Set in the heart of the Himalayas, Nepal offers breathtaking mountain landscapes, ancient temples, and rich cultural heritage. From trekking to Everest Base Camp to exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley, this mystical country captivates adventurers and spiritual seekers alike.
Nepal has dramatic climate variation across its three major geographical zones — the tropical Terai lowlands, mid-hill region containing Kathmandu and Pokhara, and high Himalayan peaks. Kathmandu Valley (1,400m) experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, while the Terai is subtropical and the high mountains alpine. The monsoon (June-September) brings heavy rainfall to most of the country except the northern rain shadow zones of Mustang and Dolpo.
Best time to visit
Best: October to November, March to April
Peak Season: October to November, March to April
Shoulder Season: September, December to February
Avoid: May to August (monsoon season)
Best Reason:
Avoid Reason:
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
3°C/37°F avg (2°C min, 15°C max)
Coldest month with frost at night in Kathmandu. Clear skies and excellent mountain views. Very quiet for tourism. High altitude passes snow-blocked.
February
5°C/41°F avg (3°C min, 18°C max)
Still cold but beginning to warm. Rhododendrons start blooming at lower elevations. Spring trekking season beginning to ramp up.
March
10°C/50°F avg (7°C min, 22°C max)
Spring begins with rhododendrons blooming magnificently. Good trekking weather developing. Increasingly popular month.
April
14°C/57°F avg (11°C min, 25°C max)
Peak spring with rhododendrons in full bloom, warm days, comfortable nights. Excellent for trekking and cultural sightseeing. One of Nepal's best months.
May
18°C/64°F avg (15°C min, 28°C max)
Warm and increasingly hazy with pre-monsoon clouds building. Still good early in month before clouds thicken. Everest expeditions summit at month end.
June
22°C/72°F avg (19°C min, 29°C max)
Monsoon arrives mid-month. Heavy rain, leeches, mountain views obscured. Low season begins. Mustang and Dolpo excellent (rain shadow).
July
24°C/75°F avg (21°C min, 30°C max)
Heaviest rainfall of the year. Nepal turns dramatically green. Landslide risks on mountain roads. Terai extremely hot and humid.
August
24°C/75°F avg (21°C min, 30°C max)
Still peak monsoon. Festivals of Teej and Gai Jatra. Nepal's countryside at its greenest. Upper Mustang trekking excellent.
September
20°C/68°F avg (17°C min, 27°C max)
Monsoon tapering off with improving conditions late month. Green landscapes beautiful. Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu. Good shoulder season value.
October
15°C/59°F avg (11°C min, 23°C max)
Nepal's peak season with clearest skies, best mountain views, and ideal trekking conditions. Dashain festival celebrations. Book everything well in advance.
November
9°C/48°F avg (6°C min, 20°C max)
Excellent trekking conditions continue. Tihar festival of lights. Crowds ease late month. Clear skies and stunning mountain panoramas.
December
5°C/41°F avg (2°C min, 17°C max)
Getting cold with frost possible at night. Christmas and New Year celebration in Thamel. Lower tourist numbers. Pokhara Street Festival. Clear mountain views.
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: Mar-May
Nepal's most beautiful season with rhododendrons blooming in pink and red across mountain slopes, mild temperatures in Kathmandu (15-25°C), and good trekking visibility. April is peak spring month with wildflowers and comfortable conditions.
Summer
Months: Jun-Aug
Monsoon season with heavy rainfall transforming Nepal green but causing cloudy skies obscuring mountain views. Hot in Kathmandu (22-30°C) and extremely hot in Terai. Leeches on jungle trails, landslide risks on mountain roads.
Fall
Months: Sep-Nov
Nepal's premier season with crystal-clear post-monsoon skies, dramatic mountain views, comfortable temperatures (10-22°C), and the best visibility for Himalayan panoramas. October-November are peak months for EBC and Annapurna circuit treks.
Winter
Months: Dec-Feb
Cold and dry in Kathmandu (2-15°C) with occasional frost at night. Mountain passes above 4,000m may be snow-blocked. Clear days offer excellent mountain views; far fewer tourists than peak seasons.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- October-November (peak trekking season)
- Shoulder Season
- March-May and September
- Low Season
- June-August (monsoon) and December-February (winter)
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Dashain Festival
Nepal's biggest and most important festival celebrating victory of good over evil. Families reunite, animal sacrifices performed, kite flying competitions. Many businesses close for 15 days. Incredible cultural experience but expect closures.
Tihar (Diwali)
Festival of lights honoring different animals each day - crows, dogs, cows, oxen, and brothers. Houses decorated with oil lamps and marigolds. Beautiful nighttime atmosphere throughout Nepal.
Indra Jatra
Kathmandu's largest street festival with masked dancers, chariot processions of Living Goddess Kumari, and massive crowds. Ancient tradition showcasing Newari culture.
Holi (Fagu Purnima)
Festival of colors where people throw colored powder and water. Chaotic, fun, messy celebration throughout Nepal. Wear clothes you don't mind ruining.
Buddha Jayanti
Buddha's birthday celebrated at Lumbini and Buddhist sites. Especially significant at Boudhanath and Swayambhunath with prayer ceremonies, butter lamps, and pilgrims.
Teej Festival
Women's festival celebrating Goddess Parvati. Women dress in red and green, fast, and visit Pashupatinath Temple. Beautiful processions and traditional dancing.
Mani Rimdu Festival
Sherpa Buddhist festival in Everest region with masked dances and ceremonies. Incredible cultural experience for trekkers in the area.
Nepal New Year (Bisket Jatra)
Nepali New Year celebrated especially elaborately in Bhaktapur with chariot pulling, tug-of-war competitions, and traditional rituals. Lively festival atmosphere.
Gai Jatra (Cow Festival)
Festival honoring deceased family members where people dress as cows or lead cows through streets. Satirical performances mocking politicians. Unique cultural tradition.
Pokhara Street Festival
Modern cultural festival in Pokhara with music, food stalls, cultural performances, and street celebrations. Growing annual event attracting domestic and international visitors.