Best Time and Worst Time To Visit Nepal

Oh, there's one more thing

... despite its small size, Nepal boasts a wide range of heights and climates, from the subtropical rainforest in the south to the world's highest peaks in the north.

As a result, making a general statement about the weather in Nepal during a particular season is unreliable, because regional variances can cause conditions to change dramatically across various places within the same season. It is beneficial to understand seasonal differences so that you can visit at the best time for the activities you want to conduct. The purpose of your travel to this beautiful nation will influence you when you go. The greatest time to visit Nepal is between October and December when the sky is usually clear and the views are spectacular. Until approximately April, the weather is dry. January and February might be exceedingly chilly, especially in the evenings, but they compensate with spectacular scenery and smoother walking paths due to fewer visitors.

Pre-summer is a great time to visit since the rhododendrons (essentially a flower) are in bloom. Warmth and moisture levels increase from May till the torrential downpours arrive in June and veil the magnificent mountain's view. Nepal celebrates all year, so there is always a celebration or trek going on - plan for additional details since the dates usually vary from year to year. With our international trip packages, you may visit this year-round location.

 

Best time of year to visit Nepal 

The greatest time to visit Nepal is between October and December, when the sky are clear and the scenery is breathtaking. Until approximately April, the weather stays dry, with temperatures ranging by location.
January and February may be quite cold, especially at night, with average temperatures at Namche Bazaar hovering around 6°C. However, because there are fewer people, you will be rewarded with beautiful sky, amazing vistas, and calmer walking paths. At this time, high altitude hiking is not advised.
Late spring in May is a lovely time to visit, with the rhododendrons in full flower. Heat and humidity levels rise, with temperatures in Chitwan National Park reaching 35°C.
The monsoon season begins in June and lasts until the end of August, when clouds obscure the breathtaking mountain vistas. Because of the tremendous rain and landslides, travel is difficult and many places are closed, therefore the nation is best avoided at this time.
Nepal has festivities all year, thus there is always a festival or pilgrimage going on. Inquire with your specialist for further information, since dates vary from year to year.

 

Nepal's weather

Nepal is generally moderate, with four distinct seasons centered on the summer monsoon, which lasts from June to September. With midday clouds and rain showers, the buildup to the monsoon is oppressively hot. The ensuing monsoon provides respite by lowering temperatures and bringing the countryside into bloom.

While winter is often bright and steady, it can be quite cold in hiking regions. After the recent rains, the months of spring and fall are clear, dry, and fresh. Each season has its attractions and provides something unique to visitors to this lovely Himalayan nation.

• Visiting Nepal between December and February

Winter is the ideal season to explore Chitwan National Park, a popular site for jungle hikes and safari trips. There are Bengal tigers, elephants, rhinoceros, and over 500 bird species in the park. Plan your vacation in January or February for the best possibilities of seeing animals. It's worth mentioning, though, that this is one of Nepal's most popular places, so unless you go during the rainy season, you'll be rhino spotting with a lot of other people. Bardia National Park, northwest of Nepalgunj, is a more peaceful option with the highest possibility of seeing tigers in Nepal.

The colder months are particularly ideal for spending a few days visiting Bandipur. With its classic wooden buildings, bustling marketplaces, and picturesque footpaths, this quaint village will capture your attention. The town is a five-hour journey from Kathmandu, making it a practical vacation if the capital's bustling pace becomes too much for you.

Winter in Kathmandu is ideal for layering up and exploring the old city. Low temperatures are ideal for sitting at a café in Thamel and sipping a glass of Nepali tea, which comes in a variety of flavors, or a cup of Nepal's own-grown coffee.

Winter months are often dry and stable, making them ideal for hiking — though they are unavoidably cooler. There may be snow at 2500m or below, and conditions may make passes over 4000m impassable. If you're trekking at high elevations, you'll also need adequate clothes for low weather and severe precipitation. Aside from the difficult weather, if you're an experienced trekker, this may be a fantastic time to be on the slopes, with significantly fewer trekkers trekking out. Lower elevations may already feel like spring. 

• Visiting Nepal between March and May 

This is a popular season for visitors visiting the Everest base camp and the Annapurna circuit. These months are especially popular for short hikes in the Nepalese countryside, such as Ghorepani, Poon Hill, and Mardi Himal.

But the possibilities don't stop there: you may also visit less-visited locations, such as the tea fields in Ilam, eastern Nepal. Panch Pokhari is a lonely high-altitude wetland habitat with five glacier lakes. Mountain vistas might also be your gorgeous backdrop during a yoga retreat in Nepal.

By May, the weather has become hotter and hazier, with afternoon thunderstorms becoming more prevalent. If you're trekking and expecting rain, go high, especially in renowned wetter areas like Annapurna and the extreme east of the nation.

• Visiting Nepal between June and August

Early summer is a great time to see Kathmandu's rich treasures sans the crowds. If you are caught in the monsoon downpour (from mid-June to early September), you may always wait it out in one of the many cafés and tea shops.

If you enjoy scenery or animal photography, early June is the best time to visit Shey Poksundo (She-Phoksundo) National Park. As the country's largest national park, it is home to hundreds of animal and plant species. You could even see endangered animals like Himalayan black bears, snow leopards, and blue sheep here. The monsoon season is avoided by the majority of visitors who come to Nepal for excellent hiking options. Rain may make walking pathways treacherous and muddy — and there are leeches to worry with! Mountain vistas may be obstructed, and general travel may be difficult.

However, you should not count out hiking entirely. Avoid rainy locations like Annapurna and the far east of Nepal in favor of areas where the monsoon is less. The far west and places under the rain shadow of the Himalayas are quite safe. Dolpo, Humla, and the mythical Mustang area north of Annapurna are among them. Mustang is home to the world's deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki, at 8,270 feet (2,520 meters). Other must-see villages in the vicinity are Marpha (also known as the Apple Capital of Nepal) and Kagbeni.

Remember to allow for unexpected changes to your itinerary if you are traveling to Nepal for trekking trips. Rain can cause delays and cancellations in transportation. Before you go, check the road conditions and carry waterproof gear. It's also worth noting that when the rain stops, the weather will still be hot and sunny, so you can still get out and see the nation throughout the monsoon season.

• Nepal during September and November

After the monsoon, from approximately September until early October, the weather can be erratic. If the rains have stopped, you'll be greeted with pleasant temperatures and beautiful skies, making fall or autumn one of the greatest times to visit Nepal. Trekking paths are also peaceful, which hikers and mountaineers alike. If you're unfortunate, the monsoon may not have completely subsided. In such instances, it may be hot and humid, and you may be trapped in heavy rain — or even snow. Those breathtaking mountain views might sometimes be obscured by clouds.

The optimum period for hard climbing and mountaineering in Nepal is from mid-October to mid-November. However, starting in September, the Himalayas are at their busiest.

 

 

Best time to Visit Kathmandu

The fall season, from September through November, is the finest time to visit Kathmandu, with temperatures ranging from 9°C to 20°C. During this time of year, the weather in Kathmandu is ideal for a lengthy holiday or a short getaway. The fall season delivers a nice chilly climate, excellent for outdoor activities such as trekking and sightseeing, as the monsoon rains have just ended and the chill of winter has yet to set in. A view of crystal clear, vibrant blue skies is an added benefit, making it simple to identify all of the mountain peaks from various vantage points.

Climate in Kathmandu

• Summertime in Kathmandu

During the summer, locations with higher elevations have a subtropical highland climate, whereas the remainder of the country has a humid subtropical climate. Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit Kathmandu.

• Monsoon time in Kathmandu

The monsoon season lasts from July through August, bringing significant rainfall to the valley. Rainfall in Nepal falls dramatically from west to east, while Kathmandu, being on the eastern side, receives its fair share.

• Winter time in Kathmandu

Kathmandu's winters are somewhat nice. Given its proximity to all of the high Himalayan peaks, the cold is not as severe. Except for a few isolated instances, the temperature never falls below freezing.

 

More about the Best Time to Travel to Kathmandu

• Kathmandu during the winter (December to February)

Winter in Kathmandu typically lasts from December through February. With temperatures ranging from 15 to 2 degrees Celsius, it gets rather cold. Because it is the offseason in Kathmandu, lodging is easy and inexpensive to come by. The views of the snow-capped mountains are stunning, and travelers may participate in sports like as rafting and paragliding. The area also has several hiking routes, the most prominent of which being Annapurna and Everest Base Camp. If you travel in December, you may see the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival, which is shown across the city.

• Peak Season / High Season in Kathmandu

Kathmandu's high season lasts from late September through December. The area is dry and accessible throughout these months. The sky is clear, and the mountain vistas are breathtaking! This season's temperatures vary from 20 to 26 degrees Celsius during the day and 4 to 14 degrees Celsius at night. During these months, tourists enjoy wildlife exploration; you may see elephants, monkeys, birds, rhinos, and more! This time of year, is perfect for trekking and city exploring! Diwali is celebrated in Kathmandu in October or December, when the entire city is lighted up with candles and lamps, giving it a lovely appearance!

• Kathmandu during the shoulder season

March, April, and May are the shoulder months in Kathmandu. This is the pre-monsoon season, and the weather is normally dry, but there may be a little rain here and there. Temperatures range from 25 to 29 degrees Celsius during the day and 9 to 16 degrees Celsius at night throughout these months. During these months, one may see the beauty of blooming rhododendrons and participate in the Annapurna trip, one of Nepal's most famous treks. Holi is usually celebrated with energy and zeal in Kathmandu in March. This may be the ideal opportunity for you to see the area all lit up!

• Low Season in Kathmandu

The winter months of January to February, and the monsoon months of June to September, have the fewest tourists in Kathmandu. The temperature swings from 29 to 20 degrees Celsius during the monsoon season and from 20 to 3 degrees Celsius during the winter season. Even during the off season, Kathmandu has a lot to offer. Accommodation and flights can be acquired at a lower cost. During the low season, you may see breathtaking vistas of the snow-covered mountains, and if you don't mind the cold, you can even embark on a walk. Every addition, Kathmandu hosts the Indra Jatra event in September. The event lasts eight days and you may participate if you want to experience the religious aspect of the region!

 

Best time to visit Pokhara

Pokhara is a significant and well-known tourist destination in Nepal. Pokhara is the place to go if you want to spend an ideal cold holiday admiring gorgeous lakes, caves, and mountains, or if you want to walk up in the highlands or feast your eyes with the surreal beauty of nature.

According to weather reports, the peak temperature can reach 24 degrees Celsius and the low temperature can reach 12 degrees Celsius. However, rain may occur at any moment in Pokhara. The number of tourists is higher during these months. The gorgeous dawn from Sarangkot hilltop, a clear city view from World Peace Pagoda, and mountain ranges from every location in the city are all available.

Pokhara may be visited all year, however the ideal time to come is described below in an in-depth examination of how the weather in Pokhara changes throughout the year.

•  March to May (14°C to 30°C)

The summer season in Pokhara lasts from March through May. These months are pleasant and relaxing, making them ideal for organizing a visit to Pokhara Nepal for sightseeing and experiencing the local feel. The temperature may reach 30°C during this period, making it one of the most comfortable seasons to visit Pokhara. However, because the temperature is warmer than in the other seasons, many visitors visit Pokhara during this period. Evening walks and sightseeing cannot be more enjoyable than this.

• June to October (20°C to 30°C)

If you want to travel between June and October, you should be prepared for daily severe rain.

Monsoon season is one of the worst seasons to visit Pokhara. Strong winds and flooding of the streets are usual during the monsoon season in Pokhara Nepal, with oppressive humidity all the time. However, while the rain is just an hourly impact, it is still a wonderful time to arrange a vacation to Pokhara because the weather is nice and suitable for touring as the cool wind refreshes you.

• November to March (4°C to 22°C)

Winter is not the best season to visit Pokhara. From November to March, one may easily organize a trip to Pokhara for sightseeing and enjoying other sports such as paragliding. Furthermore, while the temperature is pleasant and chilly, you won't have to worry about the humidity. Best of all, you won't have to worry about rain this time. During these months, the temperature fluctuates from 4°C to 22°C.

• Pokhara's rainy season

In Nepal, the monsoon season lasts from June through August. However, due to the consequences of climate change, you will not receive as much rain in June. However, rainfall might reach 900 cm in July and August. The temperature might be around 24 degrees Celsius on average.

Individuals used to avoid visiting Pokhara during this season, however we can now find rain-loving people. After the rain the night before, the sunrise across the mountains seems even more spectacular.

• Pokhara during the winter season

The coldest months in Nepal are December, January, and February. Pokhara is lower in elevation than Kathmandu, yet it is bordered by mountains to the north. One can feel the chilly air coming from the north. The temperature drops to 5 degrees Celsius.

A cloudy morning may interfere with your view of the sunrise from Sarangkot. Winter activities include camping, hiking, and bicycling. Rainfall is unusual at this time of year.

 

 

Best Time for Hiking in Pokhara

Choosing the right season for hiking is critical to having a pleasant trekking experience. Hiking is made unforgettable by the beautiful weather, with nice balmy days and a clear view of the mountains and sky.

The fall season is ideal for hiking since there is better visibility of the amazing mountains, wonderful weather, and green hills. Temperatures at this season range from 20 degrees Celsius during the day to 5 degrees Celsius at night, but might vary depending on altitude. Autumn is a lovely season to explore nature, with its flowering flora and fauna, stunning creatures, and many-colored flowers. It is also aromatic, which adds to its allure.

So, from mid-September to November, the greatest season for hiking is when the weather is clear and the vistas are spectacular. The weather is mild, with warm days and cool evenings. Enjoy the magnificent natural color, additional species to discover, and the natural beauty that nature provides. The mountain's visibility is enhanced by the clear sky. Furthermore, the weather is dry and clear. Autumn is regarded to be the ideal period for hiking because it is neither too hot nor too chilly.

Autumn is the ideal season for trekking, although each season provides a unique natural pleasure due to its biodiversity, greenery, natural beauty, and wildlife, among other things. As a result, each of the four seasons offers a unique experience.

 

The best time to visit Chitwan

Are you planning a trip to Chitwan with your loved ones? Excellent choice of destination.
Chitwan National Park is Nepal's first and one of its most culturally significant national parks. After hiking over the rocky pathways of the Himalayas and participating in adventure-filled activities in Pokhara, a stroll through the forests of Chitwan will be the ideal complement to your Nepal travels. Apart from being one of the last rhino and Bengal tiger sanctuaries, it also provides sanctuary to exotic species such as sloth bears, rare ghariyal crocodiles, leopards, and hundreds of other bird and animal species.
Chitwan has a typical tropical monsoon climate, with three distinct seasons and high humidity all year. Because of the comparatively moderate weather and rain-free ambiance, the buffer months of October, November, March, and April are ideal for visiting Chitwan.

 

BEST SEASON TO VISIT CHITWAN

• WINTER (DECEMBER, JANUARY, FEBRUARY) 
  Winter is an excellent time to explore Chitwan, particularly Chitwan National Park. Apart from being one of the world's second-largest protected places for rhinos and Bengal tigers, the Chitwan national park also provides habitat for exotic species such as sloth bears, endangered gharial crocodiles, leopards, and hundreds of other bird and animal species. Because of the cold weather and the dry season, winter is the best time to see wildlife in their native environment. Even during the winter months of December, January, and February, humidity levels in Chitwan remain high. As a result, mornings in Chitwan are frequently foggy throughout these months, with dewdrops lingering about in the hazy environment.
  Even though the evenings and mornings are extremely chilly, the midday temperatures remain nice, ranging between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. January and February are the coldest months of the year, with temperatures reaching single digits and occasionally even freezing at night. Locals trim the grass in the forest during the months of January and February, which substantially increases the visibility of the animals. If you visit the national park around this season, you will see animals up close, often only a few feet away.
• FALL (SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER) 
  Fall in Nepal normally begins in mid-September and lasts until November. Chitwan has warm temperatures and beautiful evenings during the months of September, October, and November. Fall days are generally more pleasant than summer and spring days. Since of the mild weather, it is simple to go in Chitwan during the autumn because you will not sweat as much and will not feel as much hustle and bustle sightseeing.
• SPRING (MARCH-MAY) 
  You could think of visiting Chitwan in the spring, just like any other place, to enjoy the wonderful weather with flowers and sun. However, in Chitwan, you might want to reconsider going during the spring. The humidity is lowest in March, April, and May, but temperatures progressively rise with each passing day, with the warmest days occurring from May to early June. The creatures are commonly spotted attempting to cool themselves in water holes, rivers, and lakes. However, the days may be exceedingly bright and hot, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius.
• SUMMER(JUNE-SEPTEMBER)
  While the Summer (pre-monsoon) season begins in May, by June, the south-easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal bring torrential rain and extremely high humidity. Good luck if you want to go on a Jeep safari in Chitwan National Park during the months of June, July, August, and September. Jeep safaris become increasingly difficult during these months owing to severe rain and flooding of forest paths.
  Furthermore, the town of Sauraha tends to submerge in the deluge at these seasons, resulting in the closure of several hotel choices for the duration of the season. The creatures are rarely seen in this weather, although leeches are abundant during the wet season. Be wary of these small animals if you visit during the summer, since they are normally undetectable when they latch on. If you find one on your body, it is best to leave it alone until it has finished its business and falls off on its own. If they make you uncomfortable, you may also ask your guide to assist you in getting them off.

 

Best time for trekking in Nepal

If you're planning a vacation to the Himalayas and want to know when the optimum season to trek is, the answer is "it depends"! In general, there is no one optimal moment for everyone. Your Himalayan adventure will be determined by how you feel about crowds, how high you intend to hike, and your tolerance for heat, cold, and rain. Each Himalaya season offers advantages and disadvantages. With this handy advice, you should be able to determine the optimum trekking season for YOU in order to get the most of your trip.
It is difficult to determine the optimal time to hike in Nepal. The summer monsoon (June to September) gives development and freshness, but hikers should avoid it. Autumn (September to late November) and spring (February to mid-April) are the finest times to visit: autumn provides clarity, with pests and dust washed away by the monsoon; spring days are warmer and longer, allowing for more time spent exploring. Winter in Nepal (December to January) does not bring much snow, but it is cold; dress warmly and you'll be one of the few people up in the mountains.a

• March to May
  Trekking in Nepal in the spring carries the same hazards and pleasures as any other springtime activity: gorgeous, blossoming flowers and pleasant temperatures, but also the potential of a sudden frigid day. In the spring, warm temperatures (800-2000m) are the norm in lower elevation (800-2000m) regions, making trekking in locations such as lower Annapurna relatively enjoyable. Elevations above 4000m often feature mild temperatures, allowing for clear sky and warm-weather hiking conditions.
  Spring is regarded as one of the greatest seasons for trekking and climbing in Nepal, not only because of the weather, but also because of the stunningly beautiful growing environment.
• June to August
  The monsoon season in Nepal lasts from late May to mid-September, so your typical summer vacation may not be possible. Trekking or climbing at this time of year is perilous and should be avoided. Monsoon season in Nepal also implies warm, humid conditions that would make climbing difficult. Rain, muck, and even leeches tend to totally inundated the lower elevations. This is not to say that summer is completely off limits for the region. While Nepal is unlikely to be your first option, these months are great for visiting India's Ladakh area. Because of its location on the Tibetan plateau, this time of year is typically dry and sunny, surrounded by breathtaking landscape.
• October to November
  Autumn is often regarded as the greatest hiking season in Nepal. While spring may have some chilly afternoons, after monsoon season is over, you can nearly always count on sunlight and blue sky all day. Autumn in Nepal brings mild temperatures and good hiking and climbing conditions, capped off by breathtaking vistas made possible by the monsoon's removal of dust and pollutants from the environment. Of course, you must exercise caution: if you begin too early, you may have monsoon problems. Once the weather has stabilized, you should be safe starting about the middle of September. On the other hand, avoid journeys that begin too late in the year. Temperatures might drop dramatically once December arrives.
• December to February
  Those December temperatures might mean a terrible trip in Nepal for the majority of visitors. Today's winter temperature varies from 9 to 12 degrees Celsius to below zero at night. If you can withstand the cold temperature, you'll be able to dodge the crowds, as most climbers explore during the warmer months. The Everest region, in particular, is significantly less congested than it is in the autumn. However, high passes in the Everest area, such as Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La, are frequently closed from November to March due to morning fog