If you are planning a summer vacation in August, don’t miss Tibet. With its stunning landscape and favorable weather conditions, this high-altitude region is a great summer resort in August. Rainfall won't significantly affect your travel plans as it mainly occurs at night. Read this article to learn more about Tibet's weather in August and how to enjoy a smooth trip during this time.

Overview Weather in Tibet in August: Reduced Rainfall and Warm Temperatures

Tibet's weather in August is generally warm and rainy. Since mid to late June, Tibet has been in its monsoon season, and in August, the rain remains heavy but gradually decreases as the region transitions from the rainy season to the drier autumn months.

Compared to other parts of mainland China, Tibet is not as hot as expected in August. The daily temperature in Tibet ranges from a pleasant 9℃ to 22℃. It gets cooler as you move to higher altitudes, while most cities in China experience their hottest time of the year in August.

Tibet Weather in August

Main Destinations	Max Temperature	Min Temperature	Clear Days	Precipitation
Lhasa	25℃	10℃	11	132 mm
Namtso Lake	22℃	8℃	16	87 mm
Shigatse	25℃	10℃	16	146 mm
EBC	20℃	7℃	19	240 mm
Mt. Kailash	20℃	7℃	19	190 mm
Nyingchi	23℃	11℃	8	115 mm
Gyirong Port	14℃	9℃	19	56mm

Visit Tibet in August: Is It Too Crowded and Expensive?

August is the peak month of the tourist season for Tibet. More tourists visit Tibet during this time, making it busier than other parts of the year. Consequently, travel costs in August are generally higher. However, there are ways to reduce your expenses.

Firstly, you can join one of our Tibet small group tours, which offer affordable prices and classic tour routes. Sharing the costs of the guide, driver, and transportation with other group members can significantly reduce expenses. Additionally, you can visit less-visited places in Tibet, such as Ganden Monastery and Drak Yerpa Monastery. These locations not only offer a quieter experience but also help you save money on your trip.

What to Wear when Visiting Tibet in August?

Tibet's weather in August varies greatly from day to night. Summer clothes and trousers are sufficient for the daytime, but down coats and jackets are needed for the nights and higher altitudes. Don’t forget to protect yourself from sunburn with sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.

Rain gear and waterproof shoes are highly recommended. If you're planning to hike or trek at higher altitudes, warm clothing is essential. Generally, it's recommended to pack a T-shirt, jacket, and down jacket for a visit to Tibet in August.

Best Places to Visit in Tibet in August

As it mainly rains at night, Tibet weather in August is still good for many outdoor activities. And due to plenty of sunshine and rainfall, the natural landscape of Tibetan Plateau in August is really marvelous.

Lhasa City

Lhasa is a year-round destination. As the center of Tibet's political, economic, cultural, and religious activities, Lhasa is well-developed, while retaining its ancient and mysterious atmosphere. Tourists will find plenty of accommodation options, from top-end five-star hotels to comfortable local hostels, and a variety of restaurants offering Tibetan, Indian, Nepalese, Western, and Chinese flavors.

The landmark of Potala Palace, the spiritual center of Jokhang Monastery and bustling Barkhor Street are always the must-go spots in visiting Lhasa in August. Temperature still drops a lot from daytime till night, warm jacket is still suggested traveling in August in Lhasa.

Gyantse and Shigatse

As the second and third largest cities in Tibet, Gyantse and Shigatse are popular destinations for both domestic and international travelers. With well-paved roads and comfortable hotel facilities, these cities are great to visit year-round. The temperature is similar to Lhasa but tends to be windier and cooler.

Be sure to visit highlights such as the holy lake Yamdrok Tso, and Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama. For a comprehensive experience, consider our classic central tibet small group tour, which includes Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse in one itinerary.

Namtso Lake

August brings abundant water and lush grass to the pastoral area around Namtso Lake, where yaks and sheep are scattered across the mountains and grasslands. The turquoise lake, framed by the towering peaks of the Nyenchen Tanglha Range to the south, offers one of the most beautiful natural sights near Lhasa. Be aware of Namtso Lake's high altitude (4718m), which makes it cooler than the cities in August. Always keep warm when visiting Namtso Lake.

Mount Everest Base Camp

August is a good time to travel to Mount Everest, though it may not be the best. The rainfall can sometimes obscure the peak of the world's highest summit, but you can still enjoy excellent views on clearer days.

The journey from Lhasa to Mount Everest Base Camp is a highlight in itself. Along the way, you'll travel through some of the most stunning landscapes in Tibet, visit famous landmarks like Yamdrok Lake, and admire the magnificent Himalayan ranges at Gawula Pass. The warmer nighttime temperatures in August also make for a more comfortable stay in the tent guesthouses at EBC.

Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar

The holy mountain and lake are two remote Tibet travel destinations shrouded in mystery and legendary. Trekking Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar is possible from April to October. The warm and rainy weather in August brings more vitality and enjoyment along the kora path, with wildflowers, chirping birds, wild donkeys, rabbits, marmots, and more.

Nowadays, the roads to Mount Kailash are mostly well-paved. However, it's wise to prepare for potential slight landslides due to heavy rainfall in August, which may require an extra day or two. With altitudes over 4000m, the weather in the mountains can be changeable in August. Light luggage is always recommended, and a waterproof jacket with a hood is a good choice for the trekking tour.

Popular Tibetan Festivals to Experience in Tibet in August

Attending Tibetan festivals with locals is a different way to experience Tibetan culture and customs. If you are interested in a festival tour in Tibet, feel free to check the dates of the year with us and plan the festival in advance.

Shoton Festival (Aug.23,2025)

Shoton, which means yogurt, is also known as the Yogurt Festival and features a wide range of activities. It is one of the most important Tibetan festivals, highlighted by the giant Thangka unveiling ceremony and performances of Tibetan opera.

The festival typically begins with the Thangka unveiling at Drepung Monastery early in the morning, followed by Tibetan operas at Norbulingka and Zongjiao Lukang Park in Lhasa. It's a good idea to bring a warm, waterproof jacket with a hood in case of occasional showers.

Nagchu Horse Racing Festival

The Nagchu Horse Racing Festival, which lasts for one week, is one of the most important folk festivals in Tibet. Tibetans from different regions dress in their finest attire and gather in Nagchu town. The festival features many exciting activities, including traditional ethnic sports, horse racing, horsemanship, picking up Khada, and archery on horseback. Thousands of nomads come together to celebrate and participate in this grand festival.

Conclusion

August is an ideal time to experience Tibet’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. Warm days and cool nights, along with lush greenery and blooming wildflowers, create perfect conditions for exploring. Despite occasional rain, the weather remains pleasant for trekking in the Himalayas and attending local festivals. As August is peak season in Tibet, it is recommended to plan your Tibet tour in advance. For more information, feel free to contact us or book your tour with us now.