Tibet Weather in September: Weather Guide on Travelling to Tibet in September

September is beginning of the autumn season in Tibet. With cool weather and stable temperature, it is one of the great months of the year for trekking high mountains and photographing the scenic nature of Tibet. Check this article guide to find out how is the weather in Tibet in September and how to plan your Tibet tour in September.

How is the Tibet Weather in September?

September is one of the perfect months to visit Tibet. Tibet average temperature is about 15℃. The daytime temperature is around 20℃, while it would drop to 8℃ or 9℃ at night. As the monsoon faded away and cold air hasn’t set in, Tibet weather in September is still warm, sunny and cozy.

Overall Tibet Weather in September

Average Temperature	15℃
Average Minimum Temperature	9℃
Average Maximum Temperature	21℃
Relative Humidity	71 %
Average Rainfall	66 mm
Wet Days (>0.1mm)	8

Where to Go in Tibet in September?

As rainfall decreases and temperature is still good, Tibet weather in September is so pleasant for many outdoor activities.

Shigatse City

Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet, the weather is similar to Lhasa. Warm, sunny and cozy in September with less rainfall. Farming in Shigatse is very developed and the soil is quite fertile. Travelling in Shigatse during September, you will see people harvesting on the farm with big smiles. Apart from farming, animal husbandry is also prosperous in Shigatse. Tashilhunpo monastery is a must see site in Shigatse as well as the famous free market. Tourists are recommended to take the 6 Day Central Tibet tour to enjoy the best parts of Shigatse and Lhasa in Tibet.

Yamdrok Lake

Yamdrok Lake is provided with beautiful turquoise color, flickering under sunlight in September. The temperature is about 5 to 20℃. Yamdrok lake is of the same importance as Namtso lake and Manasarovar lake. The 3 lakes are the 3 most important holy lakes in Tibet. Yamdrok lake is suitable to visit the whole year around but the most beautiful season would be September and October. To visit Yamdrok Lake, you can take the itinerary from Lhasa to Yamdrok, which normally takes 5 days to cover the best of the route has to offer.

Mount Everest Base Camp

Mount Everest Base Camp has less rainfall and the weather is stable. September and October are the most popular periods for explorers and mountaineers to trek Everest Base Camp. It’s so amazing to see numerous stars sparkling under the blue night sky on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Nothing could make you feel so amazed with a very clear view of Mt. Everest with the beautiful night sky with stars.

But you need to be cautious for the coldness when staying at tent house for the night and watch out for altitude reaction. If tourist would like to have a special experience in September for Everest Base Camp, it would be a good try for the trekking route from Tingri to Mount Everest base camp. You can also add a visit to Cho Yo base camp which is around 100km away from Mount Everest base camp.

Ganden to Samye Monastery Trek

Ganden to Samye trek is a very good trekking option for September as there is less rainfall, very warm and the valley is still full of green. It is not cold and wet to camp under the night sky with stars, hearing river crossing and birding singing, with yaks and sheep not far around. You can cross valley, rivers, climbing rocks during the trek, like a real adventure in the wild nature, it would meet the expectations for explores who love nature and trekking.

Therefore, Ganden to Samye trek is highly recommend in the month of September. Other trekking route like Tsuphuy monastery to Yabachen trekking, Shalu to Nartang trekking is also a good option in this month.

Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland

Lhasa to Kathmandu overland is with gorgeous view in September. As the rainy season ends, sunny days return, autumn is the most beautiful time in Tibet. You will able to see golden trees along Lhasa River, lakes with beautiful colors, farmer harvesting on the land, Mount Everest peak view and waterfall all along Friendship Highway when cross the border to Kathmandu.

Landslide at the border will also not bother in September which is unlike rainy season as July and August. Friendship Highway in Tibetan side is of good road condition and permit all kinds of cars to pass. The road from Nepal border to Kathmandu, on the other hand, is not so good, normally we suggest you to use jeep for the transfer from Nepal border to Kathmandu.

Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar

Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar are the two remote Tibet travel destinations with strong flavor of mystery and legendary. Although Mt. Kailash kora can be done from April to October, September and October are always considered the best months to trek Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar due to amiable weather and moisture in the air.

Trek around Mountain Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in September is not easy to cause high altitude reaction, and the view of the clear blue sky at night with the peak of Mt. Kailash can take your breath away. September is also the peak season for Mt. Kailash pilgrimage so you are recommended to book everything in advance.

What are the Popular Tibetan Festivals in September?

Participating in Tibet festivals is a good way to have a deep understanding of Tibet religions and customs. The joyful moment of celebrating the festival with local Tibetans is a great travel experience that you should not miss if there is a chance. All Tibetan festivals can reveal the history and customs of Tibet, also you can see the aspect of their beliefs and habits.

Tibetan Bathing Festival (August-September, last 7 days)

Tibetan Bathing Festival with a history of more than 800 years is held by all traditional Tibetans every year. It is held from 06th of July to 12th in Tibetan Calendar, people will all gather in Lhasa River which is full of water after rainy season of July & August. Tibetan believes that by bathing in Lhasa River at this time would wash away the disease, bad luck and evil away. So it is an important festival for all Tibetans regardless of gender, age and profession.

Except bathing in the river, they will also bring carpet and other large items to wash in the river for good luck. Tibetan Bathing festival originates from a story: once there was a pestilence ragging in Tibet and people were suffering and in pain, the goodness of sympathy has poured some medicine into the Kyichu River and told people to bath in the river to cure themselves. After that, it became a tradition. The water in fact do have some effects medicine as the water meltdown from the snow mountain, carrying some ingredient of Saussurea involucrate etc which is very good for people living on plateau.

Pabang Dangkuo Festival (August-September, last 7days)

Pabang Dangkuo Festival is held at Reting Monastery on the 15th of July by Tibetan Calendar in the year of sheep (normally in August or September in international calendar). The celebration will last for 7 days. Local Tibetans and monks will set up the tent on grasslands, chant scriptures, do the kora around giant stone, hold horse racing, do god dance etc. Pabang means “giant stone”and Dang mean “grassland” in Tibetan language. This festival will be only available when it falls to the year of sheep, so it is held every 12 years. Yet, it is an important festival in Tibetan history.

What to Wear When Touring Tibet in September?

It’s wise to wear in layers for Tibet climate and weather in September. On some sunny days, shorts and T-shirts are fine. Due to the huge temperature difference between day and night, you’d better bring warm clothes for the nights. Sun cream, sun hats and sunglasses are always needed.

Conclusion

September is most beautiful season for Tibet, and you will also not expect too many tourists in this month compare to July and August. Tibetans also love this month as it symbols harvest and blessing with those important festivals. In September, tourist can travel to far remote region, do the regular travel or do trekking and enjoy all festivals available.

As Mid-Autumn Festival falls in this month and National Day is coming near, booking train tickets and hotels can be still difficult. If you plan to see Tibet in September, please contact us for your Tibet tour in advance.