Autumn Wind Patterns
Winds in Lhasa change during fall as the strong gusts of spring fade away. Average wind speeds run between 4–6 miles per hour, which is lighter than the peak season from December to April, when speeds often go over 6.3 mph.
You’ll feel steady but not disruptive breezes in September and October. By November, the air calms down, and lighter winds make the cold easier to handle outside.
Afternoons tend to be breezier than mornings. If you’re planning sightseeing or hiking, early hours usually offer more stable conditions.
Since the city is over 3,600 meters above sea level, even moderate winds can sting a bit more when it’s cold. Wearing layers helps you stay comfortable as you move between sun and shade.
Humidity and Air Quality
Humidity in Lhasa stays low in autumn, often between 40–50%. The dry air makes the cool weather feel crisp, but it can dry out your skin or throat if you’re not used to the altitude.
Rain drops off fast after the summer monsoon. September might still have a few showers, but October and November are usually dry with almost no rainy days. The lack of moisture means you get very clear skies and great views.
Air quality is generally good this season. Low humidity, little rainfall, and lots of sunshine give you long views of the mountains without much haze.
Because of the high elevation, the sun’s intensity stays strong even when it’s cool. Using sunscreen and staying hydrated helps you adjust to the dry, thin air.
Best Time to Visit Lhasa in Fall
Fall in Lhasa gives you mild temperatures, clear skies, and far fewer rainy days than in summer. You’ll find comfortable conditions for sightseeing, cultural exploration, and photography, plus a chance to join local events that mark the start of the dry season.
Tourist Preferences and Seasonal Highlights
From September to October, daytime temperatures usually sit between 10°C and 20°C (50°F–68°F). Nights get colder and often drop close to freezing, so pack some layers.
The crisp air and bright sunlight make this one of the best times to visit Lhasa if you love outdoor activities.
After the summer monsoon, rainfall drops off, and the air feels much cleaner. You’ll notice the visibility is fantastic.
These conditions make it perfect for checking out landmarks like the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street.
A lot of travelers also head to Namtso Lake or wander through nearby monasteries, where the fall scenery really pops.
Tourist crowds thin out compared to July and August. That means you’ll wait in shorter lines at big attractions, and places to stay are usually more affordable.
You still get long, sunny days—over 8 hours of sunshine on average—which helps make up for the cooler weather.
Events and Local Activities
Fall brings several cultural and religious gatherings that give you a closer look at Tibetan traditions. In September, you might come across smaller monastery festivals filled with prayer, music, and dance.
These events aren’t as packed as the summer festivals, but they still offer something special.
October wraps up the main travel season, but it’s still a good time to explore local markets and try seasonal foods.
You’ll find fresh barley products and yak butter tea, both staples in Tibetan homes.
Guided treks around the outskirts of Lhasa become really popular in fall. The trails dry out, the skies clear up, and mountain views look their sharpest.
If you want to mix cultural visits with some light hiking, this season feels especially rewarding.
Comparing Fall Weather to Other Seasons
Fall in Lhasa brings cooler temperatures and less rain than the wet summer months. It also eases you toward the dry, cold winter.
You’ll notice shorter days, clearer skies, and humidity dropping as the weeks go by.
Differences from Summer Weather
Summer in Lhasa, especially July and August, gets the most rain all year. Rainfall can top 120 mm in a single month, and humidity often peaks.
Fall, on the other hand, sees a big drop in rain—from about 68 mm in September to nearly 1 mm in November.
Temperatures shift too. In July, you’ll get average highs around 22–23°C (72–73°F). By September, it cools to about 19°C (67°F).
Come November, daytime highs hover near 12°C (54°F). This steady cooling makes it easier to enjoy outdoor activities since heavy summer rains have moved on.
The UV index stays strong in both seasons because of Lhasa’s high altitude. But with fall’s clearer skies, you get more direct sun without the summer’s usual cloud cover.
If you’re planning to hike or sightsee, fall gives you drier trails and much better visibility than the rainy, cloudy summer.
Transition to Winter Climate
As fall moves along, the weather starts shifting toward those dry, cold winter conditions. By November, rain almost vanishes, with totals dropping to less than 5 mm for the month.
Humidity dips too, so the air feels crisp and dry.
Temperatures keep falling. In September, nights usually sit around 7°C (45°F), but by November, nighttime lows can get close to -2°C (28°F).
This cooling really sets the stage for winter, when lows can reach -9°C (15°F) in January.
Daylight shrinks as well. You go from about 12.3 hours in September down to 10.7 hours in November.
With less daylight, there’s a smaller window for outdoor sightseeing.
Still, skies often clear up, and sunshine hours hold steady compared to summer.
Honestly, late fall can be a surprisingly great time for photography and cultural visits, even as things start to feel more wintry.