When is the best time to visit Nepal? Autumn (October–November), then spring (March–April): clear skies over the Himalaya, dry trails and pleasant temperatures in the Kathmandu Valley. Conversely, the monsoon from June to September brings most of the year’s rain, landslides and mountains often hidden by cloud. To place the Kathmandu Valley and the mountain ranges, see our map of Nepal.
The country nevertheless rises from less than 200 m (656 ft) above sea level in the Terai plain to more than 8000 m (26,247 ft) on the summits. The « right » season therefore also depends on your plans: a high-altitude trek, cultural visits in the Kathmandu Valley or a safari in Chitwan National Park. Here is how to choose, based on the official 1991–2020 climate normals of Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.
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When to go to Nepal at a glance
- Best overall period October and November, the dry season after the monsoon
- Second-best period March and April, warmer, with rhododendrons in bloom at mid-altitude
- Monsoon roughly June to September; more than 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain in July and August in Kathmandu
- Winter (December–February) dry and bright, but nights near 3 °C (37 °F) in Kathmandu in January and frost at altitude
- For a high-altitude trek mid-October to late November, or March to May
- For Chitwan October to March; heat becomes strong from April in the Terai
- Good to know the major festivals of Dashain and Tihar generally fall in October–November, right in the high season
When to go to Nepal by priority
- Best weather: October–November, then March–April
- Cheapest: June to August (low prices), during the monsoon; January in the dry season, with cold nights
- Fewest crowds: December and January, dry but cold at altitude
- Events: Holi in March, Buddha Jayanti in April or May, Dashain in late September or October, Tihar in October or November (lunar calendar)
Nepal: the calendar at a glance
✅ Best months: February, March, April, October, November, December
❌ Period to avoid: June, July, August
Nepal’s weather and climate month by month
The table below gives the normals for Kathmandu (airport station, 1337 m (4,386 ft) above sea level), the arrival point for almost every trip. The valley is also a base for Bhaktapur, Patan and Nagarkot. Pokhara, the mountains and the Terai are detailed further down.
| Month | Avg. max | Avg. min | Rain | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19.2 °C (67 °F) | 2.8 °C (37 °F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Dry, but cold nights |
| February | 22.1 °C (72 °F) | 5.3 °C (42 °F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ✅ Dry, mild days |
| March | 26.0 °C (79 °F) | 8.8 °C (48 °F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | High | High | ✅ Good visibility, start of the trek season |
| April | 28.6 °C (83 °F) | 12.3 °C (54 °F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | High | High | ✅ Rhododendrons, a few thunderstorms |
| May | 29.2 °C (85 °F) | 16.1 °C (61 °F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ⚠️ Heat, thunderstorms and haze more frequent |
| June | 29.5 °C (85 °F) | 19.3 °C (67 °F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) | Low | Low | ❌ Arrival of the monsoon |
| July | 28.7 °C (84 °F) | 20.3 °C (69 °F) | 384 mm (15.1 in) | Low | Low | ❌ The wettest month |
| August | 29.0 °C (84 °F) | 20.2 °C (68 °F) | 343 mm (13.5 in) | Low | Low | ❌ Monsoon, landslides |
| September | 28.6 °C (83 °F) | 18.8 °C (66 °F) | 208 mm (8.2 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ⚠️ End of the monsoon, rain decreasing |
| October | 27.2 °C (81 °F) | 13.9 °C (57 °F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | Very high | Very high | ✅ Clear skies, the most in-demand month |
| November | 23.6 °C (74 °F) | 8.4 °C (47 °F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | Very high | High | ✅ Very dry, excellent visibility |
| December | 20.2 °C (68 °F) | 4.2 °C (40 °F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ✅ Dry and quiet, cold at altitude |
Two figures sum up Nepal’s climate: in Kathmandu, 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain falls in November, against 384 mm (15.1 in) in July. Nearly 80% of annual precipitation is concentrated from June to September. Temperatures depend above all on altitude: at 1300 m (4,265 ft), afternoons stay mild even in winter, but nights are cool from October to March.
The seasons in Nepal: pros and cons
Four periods are generally distinguished in Nepal: the post-monsoon autumn (October–November), the dry winter (December–February), the pre-monsoon spring (March–May) and the summer monsoon (June–September). According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 1 October 2026), travel during the monsoon season (normally June to October) can be hazardous: flooding and landslides can lead to impassable roads, delays to journeys, or cut off towns and villages for days at a time.
Autumn (October–November): the high season
This is the most sought-after period. The monsoon has cleaned the atmosphere, the summits stand out sharply and rain becomes rare: 43 mm (1.7 in) in Kathmandu in October, 6 mm (0.2 in) in November. Temperatures are comfortable in the valleys, around 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F) in the afternoon.
- Pros: the best visibility of the year, dry trails, ideal conditions for the big treks (Annapurna, Everest, Langtang), the Dashain and Tihar festivals
- Cons: maximum crowds on the best-known routes, mountain lodges sometimes full, flight and hotel prices at their highest
- Watch out: in early October, the last monsoon rains are still possible; nights become cold at altitude from November
- Our tip: the second half of November often offers the same skies as October, with slightly fewer people
Winter (December to February): dry, quiet and cold
Winter is dry and often bright. In Kathmandu, highs stay around 19 to 22 °C (66 to 72 °F), but lows fall to 2.8 °C (37 °F) in January. At altitude, the cold becomes severe: at Lukla (2786 m (9,140 ft)), the average low is below 0 °C (32 °F) in December, January and February.
- Pros: few tourists, gentler prices, good visibility, pleasant conditions for the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and Chitwan
- Cons: freezing nights in the mountains, some high passes snowed in or closed, high-altitude lodges sometimes closed
- Who is it for? Cultural trips, low and mid-altitude treks (around Pokhara, Poon Hill), safaris in the Terai
Spring (March to May): the second high season
Temperatures rise and the mid-mountains are covered with blooming rhododendrons. March and April are excellent months for walking. From late April and in May, the heat increases, late-day thunderstorms multiply and a heat haze often reduces visibility on the summits.
- Pros: long days, pleasant temperatures at altitude, flowering forests, a good time for treks
- Cons: visibility a little less sharp than in autumn, marked heat in the Terai (more than 35 °C (95 °F) in April–May in Bharatpur, near Chitwan)
- Who is it for? Hikers who want to avoid the October crowds
Monsoon (June to September): the green season
The monsoon brings abundant rain, especially on the southern slopes of the Himalaya. Pokhara is one of the wettest towns in the country: 941 mm (37.0 in) in July according to the official normals. Mountain roads are often cut by landslides, and flights to small mountain airstrips, such as Lukla, are frequently delayed or cancelled.
- Pros: green rice paddies, very few tourists, low prices
- Cons: summits hidden, leeches on mid-altitude trails, dangerous roads and trails, communications sometimes cut for several days
- Exception: regions north of the range, such as Upper Mustang around Jomsom, get little rain (less than 50 mm (2.0 in) a month in Jomsom in summer); they are better suited to walking in this season, with access that remains uncertain
- Who is it for? Flexible travelers, ready to adapt their itinerary day by day
When to go to Nepal by region
In Nepal, altitude matters more than latitude. The table compares four representative stations: Kathmandu (central valley), Pokhara (gateway to the Annapurnas), Bharatpur (Terai plain, next to Chitwan Park) and Lukla (gateway to the Everest region).
| Month | Kathmandu (1337 m (4,386 ft)) | Pokhara (827 m (2,713 ft)) | Bharatpur / Chitwan (189 m (620 ft)) | Lukla (2786 m (9,140 ft)) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19.2 °C (67 °F) / 15 mm (0.6 in) | 19.9 °C (68 °F) / 22 mm (0.9 in) | 22.1 °C (72 °F) / 18 mm (0.7 in) | 8.3 °C (47 °F) / 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| February | 22.1 °C (72 °F) / 24 mm (0.9 in) | 22.7 °C (73 °F) / 35 mm (1.4 in) | 26.1 °C (79 °F) / 15 mm (0.6 in) | 8.9 °C (48 °F) / 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| March | 26.0 °C (79 °F) / 38 mm (1.5 in) | 27.1 °C (81 °F) / 64 mm (2.5 in) | 31.5 °C (89 °F) / 22 mm (0.9 in) | 13.3 °C (56 °F) / 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| April | 28.6 °C (83 °F) / 63 mm (2.5 in) | 30.0 °C (86 °F) / 142 mm (5.6 in) | 35.4 °C (96 °F) / 56 mm (2.2 in) | 16.6 °C (62 °F) / 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| May | 29.2 °C (85 °F) / 129 mm (5.1 in) | 30.4 °C (87 °F) / 355 mm (14.0 in) | 36.1 °C (97 °F) / 165 mm (6.5 in) | 16.7 °C (62 °F) / 128 mm (5.0 in) |
| June | 29.5 °C (85 °F) / 241 mm (9.5 in) | 30.8 °C (87 °F) / 648 mm (25.5 in) | 34.9 °C (95 °F) / 342 mm (13.5 in) | 17.7 °C (64 °F) / 325 mm (12.8 in) |
| July | 28.7 °C (84 °F) / 384 mm (15.1 in) | 30.4 °C (87 °F) / 941 mm (37.0 in) | 33.5 °C (92 °F) / 573 mm (22.6 in) | 18.4 °C (65 °F) / 530 mm (20.9 in) |
| August | 29.0 °C (84 °F) / 343 mm (13.5 in) | 30.5 °C (87 °F) / 839 mm (33.0 in) | 33.6 °C (92 °F) / 438 mm (17.2 in) | 18.6 °C (65 °F) / 642 mm (25.3 in) |
| September | 28.6 °C (83 °F) / 208 mm (8.2 in) | 29.9 °C (86 °F) / 635 mm (25.0 in) | 33.2 °C (92 °F) / 277 mm (10.9 in) | 18.6 °C (65 °F) / 419 mm (16.5 in) |
| October | 27.2 °C (81 °F) / 43 mm (1.7 in) | 27.9 °C (82 °F) / 159 mm (6.3 in) | 32.0 °C (90 °F) / 77 mm (3.0 in) | 16.8 °C (62 °F) / 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| November | 23.6 °C (74 °F) / 6 mm (0.2 in) | 24.4 °C (76 °F) / 17 mm (0.7 in) | 28.4 °C (83 °F) / 9 mm (0.4 in) | 13.8 °C (57 °F) / 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| December | 20.2 °C (68 °F) / 8 mm (0.3 in) | 21.0 °C (70 °F) / 12 mm (0.5 in) | 24.0 °C (75 °F) / 18 mm (0.7 in) | 11.1 °C (52 °F) / 1 mm (0.0 in) |
In one table: the recommended period for each main region, month by month.
| Region | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu Valley | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Pokhara and the Annapurnas | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Everest region (Khumbu) | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Terai (Chitwan, Lumbini) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
The Kathmandu Valley (Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur)
Visitable almost all year, the valley is most pleasant from October to April. In winter, bring warm clothes for the evening, as accommodation is rarely heated. During the monsoon, sightseeing remains possible between showers, but the view of the summits from Nagarkot is often blocked.
Pokhara and the Annapurnas
Pokhara receives much more rain than Kathmandu during the monsoon (nearly 650 to 940 mm (25.6 to 37.0 in) a month from June to August). The ideal window is October to April, with Phewa Lake and the reflections of the Annapurnas at dawn. Short treks like Poon Hill can also be done in winter; routes crossing high passes are best planned for October–November or March–April.
The Everest region (Khumbu)
The two classic windows are mid-October to late November and March to May. At Lukla, more than 500 mm (19.7 in) of rain falls in July and August, which disrupts flights. In winter, the weather is often dry, but night temperatures stay below freezing even at 2800 m (9,186 ft), and fall much lower higher up. Allow spare days before your international flight: Kathmandu–Lukla flights depend entirely on the weather. If the Himalaya also draws you further east, see when to go to Bhutan, where you should likewise allow spare days.
The Terai (Chitwan, Bardia, Lumbini)
The southern plain has a tropical climate. From October to March, days are warm without excess (22 to 32 °C (72 to 90 °F) highs in Bharatpur), with frequent morning fog in December–January. From April, highs exceed 35 °C (95 °F), then the monsoon floods part of the plain. Several national park activities are limited during the rainy season: ask the park authorities before booking.
When to go to Nepal by trip type
| Your trip | Best time | Where? |
|---|---|---|
| First trip (culture and easy walking) | October–November, March–April | Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, Chitwan |
| High-altitude trek | Mid-October to late November, March to May | Everest, Annapurna, Langtang |
| Short trek without high altitude | October to April | Poon Hill, around Pokhara, Nagarkot |
| Safari and wildlife | October to March | Chitwan National Park, Bardia |
| Quiet cultural trip | December to February | Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, Bandipur |
| Budget | December–February, June–September | Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara |
| Family trip | School holidays in Europe and North America | Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan |
| Summer hiking | July–August (uncertain access) | Upper Mustang, north of the Annapurnas |
Major events to plan your trip around
| Period | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| February or March (lunar calendar) | Maha Shivaratri, major Hindu pilgrimage | Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu |
| March (lunar calendar) | Holi, the festival of colors | Kathmandu, Pokhara, Terai |
| April or May (lunar calendar) | Buddha Jayanti, the Buddha’s birthday | Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Lumbini |
| Generally late September or October | Dashain, the country’s main festival (offices and shops closed for several days) | Across the country |
| Generally October or November | Tihar, the festival of lights | Across the country |
| Every year, according to the lunar calendar | Indra Jatra (masked dances, chariot of the Kumari) | Kathmandu Durbar Square |
During Dashain and Tihar, a large part of the population returns to their families: buses are full, some shops close and agencies work at a slower pace. The atmosphere is festive, but plan your transport ahead.
Nepal month by month
January: Dry and sunny, but the coldest month: 2.8 °C (37 °F) average low in Kathmandu, frost in the mountains. A good month for the valley, Pokhara and Chitwan, with few tourists.
February: Milder days (22 °C (72 °F) in Kathmandu), still little rain. A good option for low-altitude treks and cultural visits.
March: Start of the spring season: pleasant temperatures, rhododendrons in bloom by the end of the month. A very good month for walking.
April: One of the best months for treks, before the heat haze. A few afternoon thunderstorms. The Terai becomes very hot (35 °C (95 °F) in Bharatpur).
May: Rising heat and thunderstorms (129 mm (5.1 in) in Kathmandu), visibility often reduced. Still possible at altitude, to avoid for Chitwan.
June: Arrival of the monsoon, rain rising sharply, first landslides. Low prices, very few hikers.
July: The heart of the monsoon: 384 mm (15.1 in) in Kathmandu, 941 mm (37.0 in) in Pokhara. Frequent road closures, unpredictable mountain flights. Only the regions north of the range stay relatively dry.
August: Similar to July. For very flexible travelers, or sheltered regions such as Upper Mustang.
September: Rain eases toward the end of the month (208 mm (8.2 in) in Kathmandu). Vegetation is at its greenest, but visibility remains irregular.
October: The benchmark month: skies washed by the monsoon, 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain in Kathmandu, dry trails. Maximum crowds and prices, Dashain or Tihar festivals.
November: The driest month (6 mm (0.2 in)), excellent visibility, cooler nights. A very good month for all treks and for Chitwan.
December: Dry and quiet. Marked cold at altitude, but pleasant conditions in the valley and the Terai. Moderate crowds.
When to book your trip to Nepal
For October and November, book your flights 4 to 6 months ahead, especially if your dates fall during Dashain or Tihar. Domestic flights to Lukla and lodges on the busiest treks fill up quickly at this time: contact a licensed trekking agency early. For March–April, 3 to 4 months is generally enough, and 1 to 2 months in the low season.
Planning your trip to Nepal
- Entry requirements: see our page with the entry requirements for Nepal, and check the current rules for your nationality before you book.
- Trekking: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 1 October 2026), you need a valid permit and a Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card to enter Nepal’s main trekking regions. According to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated April 9, 2026), solo or foreign independent trekkers are required to use a local licensed guide in Nepal’s official national parks and protected areas.
- Altitude and insurance: altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Nepal, particularly in tourist and trekking areas (GOV.UK). Make sure your insurance includes cover for mountain rescue services and helicopter costs (GOV.UK).
- Currency: the Nepalese rupee (NPR). Use our currency converter to estimate your budget.
To go further, see our complete Nepal travel guide. Hesitating with another destination? See also when to go to India, and for more ideas by month, where to go in October and where to go in April.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Nepal?
October and November are the most favorable months: the monsoon is over, skies are clear and trails are dry. November is even the driest month in Kathmandu, with 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain on average. March and April are the second-best period.
Can you visit Nepal during the monsoon?
Yes, but with a lot of flexibility. From June to September, rain is abundant (384 mm (15.1 in) in July in Kathmandu, 941 mm (37.0 in) in Pokhara), mountains are often in the clouds and landslides regularly cut roads. Regions north of the range, such as Upper Mustang, get much less rain.
When should you do the Everest Base Camp trek?
From mid-October to late November, or from March to May. Winter is possible but very cold at altitude, and the monsoon disrupts flights to Lukla. Keep several spare days before your international flight.
Is Nepal cold in winter?
In the Kathmandu Valley, days stay mild (19 to 22 °C (66 to 72 °F)), but nights fall to nearly 3 °C (37 °F) in January. In the mountains, the cold is severe: at Lukla, average lows are below zero from December to February.
What is the cheapest time to go to Nepal?
The monsoon (June to September) and, to a lesser extent, winter (December to February). October–November is the most expensive and busiest period.
When should you go to Chitwan?
From October to March. Temperatures stay bearable, whereas highs exceed 35 °C (95 °F) in April and May, before the monsoon rains arrive.
What is the weather like in Nepal in October?
October is the benchmark month: 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain and 27.2 °C (81 °F) average high in Kathmandu (1991–2020 normals), skies washed by the monsoon and dry trails. It is also the most in-demand month, with the Dashain or Tihar festivals.
What is the weather like in Nepal in July?
It is the heart of the monsoon: 384 mm (15.1 in) of rain in Kathmandu and 941 mm (37.0 in) in Pokhara. Roads are often cut and mountain flights unpredictable; only the regions north of the range stay relatively dry.
Our sources
- Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) of Nepal: 1991–2020 climate normals, published by the World Meteorological Organization for Kathmandu and Pokhara; DHM 1991–2020 normals for Bharatpur, Lukla and Jomsom
- Safety and trekking information read on 26 October 2026: UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Nepal (GOV.UK, updated 1 October 2026), and U.S. Department of State, Nepal country information (travel.state.gov, last updated April 9, 2026)
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
