July is one of the hottest months of the year in Tibet, but it’s still quite mild at higher elevations, and far from sweltering even in Lhasa. The average daytime temperature is 16°C, and will not rise much beyond 30°C even on the warmest days, though as always, it’s wise to be prepared for chills after dark. Down jackets are recommend for the evenings, and waterproofs too, as rain showers are common at night.
Trekking amid the beguiling mountain views for which Tibet is legendary can be hampered by rain in July (expect muddy trails and cloud cover), so many visitors will stick to the cities. However it’s well worth venturing to the serene Namtso Lake, five hours by road from Lhasa, as the azure waters surrounded by alpine flowers are stunning at this time of year.
In the capital, the Ganden Thangka Festival sometimes takes place during late July, and the ceremonial unveiling of a giant tapestry featuring the Buddha is a sight to behold. Other major towns such as Shigatse and Gyantse are also busy in July, bursting with historic and religious attractions that are perfect for discovering in weather such as this, when you don’t necessarily want to be out in the sun all day.