When to Go

Choosing when to visit Tibet is a matter of balancing your tolerance for extreme weather with your tolerance for tourist hordes, as well as keeping an eye on the current permit situation. The busiest months for tourists are July and August, but pleasant weather is common from May through October. However, bear in mind that Tibet can be abruptly closed to non-Chinese travelers during national holidays, such as the May 1st holiday and the October holiday. If you come at the beginning or end of the high season you'll have plenty of breathing space to take in the golden roofs of Tibet's monasteries and the icy peaks of the Himalayas. You may want to schedule your trip to coincide with one of Tibet's colorful celebrations, including the Birth of Buddha Festival (end of May), the Holy Mountain Festival (end of July), the Yogurt Festival (August), and the Bathing Festival (September). If you travel to Tibet in the off-season, many hotels and restaurants may be closed. Whenever you visit, warm clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essentials for the high-altitude climate.