Tibet Tour in Winter and Spring

Tibet Tour in Winter and Spring – Climate

The four seasons in Tibet are not so distinctive compared to the four seasons in other regions in the same latitude. There is only obvious rainy season and wind season. It is researched that the period between November and April is the wind season of Tibet. The climate in this period is mainly characterized by dry air and frequent gale.

The gale happens frequently in Western Tibet and Northern Tibet. According to statistics, there are around 200 gale days at Gaize in Ngari Prefecture in a year. Lhasa is located in the river valley and it has only about 30 gale days. The gale frequency is pretty high between February and March and the gale would last for 3-5 days mostly. Hence, gale has been one of the most obvious features of the climate in winter and spring.

In the winter half year of Tibet, the northern and the southern upper-level jet streams moving from the west to the east at the same time. In fact, the gale on Tibet Plateau is greatly caused by the jet streams. With the interference of the air turbulence in the ground layer, the wind power of the gale would be stronger around noon. In addition, the height of the terrain and the trend of the mountains on Tibet Plateau also contribute to the winter and spring climate of Tibet.

In winter and spring, the evaporation capacity is much larger than the precipitation in Tibet due to the frequent wind, strong ultraviolet radiation and rare natural vegetation. The elevation humidity would be lower and the air is drier if the elevation is higher. Tourists making a Tibet tour in winter and spring should note that the strong wind might do great hurt to your exposed skin. It should also be noted that the high-speed wind will hinder human beings' movement and increase the oxygen consumption which increases the risk of suffering a high altitude sickness.

Tibet Tour in Winter and Spring – High Altitude Sickness

According to doctors in People's Hospital of Tibet Autonomous Region, the rate of tourists catching the high altitude sickness in winter and spring is relatively higher compared to summer and autumn. The dry air and low oxygen content in the air in winter and spring made these two seasons became the high-incidence season of high altitude sickness.

Some of the tourists making a Tibet tour in winter and spring might be too excited and ignored the physical discomforts. It is easy to mistake the choking sensation or dizziness as fatigue after the long journey. In fact, tourists should pay enough attention to these symptoms. If these symptoms are not relieved or even getting worse after good rest, you are probably suffering a high altitude sickness. To get the altitude sickness symptoms under control, tourists are strongly suggested to go to the doctor for professional advises. Some effective measures or medicines could get you relieved from the physical discomforts soon and ensure you pleasant journey in Tibet.