Lhasa Weather in November: Tour Lhasa in November

Lhasa, Tibet, features a dry, yet chilly weather in November. Average daily temperatures typically remain above the freezing point, while precipitation is insignificant. This time of year, fewer travelers come to Lhasa, which results in favorable deals and hassle-free accommodation and transport bookings.

Lhasa Weather in November

Lhasa in November: Average Weather Conditions

With the turn of November, winter slowly starts to arrive in Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet. Maximum air temperatures are somewhat lower than in October, while minimum temperatures are about the same, falling below 0°C/32°F occasionally. Rainfall is virtually non-existent, and, thus, humidity is declining.

Daylight gets shorter as the end of the month is nearing. However, the sun shines on Lhasa nine hours per day in November, on average. Ultraviolet (UV) index is about to reach its annual minimum, but travelers still need to protect themselves from sunburns.

Daily Minimum and Maximum Air Temperatures

As we can see from the chart, air temperatures are pretty constant in Lhasa at the beginning of winter in Tibet. They are neither too low nor too high. With the values rising over 15°C/59°F, most of the time, they are surprisingly high during the transitional period from autumn to winter.

Commonly, highs tend to fluctuate between 10°C/50°F and 16°C/61°F, usually around mid-afternoon. Lows typically vary between 2°C/36°F and -2°C/28°F during nights and early mornings. However, you should expect shorter intervals of comfortable, even fresh air temperatures as November comes to its end.

The Air in Tibetan Capital During November

Thanks to low precipitation and many hours of sunshine, the air is dry in Lhasa as winter arrives in Tibet. That benefits people that are sensitive to cold since humidity can make you feel colder than outside temperatures suggest.

Also, the air is clean, although it has less oxygen than during spring and summer. At the elevation where Tibetan capital lies (around 3,650m/12,000ft), the amount of oxygen is about 1/3 lower than at sea level.

Therefore, you need to adapt to the thinner air once you arrive before starting doing anything more demanding. Climbing to Potala Palace via a long stairway and hiking around the city are some activities you should avoid at the beginning of your Tibet trip.

How to Dress in Lhasa and Tibet in November?

Due to high variations in air temperatures, you should pack clothing suitable for winter and transitional months (autumn and spring). Extras such as sunglasses, lip balm, and a hat with a wide brim are other things you will need during your stay.

You should wear winter clothes to visit the Potala Palace in November

If you intend to backpack or camp in the countryside, bring a down sleeping bag, which should keep you warm at night. You don’t need to consider synthetic bags, which are good for wet weather, at this time.

As for the packing list, you should pack a down coat, down and light jackets, woolen sweaters, pullovers, breathable trousers, and cotton pants. Also, bring long-sleeved linen shirts for everyday use, shoes for a city, and furry boots for the countryside.

Lhasa in November Travel Guide

Visiting Lhasa and Tibetan Plateau brings various benefits in November. Authentic experience, excellent photo opportunities, and lower costs are some of them.

Authentic Tibetan Plateau Landscapes

In late autumn and early winter, Tibetan scenery makes for outstanding photo opportunities. As the countryside prepares for its winter slumber, you can admire contrasting landscapes and landmarks featuring a myriad of colors. And with favorable weather, it's small wonder why this time of year is popular among professional and amateur photographers.

November is a good time to shoot the stunning scenery in Tibet.

If you find yourself around a river or lake, you are likely to see yellowish grass and fallen leaves contrasting against deep blue waters. When you reach higher regions, snow-capped mountain peaks will dominate bare slopes of the same ranges. As you get around in Tibet, you will encounter herds of domesticated yaks grazing the remaining grass.

Transport, Accommodation, and Guided Tours Deals

With the reflux of tourist visits, you are likely to find transport and hotel deals meeting your needs and budget. The demand for Tibet train berths and airline seats continues to decrease in late autumn. Consequently, you may find available deals at short notice.

Furthermore, the prices of guided and individual tours are lower than during previous months. From mid-October to mid-March, prices of guided tours are at their lowest. Whether you book a Lhasa, Mount Everest, or Tibet-Nepal Overland tours, you will save dozens, if not over a hundred USD per person.

In November, the hustle of the high season is a matter of the past in the City of Sunshine. Therefore, you can explore the city attractions at leisure and relaxed pace. Moreover, you don't need to worry whether you will get one of the allocated daily tickets for entry to Potala Palace.

Can I Go Anywhere in Tibet in November?

Although winter still doesn't get its hold of the Autonomous Region of Tibet, not all areas are accessible. If you spend your holiday in and around Lhasa, visiting Namtso and Yamdrok lakes is probably a part of your vacation plans.

If weather permits, Namtso Lake can be visited in November.

Commonly regarded as the most beautiful Tibetan lake, Namtso (Heavenly) Lake is always a sight to behold. Outlined by mountains, with deep, blue waters, and frequented by yaks and their herders, it is a sacred lake, too. As the winter approaches, though, snows tend to cover roads, making a trip from Lhasa to Namtso difficult at times.

Instead, you can visit Yamdrok Lake, which is accessible at any time of year. Located southwest of the capital, along the route to Gyantse, Yamdrok boasts surroundings dominated by mountains. Its shores are exceptional for hiking, while islands offer great photo opportunities.

Tibet November Highlights

Black-necked cranes are iconic bird species residing in Tibet and some other elevated regions of China. During the last autumn month, watching these unique birds is among the top activities throughout the Tibetan plateau.

Black-necked cranes in Tibet

You can see them in the wilderness and next to ranches. Other features that will help you recognize them are wings outlined with black and red top of the head. Besides adults, you can see chicks roaming leisurely here and there.

As exceptional photo destinations, Lhasa and Tibet attract photographers throughout the year. Many weds-to-be keep coming to the Roof of the World to take pre-wedding photos. Nature enthusiasts don't need to worry whether they will make postcard-quality photos, it's a matter of fact.

Make sure to bring a UV filter for your camera, and you are ready to go. Also, bring only essential equipment since the Tibetan countryside is rough, rendering carrying additional equipment inconvenient.

Traveling Outside Lhasa

Mount Everest, the top of the world, is an exceptional place to visit anytime, but especially in November, when the weather is good. Before you get to Tibetan Everest Base Camp, make a stop in Gawula Pass. From there, you can observe a few other summits besides Mt. Everest.

Enjoying the Himalayas from Gawula Pass (5,198m)

Clear, cloudless skies render the Friendship Highway, running between Lhasa and Kathmandu, Nepali capital, dry. While the Tibetan section of the road has safety barriers and pavement, Nepali gravel and dirt roads may lack security. However, you will enjoy the dramatic scenery and take outstanding photos from your Tibet-Nepal overland tour home.

From November to March, it is the off-season for Mount Kailash treks due to harsh weather conditions.

Conclusion

A trip to Tibet and Lhasa, its capital, is always rewarding. An engaging scenery, friendly Tibetans, and diverse attractions are the constant of the region we known as the Roof of the World. The highest plateau on Earth also boasts unique fauna, including black-necked cranes, yaks - local cattle, and other animals.

When traveling to Lhasa and Tibet in November, you benefit from favorable deals, good weather, and a high level of leisure. To add a personalized experience based on your wishes and needs, accompanied with useful tips, contact China Tibet Train Tours.