Lhasa in February

May through September gives you the best weather, with daytime temperatures reaching 20°C and minimal rainfall. But July and August bring crowds and higher prices — hotel rates double during peak season. June hits the sweet spot with warm days, clear skies, and fewer tour groups. Winter in Lhasa is brutal. Temperatures drop to -15°C at night, many guesthouses close, and the thin air makes the cold feel even sharper. But if you can handle it, you'll have the Potala Palace almost to yourself, and hotel rooms cost half the summer rate. Avoid Chinese holidays completely — Golden Week in October turns Lhasa into a zoo of domestic tourists. The Tibetan New Year (usually February or March) brings incredible festivals but also means many attractions close for several days.