Travel Tips
Nepal Weather: Month by Month Guide
Nepal has four distinct seasons that dramatically affect what you can do and where you can go. This month-by-month breakdown helps you plan the perfect trip.
Nepal's geography spans from 60m Terai plains to 8,849m Everest, creating multiple climate zones that change dramatically with altitude and season.
Spring (March to May)
The second most popular trekking season. Rhododendron forests bloom brilliantly in March and April below 3,000m. Mountain views are clear until May when pre-monsoon haze builds. Temperatures are comfortable (15 to 25C in Kathmandu, freezing at high altitude). EBC and Annapurna routes are busy but beautiful. April-May sees the main Everest summit window, bringing helicopter traffic and excitement around Namche and Lukla.
Monsoon (June to September)
Rain season transforms the landscape green but disrupts trekking. Kathmandu gets humid and overcast (25 to 35C). Most high-altitude trails become muddy and leeches appear below 3,000m. The rain-shadow areas of Mustang and Dolpo stay relatively dry -- this is actually their best trekking season. Rafting rivers hit peak flow and excitement. Prices drop 20 to 30% and crowds disappear.
Autumn (October to November)
The best overall season. Crystal-clear skies after the monsoon cleansing. Perfect trekking temperatures (10 to 25C in Kathmandu). October is peak season for EBC, Annapurna, and Langtang -- book accommodation and flights months ahead. Tihar festival (October/November) fills Kathmandu with lights and celebration.
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Winter (December to February)
Cold but stable. Kathmandu sees occasional frost at night (5 to 15C days). High passes above 5,000m are often closed by snow. Lower altitude treks (Ghorepani Poon Hill, Langtang lower sections, Pokhara day hikes) are excellent with zero crowds. Chitwan wildlife viewing improves as vegetation thins. January is the coldest month in Kathmandu with occasional morning fog.
Altitude Effect on Weather
At Kathmandu (1,400m) you experience mild seasons. At Namche Bazaar (3,440m) temperatures run 15 to 20C colder than Kathmandu at the same time of year. Above 5,000m, freezing temperatures are possible in any month and summit-level wind chills are extreme.
FAQ
What month has the best mountain views from Kathmandu? October and November after monsoon clearing. February and March are also good before haze builds. June to September views from the city are often obscured by cloud.
Can I trek during monsoon? Lower trails below 3,000m are hikeable with waterproofs and leech socks. Upper trails above 3,000m are manageable but wetter and more remote. Mustang and Dolpo rain-shadow areas are the best monsoon trekking destinations.
