The Best Time to Visit Nepal: A Month-by-Month Breakdown
22 Jun 2025 Bishal Rijal
January – Crisp Winter Skies
Nepal’s January brings clear, cold weather and stark Himalayan views. Days in Kathmandu typically range from around 3°C to 20°C, and higher elevations see freezing nights. It rarely snows in the Kathmandu Valley, so trails like the Annapurna foothills or Poon Hill stay open (though with snowdrifts at the highest passes). Wildlife is easy to spot in the lowlands, as animals come to riverbanks in cooler air. Popular festivals include Maghe Sankranti (marking the winter solstice) and the Gurung New Year, Tamu Lhosar.
- Weather: Cold but clear skies, mild in Kathmandu (3–20°C); sub-zero at altitude.
- Festivals: Maghe Sankranti, Tamu Lhosar (Gurung New Year).
- Activities: Short hikes like the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek (4 days) or cultural Kathmandu/Pokhara tours are great now. With snow limiting high routes, consider wildlife safaris in Chitwan or Pokhara sightseeing.
- Tip: Pack warm layers and sunglasses. This quiet season offers lower prices and smaller crowds. Check out our Chitwan Jungle Safari for a winter wildlife adventure.
February – Wintry Brightness and Festivals
As winter wanes, February warms up (Kathmandu ~4–21°C) with bright sun and cold nights. Daytime treks in the hills become very pleasant, and fields start to green again. It’s a great time for rhododendron blossoms at mid-elevations. Key festivals include Basant Panchami/Saraswati Puja (celebrating spring) and Sonam Lhosar (Tibetan New Year).
- Weather: Cool-to-warm days (up to 24°C) and crisp clear skies.
- Festivals: Basant Panchami (spring festival), Sonam Lhosar (Tibetan New Year).
- Activities: Start longer treks like Everest or Annapurna Base Camp with dry trails and blooming rhododendrons. Wildlife viewing in parks (Chitwan/Bardia) is excellent.
- Tip: Peak season gear sales still on, but book early. Consider a cultural Kathmandu Rickshaw Tour between treks to experience local life in the mild weather.
March – Springtime Trekking
March heralds full spring: mountains free of fog, warm days (~11–27°C in Kathmandu) and wildflowers everywhere. Trails at 2,000–3,000m clear of snow, making routes like Ghorepani and Langtang attractive. Holi, the Festival of Colors, and Chaite Dashain bring vibrant celebrations in late March.
- Weather: Warmer, low chance of rain; Himalayan views are spectacular.
- Festivals: Holi (color festival), Ghode Jatra (horse festival in Kathmandu).
- Activities: Peak spring trekking – book an Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp trek now. Pokhara and Kathmandu sightseeing are also great as crowds build.
- Tip: Spring is busy – reserve lodges early. For something offbeat, try a Tamang Heritage trek to combine culture and trekking.
April – Rhododendron Bloom
April is peak trekking season. Warm days (13–30°C) and very clear weather make mountain views breathtaking. The rhododendron forests around Annapurna and Everest are in full bloom. Nepal’s new year (mid-April) and Buddha Jayanti (often in May) are celebrated.
- Weather: Hotter, but dry; long daylight and almost zero rain.
- Festivals: Nepali New Year (Bikram Sambat), Buddha Jayanti, Ram Navami.
- Activities: Everest and Annapurna treks are in top form. This is also rafting season on Nepal’s rivers.
- Tip: Hotel rooms fill fast. Call-to-action: Book your Everest or Annapurna Base Camp trek today on Nepal Everest Holidays and experience the grandeur of the Himalayas this spring!
May – Pre-monsoon Warmth
May starts to heat up (Kathmandu up to 34°C) and the first monsoon rains appear late in the month. High passes like Thorong La or Shipton’s Nose may close due to snow or storms. However, the arid regions of Mustang and Dolpo remain dry. The Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang (May) is a spectacular cultural event.
- Weather: Very warm and humid by late month; afternoons often cloud up.
- Festivals: Buddha Jayanti (full moon), Tiji (Mustang), Ropain (rice-planting festival).
- Activities: Last chance for high-altitude treks; consider Upper Mustang or Dolpo before rains. In the Terai, wildlife in Chitwan is very active.
- Tip: Avoid West Nepal treks late May. Call-to-action: Explore the rain-shadow Himalayas on our Upper Mustang trek – it’s an unforgettable adventure, even in May!
June – Monsoon Kicks In
June marks the start of the monsoon. Expect frequent heavy rain, humidity, and lush green hills. Kathmandu highs hit ~30°C. Trekking is limited – most trails get muddy or closed. In valleys, culture and festivals take the spotlight (e.g. Sithi Nakha, Guru Purnima).
- Weather: Monsoon rains begin (85–90%+ humidity); the mid-hills and Terai are soaked.
- Festivals: Sithi Nakha (cleaning water sources), Guru Purnima, Rice Planting Day.
- Activities: Focus on dry rain-shadow treks like Upper Mustang or Dolpo. Explore Kathmandu’s temples and museums during dry spells, or enjoy jungle safaris in Chitwan (animals are easier to spot).
- Tip: Carry rain gear and insect repellent. Call-to-action: Monsoon travel deals are on! Try a wild and cultural escape with our Jungle Safari in Chitwan – the forest is alive in June.
July – Peak Monsoon
July is peak monsoon. Expect daily downpours (Kathmandu ~22–29°C) and empty trails. Upper Mustang and Dolpo stay relatively dry and are unique trekking options. Festivals include Newari Gunla month celebrations and Bhanu Jayanti (poet’s day).
- Weather: Hot and very wet; mountain passes closed.
- Festivals: Gunla (Buddhist Newari festival), Bhanu Jayanti (poet Bhanubhakta), Naag Panchami.
- Activities: Visit Pokhara’s thundering waterfalls and caves on a rain-free day. Do a Monsoon Yoga or wellness retreat in the hills. Try birding or photography in rain-shielded parks.
- Tip: Take advantage of off-season prices. Call-to-action: Enjoy peace and nature’s riot of green – even in the rains!
August – Lush Rains
Monsoon persists in August. The countryside is vibrant green, with waterfalls in full flow. Kathmandu stays warm (22–28°C) but often dry during breaks. Janai Purnima (sacred thread festival) and Gai Jatra (cow festival) bring color despite the rain.
- Weather: Heavy rain and high humidity; trek only in rain-shadow areas.
- Festivals: Janai Purnima, Gai Jatra, Krishna Janmashtami.
- Activities: Ideal for experiencing Nepal’s spiritual life – visit Kathmandu/Pokhara temples without crowds. The Upper Mustang trek remains feasible (drier). Monsoon photography workshops are popular now.
- Tip: Plan for indoor activities. Call-to-action: Don’t mind the rain? Witness Janai Purnima and trek in Mustang with our expert guides – the rain-shadow trails are waiting!
September – Autumn Clear Skies
By September, the monsoon eases. With clear skies and crisp air, this begins Nepal’s best trekking season. Kathmandu sees 20–28°C and hardly any rain. Early Autumn festivals like Indra Jatra (September) fill the streets with mask-dancing and chariot processions.
- Weather: Dry, mild (warm days, cool nights); high-altitude passes reopen.
- Festivals: Indra Jatra (Kathmandu festival), Teej (late Aug/Sep), Shraddha ceremonies.
- Activities: The timing is perfect for an Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit trek, with stable mountain views. Join local celebrations in Kathmandu’s Durbar Squares.
- Tip: Autumn books fast – start hiking now for ideal conditions. Call-to-action: Trek to Everest Base Camp this autumn with Nepal Everest Holidays – the skies have never been clearer!
October – Magical Autumn
October is peak season: bright blue skies, cool breeze, and festival lights. Days are 15–26°C, virtually no rain. The country celebrates Dashain (mid-Oct) and Mani Rimdu (Everest region, Oct/Nov) – great cultural experiences.
- Weather: Best of the year – clear, dry, and sunny.
- Festivals: Dashain (biggest Hindu festival), Tihar (late Oct/Nov), Mani Rimdu (Sherpa festival).
- Activities: Iconic treks (Everest, Annapurna, Langtang) are in top form. Village trails and jungle safaris are also prime. Explore heritage sites in Kathmandu with almost no crowds.
- Tip: Book hikes and flights well in advance. Call-to-action: Experience Nepali festival magic – book an Everest trek or Kathmandu cultural tour now!
November – Harvest Gold
November remains dry and mild – ideal for exploring. Kathmandu averages 8–23°C. Tihar (Diwali) lights and Chhath Puja add cultural charm. With fewer tourists than October, trails and hotels are a bit quieter.
- Weather: Cool mornings, warm afternoons; crisp autumn foliage.
- Festivals: Tihar (festival of lights), Chhath Puja (Sun worship).
- Activities: Fantastic for trekking (all major regions) and wildlife safaris. Join village harvest feasts for authentic flavor. Snag photo ops on golden rice terraces.
- Tip: Temperatures drop at night – pack layers. Consider mixing trek and culture: a heritage tour of Kathmandu coupled with a jungle safari.
December – Winter Serenity
December brings crisp clear weather and snowfall at altitude. Kathmandu daytime 10–20°C, nights can freeze. The high Himalayas glisten with fresh snow. This is a shoulder season: trails like Ghorepani Poon Hill or Langtang Valley are quiet and still accessible. Holiday decorations add charm in cities.
- Weather: Cold (days ~2–10°C in mountains) with exceptional visibility. Few crowds and dry air make it excellent for photography.
- Festivals: Christmas and New Year celebrations in cities; Newar Bhoto Jatra (flag festival) in Patan.
- Activities: Enjoy serene treks to Poon Hill or Sarangkot for sunrise views. Wildlife watching remains good (animals active at cooler temps). For culture, take a warm city tour or cable car ride up Chandragiri Hill.
- Tip: Bring a warm jacket. Call-to-action: Wrap up your year with a winter trek or spiritual retreat – try our Kalinchowk Winter Wonderland tour or a hearty Pokhara sightseeing trip.
Throughout the year, Nepal’s varied seasons reward different kinds of adventures. Whether you’re chasing mountain vistas, cultural festivals, or jungle wildlife, there’s a perfect month to visit. For expert guides and custom itineraries any time of year, see our tours like the Everest Base Camp trek, Annapurna Base Camp trek, Upper Mustang trek, or Chitwan Jungle Safari on Nepal Everest Holidays
Ready for Nepal? Start planning today – book your trip with Nepal Everest Holidays and experience the journey of a lifetime.