From cultural voyages to scenery adventures and exciting Tibetan cultural events, Yushu thrills visitors to Yushu year-round. Whatever time of year you decide to visit, there’s sure to be something going on here. Yushu County has a reputation for harsh winters and dry summers but doesn’t let extreme temperatures ruin your expectations of this beautiful place. Here’s all you need to know about the best times to visit Yushu County.
Winter in Yushu
The low season (December -April) is best for budget travelers as the temperature plunges, local Tibetans head inside to enjoy Tibetan New Year which falls in January or February. It is the time for family reunions and hosts various activities.
Yushu winters are cold, with average temperatures ranging from -15oC to 2oC; bring a heavy coat and dress in layers. Relative to the other seasons, this is the best time for those who want a vacation that won’t break the budget.
Spring in Yushu
The spring season (March-May) will be the busiest season for the locals because it is the season to harvest capillary fungus. From mid-April to mid-June, towns and villages will have the least residences as the majority of them will spend time on the mountains and hills in their areas.
The weather tends to be cold in spring as well, with an average high of 5oC and a low of -10oC. It will range from cold to cool. Bring a seasonal jacket with layers, including a windproof jacket and a light sweater. The daily temperatures frequently change and are windy as well.
It is also a low season and tourist sites will not be crowded as in summer. At the end of April, the lakes in Yushu will fill with migratory birds as lakes are the resting places for the birds before migrating to central Tibet.
Summer in Yushu
Summer season (June -August) is the best time of the year to travel and enjoy some of the many outdoor activities. As the moderate temperature of 15oC to 20oC is a pleasant time to do trekking, picnic, and adventure travels. There is nothing much to do in Yushu city but in the remote areas of Yushu County, the perfect places to explore and some of the most beautiful places in Qinghai province lie in Yushu Tibetan Prefecture.
In early August, a summer horse racing festival will commence in Yushu city and its surrounds. This will be the busiest season for tourists and locals.
The fall season in Yushu
The fall season (September–November) is best for taking in spectacular colors with chilling weather, rich autumn colors, and fewer crowds at significant sites, we think fall is the best time to visit Yushu surroundings, especially Sho Surmang township.
The justly fall colors of the Sho Surmang township simply glare. It is only two hours from Yushu city, and nature lovers, hikers, and photographers can experience the beauty of autumn in Sho Surmang township which is under the national forest protection area.
The weather during fall ranges from 5oC to 10oC, depending on where you go, crowds are not the problem but the weather is quite unpredictable.