Tibet weather & when to go: February
February's weather in detail
If you plan to visit Tibet in February before the borders are closed, you’ll need a hat and sunglasses to protect against the powerful UV rays which are especially strong at this time of year. Because of the snow and ice covering many parts of the country, exploring beyond urban areas is problematic and inadvisable.
The weather in Tibet during February remains seriously cold, with average temperatures hovering around freezing and great swathes of the country still buried under snow. The capital, Lhasa, is comparatively warm however, due to its lower altitude, with an average daytime temperature of 9°C dropping to -6°C after dark. There are even greater extremes in Shigatse, which varies from 13°C to -15°C.
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Our recommended journeys
Tibet may not be the easiest place in the world to reach but it is well worth the effort. Give us two weeks of your time and you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable experience to an extraordinary, mystical region.
See all our itineraries in Tibet
Key Festivals & Religious Ceremonies
Losar
The Tibetan New Year Festival lasts for around two weeks from mid-February, when the country is closed off to foreign visitors. Typical customs include cleaning family homes from top to bottom, painting sauwastikas on the walls, and drinking plenty of chhaang, the locally brewed barley beer.
Monlam Prayer Festival
Tibet’s largest religious celebration sees worshippers crowd the country’s monasteries and temples, lighting butter lamps and candles as they honour the Buddha and his deeds.