Asia
Nepal
When to visit Nepal

When to visit Nepal

Nepal has varied seasons and microclimates between the Terai and the mountains. However, the following can be used as a guideline.

From October to December, temperatures are moderate, with cool evenings and brilliant blue skies with spectacular views. This is the best time to visit Nepal for high-altitude trekking, sightseeing, and wildlife. January and February temperatures can be very cold. The rewards are blue skies and panoramic views. Treks are quiet, but the nights are cold. This is a fine time for low-altitude, trekking, sightseeing, and wildlife.

March and April temperatures are moderate, and the weather is dry with little haze. This is the best time for high-altitude trekking, sightseeing, and wildlife. May is when the heat starts to build and with it the pre-monsoon humidity. Temperatures in the lowlands and the Terai can climb to 35°C.

June to August is monsoon season bringing clouds and heavy rain. Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley is still possible. Sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley is still possible. It can be possible to trek in rain-shadow areas of the northern areas of Mustang, Upper Manang, and Dolpo.

Nepal season-by-season

Nepal is a fascinating destination and has much to offer at any time of year. We’ve put together an overview of climate season-by-season and region-by-region below.

Spring

Spring starts in March in Nepal and is a beautiful time to visit. Temperatures begin to warm up, though the mornings and nights can still be cool, and we recommend that you pack layers. Throughout March and April, the days start to lengthen with the bonus of making afternoon safaris, boat rides, and treks just that bit longer. The temperatures gradually increase throughout spring, but this is mainly noticeable in the Terai region. March is also rhododendron season which is when the flowers are in full bloom, and treks are interspersed with swathes of red and pink flowers.

May is one of the warmest months in Nepal, with the heat starting to build pre-monsoon and threatening clouds appearing in the skies, warning of things to come. If you can stand the heat, it can be dramatic! Spring is excellent for high-altitude treks, wildlife, and cultural holidays.

Summer

June, July, and August are monsoon seasons. Rain can be expected most days; that doesn’t mean it rains all day, but you should plan for daily showers. The monsoon affects most aspects of tourism in the country. In the mountains, treks become muddy, visibility is obscured, and landslides can occur, which can naturally obstruct travel plans. This is also the time of year when the national parks are closed, although life goes on in the villages around them, which is always interesting to see, particularly in the Community Projects. As most rain comes in the afternoon or evenings, mornings can still be spectacular, and sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley with visits to Nagarkot or Dhulikhel are still possible.

If you can only trek during this time, then head into the rain shadow areas of Manang, Mustang, or Dolpo.

Fall

Fall is a short season in Nepal that tucks itself neatly between the monsoon and the winter. The rains begin to retreat at the end of August, leaving everything green, lush, verdant, and fresh. This is when temperatures can still be a little warm, but Nepal welcomes the clear skies making the views on hikes and in the main sightseeing areas spectacular. October is considered winter in Nepal, but the earliest two weeks are still warm, and the chill keeps away from the nights. It is a beautiful time to be there: the national parks are open, treks are happening, and sightseeing is at its best. There’s a great vibe heralding the main start to the season in Kathmandu.

Winter

Late November to early March tends to be free from rain and brings lovely clear skies, great views, and fantastic photo opportunities. However, temperatures do drop, and evenings will be cold, so it is advisable to bring layers and a warm fleece/light jacket for evenings. Low-level treks are possible if you are well prepared and don’t mind the cold, particularly at night. December and January are the coldest months; November and February are slightly warmer, though still cold at night. While this is low season time for the main trekking regions, it is a good time for sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, and wildlife safaris.

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