Christmas in Lhasa usually brings crisp, sunny days with cold, dry nights. Daytime highs hover around 6–8°C (43–46°F), while nighttime lows often drop well below freezing, sometimes near -10°C (14°F).
The air feels sharp at this altitude, but honestly, the strong winter sun makes afternoons more comfortable than you might think.
Snow rarely falls in the city itself. You’ll often see clear skies and sunlight bouncing off the surrounding mountains.
December brings very little rain, so conditions stay dry. The long hours of sunshine make it a great time to wander around landmarks without fighting through crowds.
If you visit during Christmas, you’ll probably notice the calm weather and thinner crowds create a quieter atmosphere than summer. The blend of cold nights, sunny days, and high-altitude clarity gives Lhasa a feel that’s both peaceful and a bit dramatic.
Typical Weather in Lhasa Around Christmas
In late December, Lhasa, in the Tibet Autonomous Region, gets cold, dry weather with almost no rainfall. Bright sunshine fills the days, and sharp drops in temperature hit at night.
Weather patterns stay pretty stable, with little cloud cover.
Average Temperatures in December
December ranks as one of Lhasa’s coldest months. Daytime highs usually reach about 3°C (37°F), and nighttime lows can fall to around -13°C (9°F).
The city sits at over 3,600 meters (11,800 feet). The thin air makes temperatures feel colder, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Precipitation barely happens, averaging less than 10 mm for the month. Snowfall stays rare and generally light.
Humidity often sits near 70%, but the dry mountain air can leave you feeling parched. Lip balm and moisturizer come in handy.
Day and Night Temperature Variations
The difference between day and night temperatures is pretty dramatic. The sun can make afternoons feel milder, but the cold snaps back fast after sunset.
You might notice a swing of more than 15°C (27°F) between afternoon highs and nighttime lows. That’s normal in high-altitude climates like Tibet.
Because the temperature drops so sharply after sunset, you should dress in layers. A thermal base layer, a warm sweater, and an insulated jacket usually keep you warm enough during the day.
At night, you’ll want heavier outerwear, gloves, and a hat.
Indoor heating in Lhasa is often pretty basic, so even inside guesthouses or hotels, prepare for cooler indoor temperatures.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
December brings long hours of sunshine to Lhasa. On average, the city gets about 258 hours of sunshine during the month, which is more than 80% of possible daylight.
Skies usually stay clear, giving you bright, crisp days. Sunlight at high altitude feels intense, so sunscreen and sunglasses matter, even in winter.
Daylight lasts about 10 hours per day. Sunrise comes around 8:00 a.m., and sunset arrives near 6:00 p.m.
The mix of short days and strong sun creates a winter vibe that’s cold but still bright.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
December in Lhasa falls in the dry season, so you’ll notice almost no rain compared to summer. Moisture mainly shows up as light snow, with precipitation staying low and skies mostly clear.
Average Rainfall in December
December is Lhasa’s driest month. On average, total precipitation measures about 8–9 mm.
That’s a huge drop from the heavy summer rains, when a single month can top 150 mm.
Rain is rare, and when it happens, it’s usually brief and light. Thanks to the city’s high elevation, most winter moisture falls as snow, not rain.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Month | Average Precipitation |
|---|---|
| July | ~154 mm |
| December | ~8–9 mm |
With so little rain, December is one of the most stable months for outdoor activities, though you’ll still need to prepare for the cold.
Rainy Days During Christmas
You’ll see very few days with measurable precipitation in late December. Records show the month averages only 1 day of precipitation.
That makes the chance of rain during Christmas extremely low.
Even when it does rain or snow, it’s light and doesn’t last long. You won’t see the long, wet stretches that come with the summer monsoon.
Most of your visit will likely feature clear skies. Sunshine hours are a bit shorter in winter, but the lack of rain means visibility is fantastic.
This helps if you want to visit monasteries, markets, or mountain viewpoints.
Snowfall Frequency and Amount
Snow can fall in December, but it’s usually not much. The city sits at over 3,600 meters (11,800 feet), so precipitation often comes as snow, not rain.
Still, the total amount is small—usually just a light dusting.
Snow may show up once or twice during the month and often melts quickly in the daytime sun. Streets in the city center rarely see much accumulation, though the nearby mountains might hold more snow.
Because snowfall is limited, you don’t need to worry about major disruptions. Cold mornings and icy patches are common, so bring warm clothes and good shoes for safety and comfort.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
In late December, Lhasa’s air stays cold and dry, with very little moisture. Winds remain light to moderate, shaped by the city’s high altitude and the mountains around it.
Both factors affect how comfortable you’ll feel outdoors and how you should prepare.
Relative Humidity Levels
Humidity in Lhasa during December stays pretty low compared to the wetter summer months. Average relative humidity usually ranges between 30% and 40%, so the air feels dry most of the time.
You’ll probably notice this dryness in your skin, lips, and throat, especially if you’re not used to high-altitude air.
The low humidity combines with cold temperatures, making the air feel sharper than you might expect.
Rainfall barely happens in December, so you won’t run into damp or misty conditions. The dryness also means clearer skies and more sun during the day.
Bring lip balm and moisturizer for comfort. Stay hydrated, because the dry air can make you lose water faster than you realize.
Unlike humid places where sweat lingers, here it evaporates quickly, so you get less warning when you’re getting dehydrated.
Average Wind Speed in December
Wind in December usually stays calm to moderate. Average speeds range from 8 to 12 km/h (5–7 mph), though gusts can feel stronger in open areas or on the ridges outside town.
The mountains shelter the valley, so wind intensity drops within the city.
Winds usually come from the northwest and feel cold thanks to the already low temperatures. Even a light breeze can make the air feel several degrees colder, especially in the morning and evening.
Wearing wind-resistant outer layers helps you stay comfortable. You won’t have to deal with constant strong winds, but the chill from even moderate breezes can bite when you’re outside for long.
Climate Characteristics of Lhasa in Winter
Winter in Lhasa means cold temperatures, very little rainfall, and clear skies. The city’s high altitude really shapes the season, affecting both the air quality and how the cold feels.
Dry Season Features
From December through February, Lhasa sits in its driest stretch of the year. Average precipitation stays around 1 mm per month, and most days stay dry.
You won’t run into wet or muddy conditions, but the air can feel sharp and dry.
Daytime highs in December often reach 7–8°C (45°F), while nights dip well below freezing, sometimes down to -9°C (16°F).
Even though the nights are cold, the strong sunshine during the day helps warm things up outside.
Humidity levels usually stay low, often between 20–30%. That can cause dry skin or mild discomfort if you’re not used to arid climates.
Clear skies are the norm, so you’ll get long stretches of sunshine even in the coldest months.
Because winter is so dry, air pollution stays minimal, and visibility across the Tibet Autonomous Region is excellent. That’s great for photography and sightseeing, as long as you’re ready for chilly evenings.
Altitude Effects on Weather
At about 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level, Lhasa’s altitude has a huge impact on its winter climate. The thinner air brings stronger solar radiation, so even in cold weather, the sun feels intense.
You’ll need sun protection, since the UV index can still climb to moderate or high levels.
The low air pressure makes temperatures feel colder than the thermometer says. Breathing can be tough, and physical activity might tire you out until you get used to it.
This is especially true if you come from lower elevations and don’t have time to acclimate.
Because of the altitude, temperature swings between day and night are more extreme. You might have a sunny afternoon near 8°C (46°F), then face a quick drop to subzero temperatures after sunset.
Packing layers is the best way to handle these fast changes.
The altitude also means less oxygen in the air, which can make the cold and dryness feel even more intense. Staying hydrated and pacing your activities help you adjust more comfortably.
Travel Tips for Visiting Lhasa at Christmas
Lhasa’s temperatures around Christmas stay cold, often near freezing during the day and well below at night. The dry, high-altitude climate and strong sun mean you need to prepare for comfort and health.
What to Pack for the Weather
Daytime highs in December usually reach 5–10°C, while nights often fall below -5°C. You’ll need layered clothing that handles both extremes.
A warm base layer, fleece or wool sweater, and a down or insulated jacket work best.
Bring thermal socks, gloves, and a hat since you lose most heat from your hands, feet, and head. A scarf or neck gaiter helps against cold winds.
Lhasa averages more than 300 sunny days per year, so UV protection is crucial even in winter. Pack sunglasses with UV400 lenses and broad-spectrum sunscreen.
The high altitude can give you a sunburn in less than an hour.
Footwear should be sturdy and insulated. Streets can get icy in the morning, so shoes with good traction help you avoid slipping.
Health and Safety Considerations
Lhasa sits at about 3,656 meters above sea level. At this height, altitude sickness is a bigger concern than the cold.
Plan to rest for at least a day after you arrive, skip heavy exertion, and drink plenty of water.
Keep hydration in mind, since the air is so dry. Carry a reusable water bottle and use lip balm and moisturizer to avoid cracked skin.
If you need prescription medication, bring enough for your whole trip, since local supplies may be limited. A small first-aid kit with pain relievers and cold medicine doesn’t hurt either.
December is a quieter travel season compared to May through October, which most people consider the best time to visit Lhasa. You’ll find fewer crowds, but some tourist services may run on reduced schedules.
Comparing Christmas Weather to Other Times of Year
In Lhasa, Christmas lands in the coldest part of the year. The climate at this time looks and feels very different from the wet summer monsoon or the crisp, dry autumn leading into winter.
Differences from Summer and Monsoon Season
During summer, Lhasa gets its warmest conditions. Average daytime highs in July usually hit 20–23°C (68–73°F).
Nights feel mild compared to winter. The summer monsoon rolls in with frequent afternoon showers and higher humidity, which somehow makes the air feel heavier even up here at high altitude.
Christmas weather, on the other hand, turns dry and much colder. Daytime highs in late December stick close to 7–9°C (45–48°F).
At night, temperatures often plunge well below freezing, sometimes down to -10°C (14°F). Clear winter skies bring stronger sun during the day, but the air stays sharply colder than in summer.
Rainfall changes a lot too. In July and August, rain shows up regularly.
December, though, is one of the driest months—barely any snow or rain at all. This shift makes Christmas weather feel calmer and more stable, but honestly, nights can get pretty harsh.
Transition from Autumn to Winter
Autumn in Lhasa, especially in October, still brings pretty mild afternoons. Highs hover around 15°C (59°F), but nights cool off quite a bit.
The skies stay dry and clear, and honestly, the real cold hasn’t really taken over yet. But once November rolls around, temperatures start dropping fast, and you can feel winter creeping in.
By Christmas, winter has settled in for good. Days get noticeably shorter, freezing mornings become the norm, and the air feels much sharper than it did just a month or two earlier.
Since there aren’t many clouds, the humidity stays low. That makes the cold feel crisp, not soggy or damp, which is something I actually like.
The shift from autumn to Christmas means the weather feels a lot more intense. There’s a much bigger difference between day and night temperatures now.
Autumn evenings might leave you reaching for a jacket, but winter nights? You’ll definitely want heavier clothing and a bit more planning before heading outside.