April marks the real start of spring in Tibet, and is one of the best times to visit the plateau. Generally, April is a warm month with little rain and plenty of sunshine, making it perfect for sightseeing. You can expect daytime temperatures to rise above 20°C in lower areas like Lhasa, though nights can still be cold.
Thanks to the ideal weather, Mount Everest will always offer clear views, and Mount Kailash is open for a once-in-a-lifetime trek. For more details about Tibet weather and travel tips in April, read on for expert advice.
How is the Weather in Tibet in April? Warmer Temperatures and Clear Skies
After the colder winter months, April marks the true arrival of spring in Tibet. The weather begins to warm up as the plateau’s snow starts to melt and disappear.
Temperatures across the region are on the rise, with an average daytime high of around 16°C, while the nights remain chilly, falling to around 2°C on average. Higher-altitude areas like Everest Base Camp experience sub-zero temperatures at night, while lower regions in eastern Tibet enjoy warmer nights and hotter days.
Tibet in April is generally dry, with minimal rainfall averaging around 10 mm. Despite the cold and windy nights, you can expect a lot of sunny days with clear skies, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Tibet Weather in March
Main Destinations | Max Temperature (°C) | Min Temperature (°C) | Average Clear Days | Average Precipitation (mm) |
Lhasa |
20 |
2 |
28 |
5 |
Namtso Lake |
10 |
-6 |
29 |
1 |
Shigatse |
18 |
-1 |
29 |
19 |
Everest Base Camp |
10 |
-10 |
29 |
15 |
Mount Kailash |
10 |
-5 |
21 |
13 |
Nyingchi |
23 |
3 |
27 |
2 |
Gyirong Port |
13 |
-7 |
30 |
0 |
Join our popular Lhasa EBC tour for a pleasant experience in April.
Why Visit Tibet in April? Ideal Weather and Relatively Small Crowds
April is one of the best times of year to visit Tibet, as the colder winter is gone and the monsoon rains have yet to arrive. During this time, you can enjoy mild temperatures, abundant sunshine, and clear skies - perfect conditions for exploring the plateau.
As spring begins, Tibet’s landscape comes to life with snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes and blooming flowers. The frozen Namtso Lake begins to thaw, while the magnificent Mount Everest offers stunning clear views thanks to the excellent visibility.
Also, when visiting Tibet in April, you can expect fewer tourists compared to the peak summer season. This allows for a quieter and more immersive experience when you explore the Potala Palace and other popular monasteries. Besides, the travel costs are relatively lower, as some hotels and flights still offer discounts.
The frozen Namtso Lake begins to thaw in April.
What are the Top Places to Visit in Tibet in April? Lhasa, EBC, Mount Kailash and More
As the beginning of the spring tourist season, April offers a wider range of destinations across Tibet for eager travelers. With bright sunshine and dry warm days ahead, there are plentiful places to explore.
Lhasa
Lhasa is the renowned “City of Sunshine”, and this is never more evident than in spring. The stunning city comes alive with the warmer weather, as travelers begin to flock to this holy destination.
Temperatures average around 10-11°C, with daytime highs reaching up to 20°C. Cooler days do come at times, and you may see one or two days of light drizzly rain, but never enough to spoil your Lhasa tour. Take your time strolling along the Barkhor Street or sipping a cup of sweet tea in a local Tibetan teahouse, and you will enjoy a truly pleasant experience.
Lhasa enjoys plenty of sunshine in April.
Mount Everest Base Camp
Moving west to tour the famous Mount Everest Base Camp (EBC), you will find that the weather in April is a little colder than in the major cities. Here, daytime temperatures are around 6-7°C, while nights can drop as low as -10°C. However, warm clothing can easily counter the cold, and you won’t be spending much time outdoors at night.
Also, with clear skies and lighter winds, April is the best month for the trek from Old Tingri to EBC. You will have more chances to see a clear view of Mount Everest, without dense clouds obscuring the summit. The tent houses at EBC are also ready, allowing you to stay overnight as close as possible to this magnificent mountain.
You can always get a clear view of Mount Everest in April.
Mount Kailash
April marks the opening of Mount Kailash, as the weather in the region begins to warm up. Average temperatures along the famous Kora route range around -5 to 10°C. There may still be some snow on the high ground and passes, though not enough to make the trek impossible.
For adventurous tourists, taking the 3-day Mount Kailash trek in April is an amazing experience. You will enjoy stunning scenery of Mount Kailash, with bright sunshine, clear skies, albeit a little chilly. En route, you will also encounter devout local pilgrims, gaining deeper insight into Tibetan religion and beliefs.
Mount Kailash is open for trekking from April.
Nyingchi
April is also one of the best months to visit Nyingchi in eastern Tibet. With pink peach blossoms blooming across the valleys and riverbanks, Nyingchi becomes a photography paradise. You will also enjoy warmer temperatures here, as Nyingchi sits at a lower elevation than other places of Tibet.
Apart from the peach blossoms, there are many other highlights to explore in Nyingchi. You can admire the majestic Mount Namcha Barwa, wander through the Lulang Forest, and trek along the tranquil trail around the holy Basum tso Lake.
Nyingchi is a popular destination in Tibet in April with vast peach blossoms.
Shigatse
Shigatse is the second largest city of Tibet, and spring brings a welcome rise in temperatures from the colder winter. In April, daytime temperatures in Shigatse generally reach around 10°C, while the coldest nights can drop to -1°C. However, the bright sunshine makes the day feel warmer, and the fresh clear skies are stunning.
The main highlight of Shigatse is the famous Tashilhunpo Monastery, where you can closely admire the gigantic gilded statue of the Future Buddhs or walk a small kora around the temple. Shigatse also serves as a key stopover for those traveling to EBC, offering a comfortable place to relax and sightsee before continuing your adventure westward.
Tashilunpo Monastery is a must-visit in Shigatse city.
Join our most popular itinerary to explore Lhasa, EBC, Shigatse and more!
What Tibetan Festivals to Experience in April?
April may be one of the best months to visit Tibet, but it is not particularly renowned for festivals across most of the region. Whether by accident or design, April is best recognized for the epic blossoming of the peach trees in the eastern prefecture of Nyingchi.
Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival
The Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival is possibly the only major festival in Tibet in April, making it well worth a visit to this eastern area. The weather here is much warmer, and you’ll also enjoy stunning mountain views for an unforgettable experience.
The stunning festival generally runs from around mid-March to April, lasting for one month. During this time, Nyingchi is covered with peach trees, especially in the valleys and along the riverbanks. For anyone visiting Tibet in April, the Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival is a definite must-see event.
Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival is a popular festival in April.
What to Pack for Visiting Tibet in April?
Packing for Tibet in April is similar to packing for the winter months, as you will still need warm clothing for chilly nights and cooler areas. Layering clothing is highly recommended for the big temperature difference throughout the day.
Your basic packing list should include a warm jacket or fleece, warm pants, long-sleeved shirts, light t-shirts, and a sweater. Accessories like a hat, scarf, warm gloves are helpful to add warmth during the colder mornings and nights. Good sturdy hiking boots and thick woolen socks are also necessary for comfortable walking on the plateau.
Besides, bring sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself from Tibet’s strong ultraviolet radiation. Lip balm and moisturizers are also essential to combat the dry and winy air.
Packing warm clothing is still required for visiting Tibet in April.
Conclusion
April is one of the best months to take a Tibet tour. The warm weather and vibrant scenery make many places across the plateau worth exploring, including Everest Base Camp and Mount Kailash. At the beginning of the tourist season, you may also get lower tour prices and a quieter experience compared to the peak summer months.
If you are planning a visit to Tibet, don’t miss the chance to experience its first fresh beauty in April. For more questions about traveling to Tibet, feel free to contact us or book your tour with us today!
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