Shigatse Travel Weather Guide

Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, is a captivating destination nestled in the southwest of the Tibetan Plateau. At an elevation of 3,836 meters, it boasts a unique plateau temperate semi-arid monsoon climate. Despite an annual average temperature of just 6.3℃, Shigatse enjoys 3,300 hours of sunshine a year. This guide will help you understand Shigatse's seasonal climates, enabling you to avoid weather pitfalls and plan your trip meticulously.

What's the Weather Like in Shigatse During Spring?

Spring in Shigatse is marked by a gradual shift from the dry season to the rainy season. In March, daytime temperatures typically range from 10℃ to 13℃, while nights can be quite chilly, with temperatures dropping to between -4℃ and -5℃. April sees a slight warming trend, with daytime temperatures climbing to 15℃ - 17℃, but nights remain cold at -1℃ to 1℃. By May, the warmth becomes more pronounced, with daytime temperatures reaching around 20℃ and nights warming up to 3 - 5℃. However, this is also the season of strong winds, with gusts of level 8 or above frequently blowing in March and April, making it the windiest time of the year. The weather pattern here is quite distinctive—you can expect a warm sun to greet you in the morning, but by the afternoon, the wind might become so fierce that it could almost take your breath away. This is due to the fact that spring is the period when the dry season transitions into the rainy season. The skies are mostly clear, but there's a chance of a cold snap.

What's the Weather Like in Shigatse During Summer?

The summer months of June to August mark the rainy season in Shigatse, which brings the majority of the area's annual precipitation. In June, the average high temperature ranges from 22℃ to 25℃, while the nights cool down to 9℃ - 11℃. July brings a slight drop in daytime temperatures, hovering between 20℃ and 22℃, but it's still the warmest month of the year. Night temperatures remain mild at 8℃ - 11℃. By August, the weather pattern is similar to July, but the nights become a bit cooler, with temperatures around 8℃. It's worth noting that July has witnessed extreme highs of up to 30℃, while the lowest nighttime temperatures rarely dip below 5℃, making it the most temperate period of the year. One fascinating feature of summer in Shigatse is the “night rain characteristic”. Over 90% of the precipitation falls at night, leaving the days mostly sunny and perfect for outdoor activities. However, sudden thunderstorms can occur, especially in high-altitude areas like Everest Base Camp, where hail might also be encountered. The increased air moisture during this time raises the oxygen content by about 10% compared to winter, thereby reducing the likelihood of altitude sickness.

What's the Weather Like in Shigatse During Autumn?

From September to November, Shigatse enters its most pleasant season - autumn. The rainy season has passed, and the sky becomes a stunning shade of blue. During September, the average high temperature is around 21℃, and it drops to 8℃ at night. In October, daytime temperatures decrease to 15 - 18℃, while nights can get quite cold, with temperatures around 0℃. By November, the days are still relatively warm at 10 - 13℃, but the nights become freezing, with temperatures between -6℃ and -8℃. The weather is predominantly sunny and dry, with very little rainfall. The monthly average sunshine duration ranges from 250 to 295 hours, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. However, snowfall can occur from October onwards, especially on high-altitude roads which may be blocked earlier than expected.

What's the Weather Like in Shigatse During Winter?

December to February marks the winter season in Shigatse, which is characterized by cold weather and low humidity. In December, daytime temperatures range from 6℃ to 10℃, and at night, they drop to -10℃ to -12℃. January is the coldest month, with daytime temperatures around 5℃ -6℃ and nighttime lows reaching -13℃. In February, the mercury climbs slightly to 7℃ -8℃ during the day but still plummets to -10℃ -11℃ at night. At this time, there are fewer tourists, allowing you to immerse yourself in the tranquility of the plateau.

Conclusion

If you're unsure about what to wear, which routes to take, or how to deal with altitude sickness, feel free to consult our travel agency. We can help you customize a seasonal itinerary that suits your needs.