Tibet Weather in December: Weather, Temperature & Travel Tips

Tibet has entered winter completely in December.Tibet tourism is also in its low season. The number of tourists who choose Tibet as their traveling destination will drop sharply in this season because of the severe weather. But Tibet will see some international tourists in December because of the Christmas Holidays. It rarely rains at the end of the year. On the contrary, there are sunny days throughout December. But it will snow sometimes, which will make this mysterious place more beautiful and spectacular. If you want to know more about Tibet and its culture and history by visiting some wonderful monasteries and cultural sites, December will be a great time to come to Tibet.

Tibet Weather in December: Temperature and Climate

Tibet in December is sunny and dry, making a Tibet tour here more comfortable. The average daytime temperature is around 7–12°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to about -10°C. So, it is not as cold as many tourists imagine because there will be bright and intense sunshine on the plateau. Besides, the high altitude and the dry air will make all people will warm and pleasant during the day. If you are worried about getting too cold, then you can avoid getting out in the morning and evening. And you’d better book a hotel with a central heating system to keep warm.

Tibet Weather Guide by Region: Best Places to Visit in December

The weather in Tibet varies greatly by region because of differences in altitude and geography. While most destinations enjoy sunny and dry days, temperatures become much colder at higher elevations. Here is a quick guide to the Tibet weather in December for the most popular destinations.

1) Lhasa Tibet Weather in December

Minimum Temperature: -8℃
Maximum Temperature: 8℃
Average Temperature: 1℃

Lhasa remains highly comfortable in December, staying true to its nickname, the "City of Sunlight." Expect an average daytime high of around 8°C, drops to -8°C at night. With nearly eight hours of daily sunshine and almost zero rainfall, the weather is perfect for exploring the Potala Palace and Barkhor Street alongside local pilgrims.

2) Shigatse Tibet Weather in December

Minimum Temperature: -12℃
Maximum Temperature: 8℃
Average Temperature: -2℃

Shigatse weather in December is dry and cool, with temperatures ranging from -12°C to 8°C. Daytime sightseeing at Tashilhunpo Monastery is pleasant under the intense winter sun. However, heavy layers are mandatory as soon as the sun sets.

3) Nyingchi Tibet Weather in December

Minimum Temperature: -5℃
Maximum Temperature: 10℃
Average Temperature: 2℃

Nyingchi weather in December is milder than in most parts of Tibet because of its lower altitude. Temperatures range from a mild daytime high of 10°C to a nighttime low of -5°C. The dry winter air clears away the summer haze, giving photographers some of the clearest views of the year. It is an excellent time to capture the dramatic, unobstructed peak of Namcha Barwa Mountain.

4) Yamdrok Lake Tibet Weather in December

Minimum Temperature: -11℃
Maximum Temperature: 8℃
Average Temperature: -1℃

Yamdrok Lake weather in December is cold and windy, with temperatures between -11°C and 8°C. Because of its large size and great depth, the lake usually freezes only partially in late December. Its brilliant turquoise waters contrast beautifully with the surrounding snow-capped mountains, creating one of Tibet's most spectacular winter landscapes.

5) Namtso Lake Tibet Weather in December

Minimum Temperature: -20℃
Maximum Temperature: 8℃
Average Temperature: -6℃

At 4,718 meters, Namtso Lake experiences severe winter conditions in December, with daytime temperatures hovering around 8°C and night temperatures plummeting below -20°C. The lake gradually freezes into a spectacular sheet of blue and white ice, creating breathtaking winter scenery. However, heavy snowfall may cause temporary road closures on the mountain passes leading to the lake, so a flexible travel itinerary is recommended.

6) Everest Base Camp Tibet Weather in December

Minimum Temperature: -18℃
Maximum Temperature: 6℃
Average Temperature: -6℃

Everest Base Camp weather in December is extremely cold, with average temperatures of -18°C to 6°C. However, due to the cold nights at the EBC, the Everest tent guesthouse is closed from October to April. If you visit Everest Base Camp in winter, you can only stay in the Rongbuk Hotel.

7) Mt. Kailash Tibet Weather in December

Minimum Temperature: -20℃
Maximum Temperature: -7℃
Average Temperature: -13℃

Mt. Kailash weather in December is harsh, with temperatures between -20°C and -7°C. Average temperatures routinely drop below -13°C, and heavy snow frequently blankets the region. High mountain passes along the pilgrimage trail become completely blocked by snow and ice, meaning the Mount Kailash trekking route is entirely closed and impossible to complete until spring.

8) Lake Mansarovar Tibet Weather in December

Minimum Temperature: -18℃
Maximum Temperature: -5℃
Average Temperature: -12℃

Neighboring Mount Kailash, the holy Lake Mansarovar is locked in a deep freeze by December. The weather is fiercely cold, exceptionally windy, and daytime temperatures rarely rise above freezing. Due to icy road conditions, heavy snowfall, and extremely high-altitude winter risks, it's not recommended to travel to this remote western corner of the Ngari Prefecture.

9) Average Temperature in Tibet by Destination (December)

The table below shows the average December weather in Tibet's top destinations.

Tibetan Festivals in December

The Tsongkhapa Butter Lamp Festival, also known as the Ganden Ngachen Chenmo Festival, commemorates the Parinirvana of Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. It falls on the 25th day of the 10th month in the Tibetan calendar, usually in December. During the festival, Tibetans light thousands of butter lamps in monasteries, temples, and homes across Tibet. As night falls, windowsills glow with rows of butter lamps, traditionally arranged in odd numbers. If you are planning a Tibet tour in December, ask your travel consultant whether your itinerary coincides with this unique festival.

Tibet Winter Travel: High Value, Fewer Crowds, and Cultural Highlights

It is a good time to visit Tibet when it is in the low season of Tibet tourism. It is easy to book discounted flights and secure a soft sleeper on the Tibet train. And those hotels with a good reputation will also start to discount to attract tourists to book. So, some international tourists will come to Tibet to enjoy Tibet’s different parts when there are fewer tourists so that they can enjoy this land privately.

December is a perfect time to have a tour to visit those cultural sites, including the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Pelkor Chode Monastery, Yungbulakang Palace, Samye Monastery, and so on. Those routes will not be impacted by the cold weather. But tourists will get the chance to see those monasteries that are more magnificent in December.

Everest Base Camp opens in December for tourists. It will be quiet in winter because there will be few tourists. But you can catch a clearer look at Mount Everest. So, if you want to pay a visit to the highest mountain in the world, you can add it in your Tibet tour route.

What to Pack for Visiting Tibet in December?

Tourists who come to Tibet in December should know the importance of keeping warm when getting around in this land. Even if the temperature during the day will make you feel warm most of the time, you’d better bring some heavy warm clothes, such as fleece jackets, coats, thick sweaters, thick down jackets, warm pants. It is necessary to wear a warm hat, a warm glove, and casual shoes that are looser for wearing an extra pair of socks when it is cold. Sun glasses and sun cream are also necessities that you need to use when you are outside. All in all, keeping warm is the top priority when you are on a vacation in Tibet in December.

What’s more, it will be dry in winter in Tibet, which needs tourists to use more lipstick, hand cream, emollient oil, facial cream, and other products to keep moisturized. And it is recommended to drink plenty of water and eat more fruits in Tibet. What you need to pay attention to is the fact that they are easy to have high altitude sickness since the oxygen content in December is less than that in summer. So, be well prepared to prevent yourself from getting severe symptoms.

Conclusion

Traveling to Tibet in December offers a peaceful winter experience with clear blue skies, brilliant sunshine, and excellent visibility for Mount Everest. While temperatures drop significantly at night, the daytime sunshine makes exploring Lhasa’s cultural sites surprisingly comfortable. Plan your Tibet tour in December with a licensed Tibet travel agency (like Tibet Horizon) for a safe, comfortable, and hassle-free journey.