Visiting Tibet in January offers a unique and peaceful experience. You’ll enjoy plenty of sunshine, with daytime temperature reaching up to 15 degrees, though it does get chilly at night, dropping below zero. With fewer tourists and more locals around, you will discover the real Tibet in a more authentic way.

So, what’s the weather really like in Tibet in January? Where should you go, and what to wear during this time? Check this ultimate guide for answers to all these questions you may have, and get ready for a smooth journey in Tibet.

Overall Tibet Weather in January: Chilly, Sunny, Dry and Windy

Tibet in January has sunny and dry weather with low temperatures, and the temperature difference between day and night is significant. During the daytime, it ranges between 0 to 15 degrees, while at night it can drop to minus 15 degrees.

However, you can enjoy a lot of sunshine during this month, since Tibet rarely sees rain and snow in January. This makes you feel much warmer during the day. Some areas of Tibet will experience heavy snow, like Everest Base Camp and Mount Kailash, but most places are accessible at this time, allowing you to enjoy the amazing snow landscape.

January is also a windy month, especially when crossing the mountain passes. Fierce winds bring lower temperatures, and you may suffer from a headache or dizziness at high altitudes, so a woolen cap is always suggested to take along.

Tibet Weather in January

Main Destinations	Max Temperature (°C)	Min Temperature (°C)	Average Clear Days	Average Precipitation (mm)
Lhasa	7	-9	28	1
Namtso	7	-10	30	0
Shigatse	6	-13	28	0.36
Everest Base Camp	-5	-15	29	5
Mount Kailash	-8	-21	25	9
Nyingchi	8.5	-5	27	1.82
Gyirong Port	-7	-17	29	1.8

Join our Everest Base Camp tour for a smooth experience in winter.

Why Visit Tibet in January? Enjoy Fewer Crowds, More Authentic Experience, and More

One of the biggest advantages of visiting Tibet in January is the peaceful atmosphere with fewer crowds. With fewer tourists coming to Tibet in deep winter, you can quietly appreciate the iconic monasteries and other landmarks during this time. This allows you to have a more immersive experience.

You will also have more chances to experience authentic Tibet. More nomads and pilgrims travel to Lhasa and other holy places, and you can encounter many of them doing the kora around the monasteries, hanging prayer flags, doing other ritual ceremonies, etc.

Besides, a bonus of the Tibet winter tour in January is the lower cost, as many hotels and flights offer discounts. You will also see a different side of Tibet, with a stunning snow-capped landscape and clear skies, perfect for photography and sightseeing.

Local Tibetans worshiping in front of the Jokhang Temple

What to Wear when Visiting Tibet in January? Down Jacket is Necessary

Keeping warm is the main concern when traveling to Tibet in January, so a thick down jacket is necessary to protect against the cold. Layering is the key - start with thermal and cotton underwear, followed by a warm fleece or sweater as the mid-layer. Warm trousers, cotton pants, and woolen socks are also important to stay cozy.

To protect yourself from the strong winds, wear a woolen hat and a scarf to cover your face and neck. Thick gloves can protect your hands, and anti-slip comfortable shoes or boots are a must when walking on snowy or icy roads.

Also, remember to bring sunglasses and sunscreen for sun protection. Moisturizing skin care items are also necessary to cope with the dry weather in January.

Wearing warm clothing is necessary when visiting Everest Base Camp in January.

Where to Go in Tibet in January? EBC, Lhasa and Nyingchi are Top Choices

While some higher-altitude areas like Mount Kailash and Namtso Lake may be inaccessible due to heavy snow in January, most places in Tibet remain open to visitors. With milder temperatures and breathtaking landscapes, the top destinations to visit in Tibet during January are Lhasa, Everest Base Camp, and Nyingchi.

Lhasa

Known as the “City of Sunlight”, Lhasa enjoys about 10 hours’ sunshine a day even in January. In the daytime, temperatures can reach a pleasant 15 ℃ in the sun, although they may drop to - 10 ℃ at night. The clear sunlight also gives Lhasa an enchanting golden glow, making it perfect for photography.

With fewer tourists and more locals in January, you can quietly explore Lhasa’s famous landmarks like Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Drepung Monastery. For a truly local experience, you can also join locals to enjoy a cup of sweet tea at Tibetan tea house, or bask in the warm sunshine on the streets.

For bird lovers, Lhasa in January is also a perfect winter destination. Many migratory birds including the rare black-necked cranes will fly to Lhasa to overwinter. You can have great chances to enjoy bird watching during this time.

To make the most of your trip, consider joining our 4-day Lhasa tour. This thoughtfully designed itinerary covers the essence of Lhasa city, including the iconic Potala Palace, while also giving you the chance to connect with locals and experience the authentic charm of Tibet.

Lhasa enjoys about 10 hours’ sunshine a day even in January.

Mount Everest Base Camp

Though the weather is cold, January could be one of the best times to visit Mount Everest Base Camp. The clear skies and crisp air provide unmatched views of Mount Everest and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. In fact, you can typically see clear views of Everest peak for nearly 25 days during January, which is twice as many as in the summertime.

As in other areas in Tibet, temperature drops down a lot from daytime till night at the Everest Base Camp in January. Daytime temperatures range from -15°C to 5°C, while nighttime temperatures dip below -10°C. However, as long as you dress warmly, you can have a truly pleasant visit to Everest Base Camp.

The accommodation at EBC is also greatly improved. You can enjoy oxygen supply and underfloor heating at the guesthouse of Rongbuk Monastery. This monastery also provides a vantage point to catch the sunset and sunrise at the Mount Everest.

For a smooth and comfortable trip to Everest Base Camp, it is recommended to join our 8-day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour. This itinerary not only includes the essence of Tibet, like Potala Palace, Yamdrok Lake and Tashilhunpo Monastery, but also offers several viewpoints for you to admire Mount Everest, including EBC itself.

Everest Base Camp tour is a great destination in January.

Nyingchi

Compared to other high-altitude areas in Tibet, Nyingchi enjoys milder temperatures in January owing to its lower elevation. It is warmer than other parts of Tibet, with daytime temperature reaching up to eight degrees, while the nights can be less cold, dropping to around -5 degrees at most.

In January, Nyingchi is decorated with a fresh and scenic snow landscape, which complements its lush forests, deep valleys and tranquil lakes. This is also a great time to catch clear views of Mount Namche Barwa, and to explore the amazing blue ice caves of the Laigu Glacier.

What’s more, the air in Nyingchi is more humid compared to other areas. You will also be less likely to suffer from altitude sickness here in winter. So for a relatively relaxing and safer trip to Tibet, consider visiting Nyingchi for both natural scenery and comfort.

January is one of the best times to see clear Mount Namche Barwa.

More Other Places in Tibet

In addition to Lhasa, Nyingchi and Everest Base Camp, there are several other places worth visiting in Tibet in January.

You can visit Shigatse, the second largest city of Tibet, which enjoys sunny weather this month. It is an ideal time to explore Tashilhunpo Monastery and feel its solemnity and tranquility. Or, take a day trip from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake, which remains largely unfrozen in winter, and presents breathtaking views of gem-like blue water.

You can also visit Yamdrok Lake in January.

Another great destination is Shannan, the birthplace of Tibetan culture, with a milder temperature in January. Must-see places here include Samye Monastery and Yongbulakang, both rich in history and culture.

If you’re looking for more travel ideas, feel free to contact us to plan your perfect Tibet trip. As the leading Tibet tour operator with years of experience, we have helped many tourists enjoy wonderful winter tours in Tibet.

Join our small group tour to enjoy the authentic travel experience in January

Tibetan Festivals to Experience in January

The most important festival to experience in January is the Shigatse New Year, also known as Tsang Losar. It is celebrated on the first day of the 12th lunar month, which is one month before the New Year in most parts of Tibet.

Visiting friends and family, the cham dances at Tashilhunpo Monastery are performed to dispel the evil of the old year and usher in the new one. It is also a time for family reunions. While some restaurants and hotels may close in January, the local market is livelier, and you can join in the ceremonies with the locals.

Locals gathered together to celebrate Shigatse New Year.

Conclusion

Tibet in January is not as cold as you might expect. With fewer tourists, more nomads and pilgrims, and a lower budget, January in Tibet has become quite an attractive option. If you prefer a journey of discovery and a retreat from the noisy city, consider visiting Tibet in January. For more information or assistance with your trip, please feel free to contact us.