Lhasa Weather in January

Lhasa weather in January is perfectly sunny and clear, favorable for outdoor visiting. However, you should know that it’s cold overall, which makes January a slack time with fewer tourists and lower travel costs.

 See more about Tibet Weather in January.

Cold but Sunny Lhasa in January

 

January is the coldest month of the year in Lhasa. However, in terms of how it feels, days are generally not very cold but relatively mild and comfortable, while nights can be quite chilly.

During the daytime, the temperature generally ranges from 5 to 12 degrees Celsius (41-54 degrees Fahrenheit), sometimes reaching around 15°C (59°F). Moreover, due to Lhasa’s high altitude and thin air, the sunlight is highly penetrating here, so when the sun is shining, the perceived temperature can be 5 to 8°C (9-14°F) higher. It’s no exaggeration to say that on a sunny day, you will feel a bit warm when walking under the sunshine, but notice a distinct drop in temperature as soon as you step into the shade.

Visitors in Lhasa in Cold January

It is important to note that the temperature difference between day and night in Lhasa this month is extreme. At night, temperatures here range from about -10 to 0°C (14-32°F), with the lowest being around -15°C (5°F). Combined with the absence of warm sunlight, the perceived temperature difference from that of daytime can reach around 20°C (36°F) sometimes. Going out at this time, you will feel bone-chilling cold.
 

In January, Lhasa receives only 1 mm of precipitation and has just one day with some rain or snow on average. Therefore, no matter when you choose to visit Lhasa in January or how long you stay, rain or snow is never a matter of worry. Moreover, there are only a few overcast or partly cloudy days. Most of the time, the skies in Lhasa are exceptionally clear and blue, with quite high visibility.

This also means:
1. Abundant sunshine. There are an average of about 8 sunshine hours per day. 
2. Relatively strong sunlight. The UV index can reach 5 during the midday hours.
2. Extremely dry air. The average humidity in Lhasa at this time is only 28%, and you may get dry and itchy skin and lips.

January with High Visibility

 

Daylight hours in Lhasa in January are generally short, lasting approximately 10.2 to 10.5 hours. You are recommended to plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of this precious time. Specifically, the sun rises at around 08:46-08:52 and sets at around 19:07-19:32, and the period from around 10:00 to 18:00 each day offers ample sunlight and mild temperatures. 

Accordingly, some attractions may have shorter opening hours, so be sure to check the relevant information in advance. For example, the Potala Palace is open from 09:30 to 15:20, and the Tibet Museum is open from 10:30 to 17:00 this month.

 Clothes for the Upper Body: First of all, long-sleeved shirts or T-shirts are recommended to serve as the inner-most layer. On top of these, warm sweaters or hoodies are advised. Considering the big temperature differences between day and night, you can bring outerwear of two different thicknesses: wool coats, 3-in-1 jackets, or thin down jackets for the daytime and thick down coats for the nighttime.

 Clothes for the Bottom Body: To keep warm, especially during the evening, opt for thick sweatpants or jeans plus thermal pants. Or, bring thick and windproof hiking pants. 

 Shoes: Thick hiking boots and sneakers are most suitable. Don’t forget to bring long and thick winter socks.

 Others: 
1. Bring hats, sunglasses, and suntan lotion to avoid being burned by the strong ultraviolet rays in this high-altitude area. 
2. Lip balm and moisturizer are also indispensable, considering the extreme dryness. 
3. Wear hats and scarves to keep your head and face warm, especially after sunset.

1. Fewer crowds: January is the off-season in Lhasa, so attractions like the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple see fewer visitors. It is a great opportunity to experience a quiet and solemn Lhasa.
2. Lower travel costs: This month, airfare and hotel prices are significantly lower than those during the peak season. In addition, many attractions offer substantial discounts on admission fees at this time. For example, the Potala Palace and Norbulingka are open for free.
3. Clear skies and excellent visibility: Under these weather conditions, you’re far more likely to see distant snow-capped mountains clearly than in the summer. Plus, imagine how stunning all the iconic buildings, like the Potala Palace, look against a clear and deep-blue sky. 

Quiet Jokhang Temple in January

 1. It’s pretty cold in the mornings and evenings, limiting outdoor activities.
2. The dry weather of Lhasa in January will inevitably make you feel uncomfortable.
3. In dry and cold weather conditions, your body consumes more energy, thus you may be more prone to altitude sickness.
4. The natural scenery is relatively monotonous, with yellow or withered grasslands and vegetation. If you’re expecting lush green grass and fields of wildflowers, Lhasa in January will disappoint you.
 1. If you want to gain richer experiences in January by arranging more nighttime activities, remember not to stay out too late - after all, the climate of Lhasa in January gets quite cold at night. In detail, outdoor activities such as strolling along Barkhor Street and viewing the night scenery of the Potala Palace are best scheduled before 20:00; after 20:00, indoor activities like visiting a bar to experience the local culture or a Tibetan restaurant trying local foods are more recommended.

Night View of the Potala Palace

2. In addition to must-see attractions like the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera Monastery, Lhasa in January offers some winter-exclusive highlights.
(1) This month, the Lhalu Wetlands are blanketed in golden reeds, and migratory birds such as black-necked cranes and bar-headed geese come here to overwinter. At sunset, you can see the golden sunlight bathing the Potala Palace, the lake with birds, and the reeds - it’s a truly stunning sight.
(2) In late January, as the Tibetan New Year approaches, places like Barkhor Market begin selling related traditional Tibetan goods, offering a great opportunity to experience the local culture.
(3) In January, the waters of Yamdrok Lake are exceptionally blue, and the snow-capped mountains are clearly visible.
(4) Namtso Lake freezes over at this time, forming spectacular blue ice to see.