Lhasa Weather in November

November marks the true beginning of winter in Lhasa. The golden autumn colors have faded, the trees stand bare, and the air has turned distinctly cold. Yet despite the chill, November offers some of the sunniest and driest weather of the entire year. The sky is a deep, almost electric blue, and the visibility is extraordinary—snow-capped peaks that seemed distant in summer now appear close enough to touch. Daytime temperatures, while cold, are still manageable for sightseeing, especially when the strong high-altitude sun is shining. But prepare for the chill night: once the sun dips below the mountains, the cold becomes serious, with nighttime temperatures frequently dropping well below freezing. The crowds have vanished entirely, leaving Lhasa’s streets, monasteries, and pilgrimage paths quiet and contemplative. For travelers who want to experience Tibet’s spiritual heart without another tourist in sight, November offers a unique and rewarding window.

Detailed Temperature in Lhasa for November

November sees temperatures continue their downward trend from October, with winter firmly establishing itself. The gap between day and night becomes even more extreme.

Average Temperature: -2°C to 10°C
Maximum Temperature: 10°C to 18°C
Minimum Temperature: -5°C to -2°C
Total Rainfall: 20.5 mm
Clear Days: 29 clear days out of 30

Weather Conditions in Lhasa in November

November defines Lhasa’s winter weather—cold, dry, and overwhelmingly sunny. The monsoon is a distant memory, and the air is at its clearest and crispest.

Sunshine & Clear Skies

November is one of the sunniest months in Lhasa. You can expect sunshine on 25+ days of the month. The sky is a deep, intense blue that seems almost unreal—a perfect backdrop for photography. The sun is still strong enough to warm you during midday hours, but its angle is low, creating long, dramatic shadows. Despite the sunshine, the air itself remains cold.

Precipitation

Rainfall is virtually non-existent in November. Snow in Lhasa city is rare, though not impossible during cold snaps. The surrounding mountains will be fully snow-capped, creating a stunning winter landscape. You can leave your umbrella at home with absolute confidence.

Visibility

November offers better visibility than summer months. The winter air is exceptionally clear, with no dust, no haze, and no moisture to obscure distant views. On a typical November day, you can see the snow-capped Nyenchen Tanglha range to the north with stunning clarity from virtually anywhere in the city. The Himalayas to the south are also visible from higher vantage points. This is the month for mountain views.

Weather Changes between Day and Night

The temperature swing between day and night is extreme in November. Under the midday sun, temperatures can reach 8–12°C, which feels surprisingly warm when you are out of the wind. But as soon as the sun sets—around 6:00 PM—the temperature plummets. By 8:00 PM, it is often below -5°C. You will go from wearing a light jacket in the afternoon to needing a heavy down parka, hat, gloves, and face protection by evening. This rapid transition is the defining characteristic of November weather.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Lhasa in November

Pros of November Lhasa Tour

November offers the clearest skies and best visibility of any month. The deep blue sky and snow-capped surrounding peaks create spectacular photographic conditions that summer visitors never see. With no rain and virtually no cloud cover, you can plan outdoor activities with absolute confidence. The crowds have completely vanished—you will often have entire monastery halls, pilgrimage paths, and viewpoints almost to yourself. This solitude allows for a deeply contemplative experience that is impossible during peak season. The Potala Palace queues are non-existent, and you can explore at your own pace. For photographers, the low-angle winter sun creates long, dramatic shadows and warm golden light during the short golden hours. Travel costs are at the lowest of the year, with hotels offering significant discounts and flights more available. The surrounding mountains are fully snow-capped, creating stunning winter landscapes that contrast beautifully with the white-washed monastery walls.

Cons of November Lhasa Tour

The cold is the most significant challenge. Daytime temperatures are brisk, and nights are bitterly cold, frequently dropping to -5°C to -10°C. You will need serious winter gear—heavy down coat, thermal layers, insulated boots, thick gloves, and a warm hat. Even with proper clothing, prolonged outdoor activities after sunset are uncomfortable. Daylight hours are shorter, with sunset around 6:00 PM, giving you limited time for sightseeing each day. The high mountain passes leading to Namtso Lake, or Kailash Parvat may be closed or treacherous due to snow and ice, making winter overland travel risky or impossible beyond mid-November. Many teahouses, guesthouses, and facilities in remote areas close for the winter season, limiting your options if you venture outside Lhasa. The extreme dry air can cause physical discomfort—chapped lips, dry skin, nosebleeds, and increased thirst. Finally, the major spring, summer, and autumn festivals have passed, so November is very quiet on the cultural events front.

Recommended Lhasa Travel Packages in November

November is best suited for Lhasa-focused tours, as overland travel to remote areas like Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar becomes increasingly risky due to snow and ice on mountain passes. These packages emphasize Lhasa’s cultural treasures and can include day trips to nearby monasteries.

4 Days Holy Lhasa City Small Group Tour
This 4-day tour focuses exclusively on Lhasa, making it the perfect choice for November travelers who want to experience Tibet’s spiritual heart without venturing into uncertain winter road conditions. You will explore the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and the Barkhor Street, as well as the Sera and Drepung monasteries. The November solitude means you will often have these sacred spaces almost to yourself—no queues, no crowds, just you and the pilgrims. The clear winter skies offer stunning views of the snow-capped mountain range from the Potala’s red hill. The cold is real, but the experience of walking the Barkhor Street in the crisp, silent winter air is unforgettable. With proper clothing, this is an ideal winter itinerary.

6 Days Lhasa Yamdrok Shigatse Central Tibet Culture Small Group Tour
November is an excellent month for this cultural tour, as the winter crowds have vanished and the clear, dry air offers spectacular mountain views. You will explore Lhasa’s iconic landmarks—Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera Monastery—before driving to Gyantse and Shigatse, visiting the historic Pelkor Chode Monastery and Tashilhunpo Monastery. The route also includes the stunning turquoise Yamdrok Lake, which looks particularly dramatic in November with its surrounding mountains fully snow-capped and the deep blue winter sky reflecting off the water. All destinations are at moderate elevations with reliable road conditions. Daytime temperatures are cold but manageable with proper winter clothing, and the low-angle winter sun creates long, dramatic shadows perfect for photography. This tour is the ideal choice for travelers who want to experience Tibet’s rich Buddhist culture without venturing into uncertain winter road conditions.

7 Days Lhasa Everest Gyirong/Zhangmu Tibet to Nepal Join-in Group Tour
Starting in Lhasa, you visit the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple before heading west to Everest Base Camp via Yamdrok Lake and Gyantse. After witnessing Everest, you continue overland to the border towns of Gyirong or Zhangmu and cross into Nepal. The reward for traveling in November is spectacular: unobstructed views of Everest's north face with virtually no other tourists in sight. The deep blue winter sky and snow-covered landscape create a dramatic, almost surreal setting. However, the challenges are significant.

8 Days Lhasa Shigatse Mount Everest Small Group Tour
This itinerary is possible in November but you need to be prepared for the coldness at EBC. Daytime temperatures at EBC are bitterly cold, often below -5°C, and the Everest Tent Guesthouse may be closed. However, if you are a determined winter traveler and the roads are open, the reward is spectacular: unobstructed views of Everest’s north face with virtually no other tourists in sight.

FAQs on Lhasa Tour in November

1.Does it snow in Lhasa in November?

Snow in Lhasa city is rare but possible during cold evenings. Even when it does snow, accumulation is usually light and melts quickly under the strong sun. The surrounding mountains, however, will be fully snow-capped, creating beautiful winter scenery. The high passes to Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake may receive significant snow, which can close roads.

2.Is November too cold for sightseeing in Lhasa?

Not if you dress properly. Daytime temperatures, while cold, are still manageable for walking, especially with the strong sun. The key is to plan your outdoor activities between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, when the sun is highest and warmest. After sunset, focus on indoor activities—hotel lounges, restaurant dinners, or simply resting. With a heavy down jacket, thermal layers, hat, and gloves, you will be comfortable during daylight hours.

3.What permits do I need for Lhasa in November?

Permit requirements are the same year-round. All international travelers need a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) to enter Lhasa. This permit can only be arranged through a registered Tibetan travel agency like ours; independent applications are not accepted. For Lhasa-only tours, the TTP is sufficient. November is a low-season month, but permit processing still takes time—start the process at least 3 weeks before departure. We handle all applications for you—just provide your passport and Chinese visa information.

4.What should I wear when traveling to Lhasa in November?

November in Lhasa demands serious winter preparation. A heavy down coat is a must—this is not the time for a light jacket. Thermal base layers (top and bottom) are essential for every day. Add a fleece mid-layer for insulation. Insulated, windproof pants are highly recommended, especially if you plan to be outdoors for extended periods. For accessories, bring a warm wool or fleece hat that covers your ears, insulated gloves (mittens are warmer than gloves), a thick scarf or neck gaiter to protect your face from cold wind, and thermal wool socks. Footwear is critical: fleece-lined, insulated, waterproof boots are essential—regular hiking boots will not keep your feet warm enough. Even with all this, limit outdoor activities to daylight hours (10 AM to 4 PM). After sunset, the cold becomes severe, and prolonged exposure is uncomfortable even with proper gear.

5.What to eat in Lhasa during my November Tibet trip?

November’s cold, dry weather calls for warming, hearty foods that provide sustained energy. Tibetan noodle soup (thukpa) is a must-try—the hot broth with vegetables and meat warms you from the inside. Butter tea , made with yak butter and salt, is traditionally consumed to provide calories and warmth at high altitude; while the taste takes getting used to, locals swear by its warming properties. Tsampa (roasted barley flour mixed with butter tea) is dense, energy-rich, and easy to digest. For heartier meals, try momo dumplings (steamed or fried, filled with meat or vegetables) or yak meat stew—yak meat is lean and nutritious, and slow-cooked stews are perfect for cold days. Many restaurants in Lhasa also serve Chinese hot pot, which is ideal for November: you cook your own meat, vegetables, and noodles in a bubbling pot of broth at your table. Ginger tea and hot water with honey are also excellent for staying hydrated and warding off the cold. Avoid raw salads and cold dishes as your body needs warm food to maintain core temperature.

6.Do Lhasa hotels offer heating in November?

Yes, nearly all hotels in Lhasa that cater to tourists offer heating in November. However, the type and quality of heating vary significantly by hotel category. 3-4 star hotels (the standard for our tours) provide reliable central heating or individual room heaters, ensuring comfortable indoor temperatures even when it is well below freezing outside. Mid-range hotels may offer electric heaters or floor heating, but the heating may be less consistent, especially in older buildings. Budget guesthouses may have limited heating—often just a portable electric heater or a wood stove in common areas—which may not be sufficient to keep your room warm through the night. For November travel, we strongly recommend booking at least a 3-star hotel to guarantee proper heating. Our Lhasa tour packages always use hotels with reliable heating.