When you picture summer in Lhasa, you’ll probably imagine mild days, cool nights, and a mix of sunshine with seasonal rain. Daytime temperatures usually stick between 16°C and 23°C (61°F to 73°F), so you can explore outdoors without sweating through extreme heat.
At over 3,600 meters above sea level, the thinner air lets the sun hit you a lot harder, so the weather might catch you off guard if you’re not ready.
Summer also brings Lhasa’s rainy season, and July and August see the heaviest showers. Rain falls in short bursts, leaving you with plenty of hours under clear skies.
The high elevation, strong UV levels, and unpredictable rainfall make Lhasa’s climate feel totally different from most other Chinese cities.
Overview of Lhasa’s Summer Climate
Lhasa’s summer climate comes from its high elevation, its spot on the Tibetan Plateau, and the seasonal monsoon rains. You’ll notice mild daytime warmth, cool nights, and more cloud cover and rain as summer goes on.
Location and Altitude Impact
Lhasa sits at about 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level. This high altitude shapes how you feel the weather in summer.
Daytime temperatures often feel warmer than the numbers say because the sun’s rays are just so strong up here. Even when the thermometer shows 20–25°C (68–77°F), the sun feels intense, so you really need to think about UV protection.
Nights get much cooler. Temperatures drop to 10–12°C (50–54°F), and with the thin air, evenings feel crisp.
Bring layers, especially if you plan to be outside after sunset.
The reduced oxygen at this altitude changes how your body handles heat and activity. The air stays dry and humidity is low, but the strong sunlight and thin atmosphere create a climate that’s nothing like China’s lower-altitude cities.
Köppen Climate Classification
The Köppen climate classification puts Lhasa in the subarctic, dry-winter climate (Dwc) category. That means cool summers, cold winters, and pretty clear wet and dry seasons.
Summers are mild for this latitude. Average highs hit 21–23°C (70–74°F), while lows sit around 10–12°C (50–54°F). Winters are cold and dry, with much less rain.
Rain falls mostly in the warmer months, so people call the climate “dry winter.” The summer monsoon brings most of the year’s rain, and the rest of the year stays dry.
You’ll definitely notice the sharp contrast between the green, rain-fed summer landscape and the dry, brown plateau by late autumn.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Summer in Lhasa runs from June through August, with the hottest days in late June and early July. Highs usually stick around 70–72°F (21–22°C), and lows hover near 51°F (10–11°C).
Clouds build up fast as summer moves along. Early June has clearer skies with about 25% cloudiness, but by early August, skies are mostly cloudy almost 70% of the time.
Rainfall ramps up, too. In June, you’ll see about 1.3 inches of rain, but by late July, it can reach 3.5 inches in a month. The wettest stretch is mid to late July, when the chance of rain jumps to about 44%.
Even with more rain, humidity rarely feels uncomfortable. Dew points stay low, so the air never gets muggy.
Winds are usually light, averaging 4–6 mph, and they mostly blow from the south.
Daylight hours shrink as summer goes on. Late June gives you more than 14 hours of daylight, but by the end of August, you’re down to about 12 hours and 45 minutes. With more clouds and less daylight, late summer feels cooler and a bit dimmer than early summer.
Average Summer Temperatures in Lhasa
Lhasa’s summer temperatures stay pretty mild compared to other cities at similar latitudes. Days are warm but not hot, and nights cool off quickly since you’re nearly 12,000 feet up.
Typical Daytime Highs
Expect average daytime highs near 70°F (21°C). Most days fall between 62°F (17°C) and 79°F (26°C).
The warmest stretch usually hits in late June, with highs around 72°F (22°C). Even in July and August, daytime temps rarely break into the upper 70s. Lhasa feels cooler than most of China during summer.
Because the air is thin, the sun feels much stronger than you’d think. Plan for sun protection, even if the temperature doesn’t look that high.
Average Nighttime Lows
At night, temperatures drop fast after sunset. Summer lows hover around 51°F (10°C), with most nights between 43°F (6°C) and 58°F (14°C).
The coolest nights come in early June, while late July and early August feel a bit milder. The lowest summer average, about 43°F, can feel downright chilly, especially if you’re not used to these heights.
Bring layers for evenings and mornings. Most places don’t have indoor heating in summer, so the crisp air will be noticeable.
Monthly Temperature Variations
Summer in Lhasa runs from June through August, and the month-to-month changes aren’t huge.
- June: Highs around 70–72°F, lows near 50–53°F.
- July: Highs steady at 70°F, lows about 52°F.
- August: Highs dip to 68–70°F, lows around 51°F.
The difference between day and night temperatures often goes over 15°F (8°C). That wide swing is typical for high-altitude places, so plan your outdoor time accordingly.
Even with these shifts, summer afternoons stay mild, and nights stay cool all season long.
Rainfall and Rainy Days During Summer
Summer is Lhasa’s wettest time of year. Most of the annual rain falls from June to August, and July and August get the most. Rain usually comes at night, so you’ll still see plenty of clear or partly sunny days even during the rainy season.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rain picks up as summer goes on. June brings about 70–80 mm (2.8–3.1 inches). By July, the wettest month, totals jump to 110–155 mm (4.3–6.1 inches). August stays wet, averaging 100–150 mm (3.9–5.9 inches).
These three months make up most of the yearly rainfall, which averages about 420 mm (17 inches). Once September hits, the rain drops off fast.
So, if you visit in July or August, expect the heaviest rainfall and the most frequent storms.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rainy days increase in summer. June has about 10 to 12 days with measurable rain. July gets the most, with 18 to 21 rainy days on average. August is close behind, with 15 to 20 days.
But rain usually falls in quick bursts, not all day long. That means you can enjoy sightseeing, and showers often wait until evening or overnight.
Winter, by contrast, might only see 1 or 2 rainy days, so summer really stands out for rainfall in Lhasa.
Rainfall Patterns and Intensity
Summer rain in Lhasa comes from the monsoon season. Moist air from the Indian Ocean hits the plateau, bringing regular showers and sometimes thunderstorms.
Rain tends to be short but intense, especially in July and August. Evening and nighttime storms are common, but mornings and afternoons are often dry. This pattern helps if you want to plan outdoor activities—you’ll usually get dry hours during the day.
Clouds increase in summer, which blocks some sunlight but also protects you from that harsh high-altitude UV. Even with frequent rain, you’ll still get plenty of daylight for traveling and sightseeing.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Summer in Lhasa brings moderate humidity levels that can affect how the air feels, especially up here. Rain peaks in July and August, but relative humidity stays in a range most people can handle with a little planning.
Average Relative Humidity
In summer, relative humidity in Lhasa stays between 60% and 70%. That’s noticeable, but not nearly as much as in coastal areas. The mountain air and steady sunshine help balance things out, so the air rarely feels heavy.
Humidity and cool nights combine to make the air feel more comfortable than you might expect. After afternoon rain, things dry out quickly when the sun comes back.
For comparison, March is the most humid month at about 72%, while May drops to 59%. Summer sits between those, keeping things pretty stable. That balance makes outdoor activities easier, though you might feel a bit of dampness during peak rainfall days.
Humidity Fluctuations Across Summer
Humidity changes from early to late summer. In June, levels hang near 60%. By July and August, when it rains the most, humidity climbs to about 70%.
These shifts follow the monsoon pattern. More rain in July means more moisture, especially on cloudy days. But daily sunshine in Lhasa stays pretty high, so the humidity doesn’t stick around all day.
You’ll probably notice mornings feel more humid, while afternoons dry out as the sun heats the valley. This cycle repeats through the season, giving you alternating spells of dampness and relief. Wearing quick-drying, lightweight clothes helps a lot.
Wind Conditions in Lhasa’s Summer
Summer winds in Lhasa calm down compared to the dry and gusty spring. Expect light to moderate breezes that won’t mess up your outdoor plans but still make a difference in how the climate feels up here.
Average Wind Speed
In summer, average wind speed in Lhasa usually sits between 6 to 9 miles per hour (10–15 km/h). That’s gentle enough that you won’t see dust storms or get hit by strong gusts.
Mountains around the city block a lot of the wind, so it often feels calmer downtown. If you wander into open valleys or stroll by the river, you might notice it’s a bit breezier, but it’s still easy for walking, sightseeing, or hopping on a bike.
Spring winds feel dry and sometimes harsh, but summer air gets softer thanks to the extra humidity from the rains. That makes the breeze feel genuinely refreshing, especially when the afternoon heat picks up.
If you’re someone who’s sensitive to wind, you’ll probably find summer pretty comfortable. Usually, a light jacket does the trick, especially at night when things cool down and the breeze picks up a bit.
Seasonal Wind Trends
Lhasa’s wind patterns change with the seasons. Spring brings strong, dry gusts, but by June, the monsoon rolls in and everything calms down as the air gets moister.
July and August stick with steady winds—not too strong. Most days, the breeze comes from the south or southeast, bringing in enough moisture for quick, frequent rain showers.
By late summer, winds drop off even more as the rain lets up and the skies open up. Those late August and early September days? They’re just right for being outside.
Travel Considerations for Visiting Lhasa in Summer
If you visit Lhasa in summer, you’ll deal with mild days, frequent rainfall, and, of course, the high altitude. That altitude can mess with your body, so plan your days with a little flexibility.
Best Time to Visit
Lhasa’s summer runs from June to August, with daytime highs around 22–24 °C (72–75 °F). Nights cool off to about 10–12 °C (50–54 °F), which feels pretty nice compared to the biting cold in winter.
July and August bring the most rain, dumping most of the city’s yearly precipitation. If you’d rather dodge the showers, late May or early September might work better for you. Those months still give you mild weather and a lower chance of heavy showers.
If you’re aiming for local festivals, summer is packed with Tibetan cultural events. They’re worth it for the experience, though you’ll probably see bigger crowds and higher hotel rates. It’s smart to book your place to stay and travel tickets ahead of time, just in case.
Weather-Related Travel Tips
You’ll probably notice that summer rain showers usually show up in the afternoon or evening. So, it makes sense to plan outdoor things, like visiting monasteries or wandering around Barkhor Street, earlier in the day when the skies tend to be clearer.
Honestly, carrying a light rain jacket or just a compact umbrella is a smart move. You never know when the weather might turn.
Even though the temperatures feel pretty mild, the high altitude—about 3,650 meters, or 12,000 feet—means the sun’s UV rays get intense fast. Don’t skip the sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat if you care about your skin or eyes.
And, well, the air stays dry even during rainy season, so keep water on hand and sip it often. Hydration is one of those little things that makes a big difference.
Nights can get surprisingly chilly, so toss some layered clothing in your bag. A warm sweater or jacket always comes in handy.
If you plan to walk a lot, comfortable shoes with good grip are a must. Rain can make paths slick before you know it.
With a bit of planning for both sunshine and showers, your trip can stay on track, whatever the weather tries to throw at you.