Best time to visit Nepal

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Nepal

Best time of year to visit Nepal

Fresh air and clear skies are the main reasons why October to November is the best time to visit Nepal. Views during this period are scenic, so trekking is perfect. Autumn also hosts two major holidays, Dashain and Tihar. December to early February are relatively warm in the daytime and freezing at night. Winter sees quieter trekking trails and fantastic whitewater rafting, but we recommend to dress warmly. Mild spring starts in March and is a lovely time to explore Nepal as rhododendrons bloom in the Himalayas. Clouds obscure mountain panoramas and trails get muddy from June to August as it is the monsoon season. However, the temperatures are gentle, and the sightseeing is more fun with fewer tourists and a variety of festivals like Gathia Mangal.

9 THINGS TO DO IN NEPAL (MAY 02 - MAY 11)

Trekking Season

Trekking Season

March–May | September–November • activity

Trekking in Nepal is one of lifetime adventures, since the Himalayan mountains are the highest in the world, and ​nature is unique

Observing Everest from the Gokyo Lakes

Observing Everest from the Gokyo Lakes

mid-September–mid-December | March–May • activity

Nepal's largest glaciers with pristine turquoise water are a perfect spot to observe snowy mountains

Rato Machindranath Jatra

Rato Machindranath Jatra

around April-May • event

One of the biggest events that are​ socially important for Nepalese, features a huge decorated chariot moved around the city of Patan

Safari at Chitwan National Park

Safari at Chitwan National Park

October–May • activity

Take a safari trip at Chitwan National Park to get a chance of seeing rhinos, tigers, and, of course, mighty elephants

Honey Hunting Season

Honey Hunting Season

October–November | May–June • activity

One of the ​unique activities in Nepal is gathering honey from the wild bees' nests. Men are climbing high cliffs to get to the nests and harvest the honey

Lukla Tenzing–Hillary Airport

Lukla Tenzing–Hillary Airport

March–May | mid-September–November • activity

The world's most dangerous airport is not for the faint-hearted

White Water Rafting and Kayaking Season

White Water Rafting and Kayaking Season

September–May • activity

Although rafting and kayaking during the monsoon season might sound exciting, only a few rivers are accessible. Therefore, try to make sure you are travelling outside the notorious season

Nepal Tea Harvest Season

Nepal Tea Harvest Season

late March–early November • activity

Nepal may not be the most famous tea producer, but the taste of this country's tea is unique and fresh

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

October–December (all year round) • activity

The ancient religious architecture masterpiece is towering over the Kathmandu Valley, in the western part of Kathmandu City

24 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Kukur Tihar, Nepal Dog Festival

Kukur Tihar, Nepal Dog Festival

out of rangeNovember 11, 2023 • event

On this day, all Nepalese dogs, home-owned and stray, will receive a royal treatment

Shree Swasthani Bratakatha

Shree Swasthani Bratakatha

out of rangeJanuary 26–February 24, 2024 • event

Worshipers of Swasthani and Shiva take a huge massive bath together, which is believed to make miracles

Holi Festival

Holi Festival

out of rangeMarch 24-25, 2024 • event

A Hindu festival celebrated with lots of colors and picturesque traditions

Dashain Festival

Dashain Festival

out of rangeOctober 12, 2024 • event

One of the most important Hindu festivals in Nepal, Dashain is all about community building, worshipping and, of course, a marvelous tradition! However, it is also a major source worry for animal protection groups

Bisket Jatra (Nepali New Year)

Bisket Jatra (Nepali New Year)

out of rangeApril 13, 2024 • event

A major holiday in Nepal is celebrated with interesting rituals to observe

Tihar

Tihar

out of rangeNovember 10–14, 2023 • event

Also known as Swanti or Diwali, the festival lasts for five days and includes different events dedicated to animals and family members

Bhai Tika

Bhai Tika

out of rangeNovember 15, 2023 • event

A sweet holiday celebrating siblings' affection

Lhosar

Lhosar

out of rangeFebruary 10 • event

Also known as Tibetan New Year, Sonam Lhosar is celebrated by all Tibetan-speaking groups in a very colorful way

Teej

Teej

out of rangeSeptember 6, 2024 • event

Witness the most famous festival among Nepali women, as they fill the streets of Kathmandu with red colour

Paragliding over the Pokhara Landscapes

Paragliding over the Pokhara Landscapes

out of rangeSeptember–February • activity

It might be one of the most dangerous activities, but the unique view that you get is totally worth it

Buddha Jayanti (Buddha's birthday)

Buddha Jayanti (Buddha's birthday)

out of rangeMay 5, 2023 • event

Celebrate Buddha's birthday at his birthplace and in the capital of Nepal

Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon

Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon

out of rangeMay 29, 2024 • event

Possibly the most adventurous trail run on the planet

Janai Purnima

Janai Purnima

out of rangeAugust 30, 2023 • event

One of the biggest days for higher class Hindus. During the event, ​the pilgrims bathe in the sacred water and change the threads on their hands

Mustard Fields in Bloom

Mustard Fields in Bloom

out of rangeApril • nature

Mustard is a vital plant for almost all Asian countries. In Nepal its yellow bloom covers many fields, making it a top destination for beauty seekers

Boating with a View

Boating with a View

out of rangeDecember • activity

Boating on Phewa Lake or further situated Rara and Phoksundo lakes is one of the top experiences in the winter period​

Dumji Festival

Dumji Festival

overApril 12–16, 2018 • event

Celebrated by the Sherpa community in Namche Bazar, the festival celebrates the birth of Guru Rinpoche on a lotus flower. It is a colourful and spectacular event, organized by one family from the village

Gathia Mangal (Ghanta Karn)

Gathia Mangal (Ghanta Karn)

out of rangeJuly 17, 2023 • event

A Newar festival that celebrates the expulsion of the demons from the country

Sel Roti

Sel Roti

out of rangeNovember 10–11, 2023 • food

Synonymous to great festivities, this delicacy is the real taste of Nepal

Extraordinary Golf

Extraordinary Golf

out of rangeJanuary–February • activity

Playing golf in the most exotic field in the world might become your lifetime experience

Ghode Jatra

Ghode Jatra

out of rangeMarch 21, 2023 • event

Watch a military parade and a horse race during a festival unique to Kathmandu

Canyoning at its Best

Canyoning at its Best

out of rangemid September–December • activity

Canyoning is a unique way to experience Nepal's lush nature while participating in one of the most exciting activities ever

Chhath Festival

Chhath Festival

out of rangeNovember 7, 2024 • event

Originally Indian, the festival honours the god of sun. It is celebrated only in Terai region of Nepal

Gai Jatra Festival

Gai Jatra Festival

out of rangeSeptember 1, 2023 • event

The festival to commemorate the deaths of people throughout the year, is a picturesque one and unique to Kathmandu Valley and its Newar and Tharu communities

Yomari for Yomari Punhi

Yomari for Yomari Punhi

out of rangelate December • food

A special delicacy for Newari Yomari Punhi celebration

Last updated:
Jan
8.4
Feb
9.2
Mar
9.1
Apr
6.7
May
5.4
Jun
4.2
Jul
4.3
Aug
4.5
Sep
5.9
Oct
7.7
Nov
9.3
Dec
9.1

Nepal weather in January

8.4/10 score
Excellent
6° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
January is the coldest month of the year in Nepal, however the temperature is quite moderate in Kathmandu valley. And even though trekking on high altitudes is out of the question for this month, there are still many places that can be explored during this month. In Kathmandu, night temperature stays just above freezing while during the day, it warms up to about 6-7°C (45°F) which is not too bad, especially if it’s sunny. However, the capital of Nepal often experiences fog at this time that last from early morning to midday. It rarely snows in Kathmandu and rain is not that often: January is the driest month in the city. Make sure you pack warm clothes, and keep in mind that many hotels have poor heating. Trekking on lower altitude is possible in January if you have warm insulated clothes. With the right gear, it can be quite pleasant since it’s not crowded and days are quite sunny and clear. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trail and Everest Panorama Trail are doable in January with temperatures just above the freezing level. Annapurna and Everest Base Camps are freezing cold at this time so higher elevations are rather challenging. Also, mind, that days get shorter and it often snows on higher altitudes.

Nepal weather in February

9.2/10 score
Ideal
10° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
The weather is quite moderate in Kathmandu during the last month of winter. The temperature is slightly higher than in January and doesn’t drop below freezing even during nighttime. There is about 7 hours of sunshine a day and the weather is very pleasant when it’s sunny.Rains get more frequent, but it’s not too wet, and it’s also often foggy and cloudy during the day. Traveling in Nepal can be quite pleasant in Pokhara valley or Jomsom valley that usually experience moderate winters. However, if you decide to go trekking in the mountains, be ready for the temperatures to go below freezing after you get above 4,000 m (10,000 ft). It’s possible to do quite a few trails in Nepalese Himalayas at this time: Chepang Hill, Panchase Trekking, and Chisapani Nagarkot Trekking. It’s not recommended to go to Everest region that is freezing cold at this time.

Nepal weather in March

9.1/10 score
Ideal
12° average
average temperatures
12 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
March already feels like spring in Nepal. Kathmandu quickly gets warm and sunny. With longer days filled with about 9 hours of sunshine it’s possible to plan hiking and trekking trips. The kathmandu and Pokhara valleys are truly beautiful in the spring when the nature is awakening. The rains are not that frequent at this time, and the foggy weather is gone. Days are generally pleasant enough to stay outside for hours. Nights are still rather cold though, so you’ll need a warm jacket. In Himalaya region, spring is the best time to see wildflowers on lower altitudes. It’s much more pleasant to explore the mountains as days are longer, warmer, and sunnier. It doesn’t rain often, and the weather is perfect to check out some of the most popular trekking routes such as Annapurna Base Camp Trekking, Gokyo Lake Trekking, Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trekking, Everest Panorama Trekking, Manaslu Circuit Trekking, Poon Hill Trekking or Langtang Valley Trekking. March marks the start of the tourist season in Himalayas, however keep in mind that it’s still cold during nights, and on higher altitudes the weather might change suddenly. Above 4000 m (10,000 ft), snow and below freezing temperature is possible.

Nepal weather in April

6.7/10 score
Good
17° average
average temperatures
13 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
April is one of the best months to visit Nepal. In Kathmandu, April is one of the hottest months of the year. The day temperatures stay quite moderate but the air often warms up to about 30°C (86°F). The temperature drop sharply at night so make sure you pack a jacket and a sweater. During the day, it’s mostly warm and sunny, so you will only need a t-shirt and a pair of shorts. The rains are rare. With about 7 hours of sunshine daily, it’s worth to plan a trip to explore Kathmandu Valley and beautiful national parks that are abundant with wildflowers and lush forests. April is one of the months for trekking Himalayas in terms of weather and beauty. Lush green valleys and beautiful views are everywhere. As you get to higher altitudes in Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Langtang and Manaslu the hills are dotted with hot pink rhododendrons adding color everywhere. You can also also spot many migratory birds. Rains are short and light. The temperatures stay in the comfortable range even in the mountains. However, keep in mind that during the night the air can cool down to freezing level at an altitude of over 4000 meters (13,000 ft). Base camps at Everest may still have extreme weather conditions.

Nepal weather in May

5.4/10 score
Acceptable
19° average
average temperatures
14 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
May is a great month to visit Nepal. The temperatures range from comfortable in the mountains to hot in the valleys. In Kathmandu, May is one of the hottest months when temperatures could rise to 30°C (86°F). The days are sunny and clear, and even though the chances of rain are a bit higher than in April, the weather is predominantly dry. With about 11 hours of sunshine, there is a lot to see and to experience during this month. May is a suitable time for trekking in terms of weather and views as the nature is lush and green everywhere. It is perfect for trekking in Everest region, Annapurna mountains, Manaslu, and Langtang region. The air is warm and comfortable with temperatures about 19-25 Celsius (68-72 Fahrenheit) at altitudes about 2,500 m (8,200 ft). I it starts to get rather humid, and light rain is frequent at this time. Thunderstorms are the main problems when trekking in the mountains. Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek are the most popular destinations at this time.

Nepal weather in June

4.2/10 score
Marginal
21° average
average temperatures
16 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
The first month of the summer is quite hot and humid in Nepal. In Kathmandu, the day temperature can go up to 38°C (100°F). June also marks the beginning of the monsoon season. The beginning of the month is still quite dry, but be ready for downpours in late June. The rains can be rather relentless. As the roads get muddy due to rain, hiking and sightseeing becomes more problematic. Pokhara Valley, Mahabharat and Churia Hills in East Nepal get massive amounts of rain. If you decide to go trekking in June, be prepared for rain and difficult weather conditions. Also, keep in mind that views can be hindered by clouds. In , Himalaya region, however, rain usually occurs at night, and morning features some clear skies. Muddy and slippery trails as well as the risk of landslides is the main problem for travelers in this month. However, it doesn’t rain all the time, and monsoon surely has its advantages: lush nature, blooming flowers, and freshness. The temperature is usually moderate at this time. And rainfall y decreases after you reach 2,000 m (6,500ft).

Nepal weather in July

4.3/10 score
Marginal
21° average
average temperatures
15 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
Rains take over Nepal in July. It can rain for 21 days this month. The temperature stay moderate in July in Kathmandu, while it receives the most amount of rain in the whole year. So make sure you have a waterproof raincoat rubber boots and an umbrella. Mosquito repellent is also a must, as mosquitoes become numerous in June.The levels of humidity are record high in July. On the positive side, it’s very green, lush and fresh after the rain. Eastern and central part of Nepal receive the most rainfall, and hiking there might be rather difficult due to muddy roads. However, trekking in Himalaya is still possible in July. The rains usually fall at night so the mornings are quite clear. You can have a decent day of trekking, but be prepared for some rain or an occasional thunderstorm at any time. Trekking in Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, and Nar Phu Valley are recommended during July. Everest Base Camp trek or Ghorepani Poon Hill trek are also doable.

Nepal weather in August

4.5/10 score
Marginal
21° average
average temperatures
19 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
August is the second wettest month in Nepal so it’s not the best time to visit the country. In Kathmandu, the temperature is quite warm but the skies are always cloudy, and it can rain for 6-8 days in a row. Hot and wet, the weather brings mosquitoes, so make sure you bring waterproof clothes and mosquito repellent. Central and Eastern Nepal are especially rainy these days. Even though tourists usually avoid the monsoon season in Nepal, it is still possible to go trekking in the himalaya region in August. There is a lot of rain shadow areas in the mountains, and it’s possible to plan your route in these areas to stay away from the rasin. The weather in August is usually warm and humid, and the nature is lush due to rain. Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna circuit, and Upper Mustang Trek are doable in August. It’s also possible to hike in Nagarkot Changunarayan, Shivapuri Chisopani, and Dhampus Sarangkot in central Nepal.

Nepal weather in September

5.9/10 score
Acceptable
20° average
average temperatures
12 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
Rains gradually leave Nepal in September. The season of tropical downpours is over, bringing some relief to residents. In Kathmandu, it still rains for 12 days in September but the weather is already much better. The air is warm in 20s Celsius or seventies Fahrenheit. There are eight hour of sunshine during the day. September is one of the best months for trekking in Nepal. The beginning of the month still features some rain, but by mid-September you’ll get perfect comfortable and dry autumn weather with moderate temperatures and clear skies. It is also time to experience many festivals in Himalaya region. Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, and Upper Mustang Trek are the most popular destinations at this time.

Nepal weather in October

7.7/10 score
Very good
17° average
average temperatures
11 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
October is one of the best times to visit Nepal. Kathmandu has nearly perfect weather and visibility.Moderate daytime temperature gets close to twenties Celsius or mid-eighties Farenheit. It’s a great time to visit temples, enjoy hikes and walks without getting too hot. Evenings can already get chilly so bring a warm sweater and a jacket. October also has some chance of rain, but nothing like the previous months. Trekking in Nepal in October is just fantastic. The month gives you the perfect conditions to enjoy the majestic Himalayas. After monsoon season the forests are especially lush and landscapes are beautiful. It’s time to see the lakes, foaming waterfalls, as well as numerous festivals in Himalaya region. All trekking routes are good at this time including the popular Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base camp trek. It still may rain in October but rains are short and not too intense.

Nepal weather in November

9.3/10 score
Ideal
12° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
Boasting dry and moderate weather November is one of the best months to visit Nepal. Moderate weather and great visibility are perfect for hiking, trekking or any outdoor activities. In Kathmandu the cooling days suit well for sightseeing and visiting numerous temples in the area. The valleys of central and eastern Nepal are also worth visiting due to lush nature after the rainy season. In November, the rain almost stops, and there are still nine hours of sunshine. November is also a very good time for trekking in the mountains. The days are crisp and cloudless with mountain views of great clarity. The temperature is moderate and is perfect for hiking and walking activity. After monsoon, the nature is especially fresh, and there is little dust or pollution. This season is perfect for trails in the Everest region, Annapurna and Langtang. At lower elevations up to 3500 m (11,500 ft), the temperature can still sometimes reach 20s Celsius(70s Fahrenheit) during the day. At higher elevations, the temperature is around 10-15 Celsius(52-59 Farenheit) and it falls below freezing at night.

Nepal weather in December

9.1/10 score
Ideal
8° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
The beginning of the winter season is quite moderate in Nepal. Kathmandu still boasts quite comfortable temperature and about eight hours of daylight. The nights get rather cold though, sp make sure to have a warm jacket and sweaters. Also make sure your hotel has heating during this time. December is still a good time to go sightseeing and explore the famous temples in Kathmandu and the surrounding valley. First half of December is still good for trekking almost everywhere in Nepal. However keep in mind that it starts snowing on higher altitudes. The second half of the month sees dropping temperatures as well. However, the days are mostly dry and clear, providing great visibility. Lower altitudes are not cold at all, but as you go higher prepare for a sharp drop. It is recommended to hike on elevations below 4000 m(13,000 ft) in December. Many treks in Annapurna, Everest and Langtang are possible to do in this month. Mustang and Simikot are usually closed down due to snowfall. Everest Panorama Trek is one of the most popular in December.