Tibet Weather in May: What to Do and Travel Tips

May is one of the best months to visit Tibet. Spring warmth arrives, lakes are at their best viewing time, and mountain slopes burst with rhododendrons. Days are comfortably warm while nights stay cool, and the weather is mostly clear with occasional evening showers.

May is considered a shoulder season in Tibet. Tourist numbers start to rise, and prices climb from winter lows, but overall, the crowds remain lighter compared with July and August.

Weather Averages in May

• Temperature range: 6 to 21℃ (43 to 70℉)
• Rainfall: 26 mm / 1.0"
• Rainy days: 10 days
• Clear days: 21 days
• UV index: Extremely high

Climate Overview of Major Destinations

May is the end of spring, Lhasa, Shigatse, and Nyingchi enjoy warm, pleasant days. Mornings start cool but afternoons feel comfortable under bright sun. Most rain falls at night, so daytime sightseeing is rarely affected.

Everest Base Camp warms up significantly from March. Clear skies and stable weather make May one of the best months for Everest viewing and trekking.

Mount Kailash pilgrimage season begins, with the Saga Dawa Festival drawing pilgrims from across Tibet and India. Roads are clear and conditions are suitable for the challenging kora trek.

This month is also ideal for visiting lakes. Yamdrok Lake and Namtso shimmer under the spring sun, showing their signature turquoise and deep-blue colors under the clear sky.

Best Things to Do in May

May brings warm, comfortable weather, and it's a comfortable time to explore Tibet. You can visit monasteries, enjoy the scenery, and take part in outdoor activities without the harsh cold. All the major attractions are great to visit.

Below are the special seasonal experiences we recommend most for this time of year.

See Rhododendrons Bloom in Nyingchi

May transforms Nyingchi's mountains into a riot of color. Wild rhododendrons carpet the hillsides in shades of pink, red, white, and purple, blooming against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and deep green forests.

The best viewing areas are along the G318 highway between Lhasa and Nyingchi, around Lulang Forest, and near Basum Tso Lake. Flowers bloom at different elevations throughout the month, so you'll find displays whether you visit early or late May.

Unlike the peach blossoms in March, rhododendrons grow at higher altitudes and create a wilder, more dramatic landscape. The combination of alpine flowers, ancient forests, and majestic peaks makes for spectacular photography.

Visit Lake Yamdrok or Namtso

May is one of the best months to visit Tibet's lakes. The weather is exceptionally stable and crisp, with clear air that makes the lake colors appear more vivid than ever, and it's suitable for a pleasant lakeside walk.

Both Yamdrok Lake and Namtso reach their most photogenic state. We suggest choosing one based on your schedule.

Yamdrok Lake is better for a 4–5 day trip around Lhasa. Closer to the city and sitting at a lower altitude, its long, winding shoreline wraps around calm water that shifts from emerald to peacock blue. We'll prepare a simple lakeside picnic, giving you time to relax by the shore and fully enjoy the scenery. See our 5-Day Lhasa Classics and Lake Yamdrok Tour.

Lake Yamdrok

Namtso requires a week or more but rewards you with a broader, more dramatic landscape. As the world's highest saltwater lake, its vast blue surface meets the sky with almost ocean-like openness. May is the lake's "awakening season": in early May, you may still see ice along the lake shore; by mid-May, the ice cracks and melts with crisp sounds and flows with the water. 

Trek Mount Kailash During Saga Dawa

May is the peak month for trekking Mount Kailash. With Ngari's high altitude and dry climate, May's mild temperatures offer a more comfortable trekking experience and reduce the likelihood of altitude-related discomfort. 

Mt. Kailash kora

May also coincides with the Saga Dawa Festival, when large numbers of pilgrims come to perform the sacred kora. You'll find devout pilgrims prostrating every few steps, and feel the sacred and immersive atmosphere.

Saga Dawa commemorates the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death, and completing the Kailash circumambulation is one of the most important acts of devotion during this period. Locals believe that any good deeds done during this festival carry extra merit.

If you plan to trek around Kailash in May, make sure to book at least 2–3 months in advance. May is peak kora season, and permits, guides, and basic accommodation fill up quickly. The prices of hotels and mid-way accommodations will double. Especially in special years, such as 2026, the Horse Year in the Tibetan calendar. 

Reaching Kailash from Lhasa also requires a long 2–3-day drive across the remote landscapes of western Tibet, and we suggest planning at least 12 days for a better experience. You can check our 14-Day Tibet Tour with Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.

Crowds & Costs

May is the shoulder season, except for the busy first week during Labor Day (May 1st). It's a public holiday in China and usually lasts about 5-7 days. 

But May is still quieter than July and August. Prices climb from winter lows but haven't reached peak season rates yet. Hotels cost 10-20% more than in February or March. We suggest avoiding the first week of May if you want to skip Labor Day crowds and price spikes. 

What to Pack

May in Tibet is much warmer than the previous months, so you won't need heavy winter clothing. For most destinations, a thin sweater and a light jacket are enough during the day. Comfortable long-sleeve shirts or light outerwear work well.

However, you'll still need warmer layers at night, especially if you plan to visit high-altitude areas such as Mount Kailash (Ngari), Everest Base Camp, or Namtso. Pack light but warm base layers, a thin wool sweater or fleece, and a lightweight down jacket.

A windproof, waterproof jacket is useful for sudden showers or windy weather, and breathable long pants or trekking pants will keep you comfortable while walking or sightseeing.

Sturdy walking shoes or cushioned sneakers are recommended, as Tibet's terrain can be uneven. Because the sun is strong in May, bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and moisturizer to protect your skin from UV rays and dry air.

Tibet Weather by Month

For a summary, see The Best Times to Visit Tibet.