Shigatse Weather in August
Season: Summer
During August, there are often clouds in the sky over Shigatse, causing showers at any time. The once arid and nose-burning air has been taken over by gentle moisture that is only really noticeable in August. On days without clouds, the sunlight maintains its intensity.
Moreover, in August, Shigatse experiences its warmest weather, averaging 10°C ~ 22°C (50°F~72°F), with a noticeable difference in temperature between day and night. Sunny days are cozy, whereas cloudy and rainy days and nights can be cool.
Averages for Shigatse Weather in August
High Temperature: 22°C / 72°F
Low Temperature: 10°C / 50°F
Rainy Days: 14 days
Rainfall: 84mm
Sunrise: 7:25~7:41
Sunset: 20:27~20:56
Pros & Cons of Visiting Shigatse in August
Pros
1. Ideal Weather
Experience Shigatse's pleasant weather in August, with gentle breezes and occasional, brief showers. The higher oxygen levels during this month make it easier to adjust to the altitude, ensuring a comfortable stay.
2. Festive Allure
Participate in Shigatse Sorcerer’s Festival to admire mystical monk dances, or Bathing Festival to wash away past misfortunes and embrace new blessings, both offering a glimpse into the rich culture of Tibetan Buddhism.
3. Natural Charm
Shigatse in August witnesses vast barley fields, azure lakes reflecting the sky, and vibrant wildflowers. After a rain shower, a rainbow may even appear, adding a magical touch to your highland exploration.
Cons
1. High Cost & Booking Worries
In August, summer vacation leads to a surge of tourists in Shigatse, causing a quick sellout of hotels and tickets, along with higher prices. Book in advance or plan your trip for the end of the month when tourists have left and prices may come down.
2. Obscured Mount Everest
In Shigatse, August rainfall can obscure Mount Everest's peak. Patience is key – the clouds will lift, revealing Everest's majestic beauty. However, the spectacular sunrise or sunset that bathes the peak in gold may be harder to see during this period.
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| Shigatse |
Packing Tips for an August Trip to Shigatse
Clothing: Light clothing like T-shirts and windbreakers is advisable during daytime in August in Shigatse. Also, it's important to pack warmer items such as windproof jackets or thick sweaters for chilly nights.
Accessories: Scarves and gloves can provide additional warmth and comfort at higher altitudes like Everest Base Camp, even in the warmest August.
Footwear: Non-slip sports shoes or sturdy casual shoes are recommended to ensure safe and comfortable walking on August more rainy days in Shigatse.
Sun Protection: Use high-SPF sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin and eyes from intense sunlight on sunny days in August.
Moisturizing Products: Moisturizing facial cream and body lotion are essential because Shigatse climate in August is still relatively dry compared to other regions in China.
Rain Gear: Frequent rainfall in August necessitates the carrying of an umbrella or raincoat to cope with sudden downpours.
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Top Things to Do in August
1. Partake in Sorcerer’s Dance Festival
At Shigatse Sorcerer's Dance Festival, tourists can see monks, wearing intricate costumes and masks and performing sacred dances in sequence with instruments such as drums, knives, and axes.
In their slow, solemn rhythm, characters such as Vajra, Skeletons, Monks and Crows come alive, creating a mystical ambiance. Interspersed with humorous pantomime sketches, these dances offer a profound visual and emotional experience.
Furthermore, the festival showcases precious horses, elephants, and yaks—adorned with vibrant hues and carrying symbols of prosperity like coral trees, pearl towers, and gold towers, inviting visitors to bathe in the good fortune that the items bring about.
In 2025, Sorcerer's Dance Festival spans from August 25th to 28th.
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| Sorcerer's Festival |
2. Celebrate Ongkor Festival
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| Horse Racing in Gyangtse |
During Ongkor Festival, also called the "Harvest Festival", dress in colorful attire, carrying barley stalks and hadas as they walk around their farmland and villages, offering prayers for agricultural prosperity.
Engage in farming and work alongside the locals using agricultural tools to feel the earth beneath your feet and the community's warmth. It's a chance to connect with the Tibetan people's deep affection for their land and their hopes for a plentiful harvest.
Furthermore, experience the thrills of horse racing, archery, and yak racing, or enjoy lively singing, dancing, and Tibetan opera performances; each activity offers a soothing break from the fatigue of farming and immerses you in the rich cultural heritage of Tibet.
In 2025, Ongkor Festival falls around August to September in Shigatse.
3. Experience Bathing Festival
In Tibet, Bathing Festival marks the purest waters of the year so that Shigatse rivers and lakes like Paiku Lake and Nyang Qu River become bustling with bathing people.
The optimal time for bathing is after dusk, under the twinkling stars, as it is believed to possess magic—washing away illnesses and bringing good fortune. This annual purification ritual not only rids of your physical fatigue and ailments accumulated over the year but also ushers in renewed hope and vitality.
In 2025, Bathing Festival spans from August 29th to September 4th.
In 2025, Bathing Festival spans from August 29th to September 4th.
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| A Lake in Gyangtse |
- Last updated on Nov. 22, 2024 by Jally Zhang -