Lhasa (Tibet) in May

In May, Lhasa (Tibet) averages 18°C (65°F) during the day and 5°C (42°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 15 days of the month see precipitation (76 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

May offers comfortable temperatures in Lhasa (Tibet), with some rain to plan around.

18°C
Avg high
5°C
Avg low
15
Rain days
76 mm
Rainfall

How May compares to the rest of the year in Lhasa (Tibet)

5th
warmest month of the 12
4th
wettest month of the 12
11%
of yearly rainfall falls in May
13 h 37 min
daylight on the 15th

May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Lhasa (Tibet) (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 4°C above the annual average (15°C). May runs 4°C warmer than April (14°C) and warms a further 4°C into June (22°C).

May sunrise & sunset in Lhasa (Tibet)

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
7:03 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
8:40 PM
Day length
13 h 37 min

Times shown for Lhasa (Tibet) local time (Asia/Shanghai), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Lhasa (Tibet) — May

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Lhasa (Tibet)'s local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
6:03 AM – 6:43 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:43 AM – 7:43 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
9:00 PM – 9:40 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Good
Galactic core is up but lower on the horizon; head well outside city limits for a clean view.

📅 When to book — Lhasa (Tibet) in May

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (High season) and Lhasa (Tibet)'s popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.

Crowds & pricing — May in Lhasa (Tibet)

High season

This is a busy month in Lhasa (Tibet) — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — May in Lhasa (Tibet)

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.7
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●○○
Moderate
Active mosquito season. DEET 25-30% repellent recommended, especially at dawn/dusk.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Lhasa (Tibet) in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 5°C / 41°F -7°C / 19°F 6 mm 2
February 8°C / 46°F -4°C / 24°F 8 mm 2
March 11°C / 52°F -1°C / 29°F 18 mm 6
April 14°C / 58°F 2°C / 35°F 40 mm 10
May 18°C / 65°F 5°C / 42°F 76 mm 15
June 22°C / 72°F 11°C / 51°F 91 mm 15
July 21°C / 70°F 11°C / 52°F 154 mm 22
August 21°C / 69°F 11°C / 52°F 143 mm 22
September 20°C / 67°F 9°C / 49°F 92 mm 16
October 16°C / 60°F 4°C / 39°F 32 mm 8
November 11°C / 52°F -1°C / 31°F 7 mm 2
December 8°C / 46°F -4°C / 24°F 7 mm 2

Other cities with similar May weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Lhasa (Tibet) in May →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Lhasa (Tibet) in May?

In May, Lhasa (Tibet) averages a high of 18°C (65°F) and a low of 5°C (42°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Lhasa (Tibet) in May?

May is quite rainy in Lhasa (Tibet), with about 15 rainy days on average.

Is May a good time to visit Lhasa (Tibet)?

May is mild and pleasant but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Lhasa (Tibet) in May?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Lhasa (Tibet) for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Lhasa (Tibet) on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.