Weather: In November, temperatures drop well below freezing in most of Tibet. During the day, it might feel warm in Lhasa and even at high altitude areas, such as Yamdrok Lake. It is so dry and sunny that the UV radiation is intense and you could get sunburn.
Lhasa is where most tourists arrive, and it is also one of the lowest valleys that most tourists go to. The average nightly low is -4 °C (25 °F), and the average daily high is 12 °C (54 °F). It feels warm outside because of the 3,600 meter (12,000 feet) elevation and the 9 hours of sunshine a day. Check the Lhasa weather forecast>>
Clothing: For the nightly temperature drop and the temperature extremes as you change elevation, dress in layers with a coat, trousers, and a T-shirt. Cover up and wear a sun hat and sunglasses because of the UV radiation. You might need a coat inside Tibetan hotels and restaurants because many don't have central heating. Take heavier winter gear and gloves up to the higher mountain areas.
Altitude Sickness: Oxygen levels are much lower in Tibet, so most people get altitude sickness and cardiovascular conditions are exacerbated. For the best experience, seek health advice before going and acclimate before exertion or going higher than Lhasa. More Tibet health advice>>
Tibet November 2013 Weather Data Graphs
Tashilunpo in ShigatseThings to Do in Tibet in November
Sightsee in the South along the Friendship Highway
Travel outside Lhasa along the Friendship Highway to places such as Everest, Shigatse, Gyantze and Kathmandu in Nepal. Remember to acclimatize before going to higher elevations.
Yamdrok Lake (4,500 meters or 14,700 feet): This lake is among the highest and most beautiful in Tibet, but in November, it feels too cold for more than a short visit. It is about two hours outside of Lhasa along the highway.
Shigatse (3,900 meters): The second biggest city in Tibet is noted for sightseeing highlights such as Tashilhunpo Monastery. The average daily high temperature in November is 11 °C (52 °F), and the average nightly low is -8 °C (18 °F). It is a seven hours from Everest.
Everest with China Highlights
Mt. Everest Base Camp (5,200 meters): Mt. Everest has clear dry weather in November so you can enjoy sightseeing and hiking. It is the driest month of the year with only 1 day of precipitation and 1 mm of precipitation usually. Though it is sunny, the UV radiation isn't very intense. The average nightly low is -12 °C (10 °F), and the average daily high temperature is 7 °C (45 °F). It feels nicely cool during sunny days at the 17,000 feet elevation. See our private Mount Everest tours>>
Touring Tibet in November
Low Travel Season
Low season: Tourism drops substantially in November from October, so you'll get a more authentic experience. The people around you may be mainly Tibetan. So November is an excellent time for touring the highlights before the temperature drops in December.
You'll get lower ticket prices, have a better choice of accommodations, and meet fewer crowds. But it is good to plan ahead and prearrange for a better quality and experience. You need a Tibet Entry Permit that we can arrange. We'll help get Lhasa hotel rooms,Shigatse hotel rooms, flight tickets and train tickets that you'll appreciate.
Recommended Tour Packages
4-Day Essential Lhasa Winter Tour: Travel to Tibet in winter and you will see more local pilgrims in the old city, even some nomad families with all their worldly possessions.
7-Day Train Trip from Xining to Lhasa and Tour: You can watch the northern Himalayan scenery from the windows as you acclimate, and then enjoy a tour of the Lhasa highlights.
6-Day Tour along the Friendship Highway: The dry sunny weather is an opportunity to see prime highlights between Lhasa and Shigatse along the scenic highway. You can combine both of these tours to see the scenery from north to south.
See more Tibet Tours>>
Further Reading
- Lhasa Weather in November
- Top Places To Visit in November
- The Best Places To See Fall Foliage in China
