Nepal
The best time to visit
When to go to Nepal
Go in autumn, October to November, for the clearest mountain views and the best trekking, or spring, March to April, for warm days and the rhododendron bloom. The monsoon brings rain and cloud from June to September.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Kathmandu. Higher is better. Some links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Feb.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
Rainy season.
In short
The year at a glance
Nepal is all about the mountains, and Kathmandu sets the ratings below. Autumn, after the monsoon has washed the air clean, brings the clearest Himalayan views and the firmest trails, which is why October and November are the prime trekking season.
Spring is the second great window, warmer and lit by rhododendron blooms on the hillsides, though the views are a touch hazier. The summer monsoon from June to September brings rain, leeches and cloud-covered peaks, while winter is cold and clear at altitude but tough on the high passes.
Month by month
Nepal month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Kathmandu.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19°C / 66°F | 3°C / 37°F | 15 mm | Ideal 94 | Mild and dry. |
| February | 21°C / 70°F | 5°C / 41°F | 18 mm | Ideal 100 | Mild and dry. Kathmandu hotels in February |
| March | 25°C / 77°F | 8°C / 46°F | 35 mm | Ideal 100 | Warm and dry. Kathmandu hotels in March |
| April | 28°C / 82°F | 12°C / 54°F | 60 mm | Ideal 94 | Warm with a little rain. |
| May | 29°C / 84°F | 16°C / 61°F | 120 mm | Great 70 | Hot and wet. |
| June | 29°C / 84°F | 19°C / 66°F | 245 mm | Good 44 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| July | 28°C / 82°F | 20°C / 68°F | 375 mm | Avoid 26 | Warm and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| August | 28°C / 82°F | 20°C / 68°F | 345 mm | Fair 31 | Warm and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| September | 28°C / 82°F | 19°C / 66°F | 200 mm | Good 51 | Warm and wet. |
| October | 27°C / 81°F | 14°C / 57°F | 50 mm | Ideal 98 | Warm and dry. |
| November | 24°C / 75°F | 8°C / 46°F | 8 mm | Ideal 100 | Warm and dry. Kathmandu hotels in November |
| December | 20°C / 68°F | 4°C / 39°F | 5 mm | Ideal 100 | Mild and dry. |
By region
Where you go changes when you go
The Everest and Annapurna trails
October to November and March to April are the trekking peaks, with clear views and open teahouses. Winter closes the high passes.
Kathmandu and the valley
Mild much of the year, sunniest and clearest in autumn and spring, cold at night in winter.
Chitwan and the lowlands
The Terai jungle is warm and best for wildlife in the cooler, drier months from October to March.
Go for
Best time to visit Nepal for
Trekking the high trails
October to November for the clearest, most stable conditions, or March to April for warmer days and blooms.
Himalaya views
Autumn, when the post-monsoon air is at its clearest and the peaks are razor sharp.
Rhododendron season
March and April, when the forests of the middle hills burst into red and pink.
Wildlife in Chitwan
October to March, the cooler dry months, for rhinos and tigers in the lowland jungle.
On the calendar
What is on, and when
Clear views, October
The post-monsoon skies make autumn the sharpest time to see the Himalaya.
Rhododendron bloom, spring
The hill forests light up in March and April along the trekking routes.
Rainy season
Jun to Sep.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Nepal
Compare hotels and rentals around Kathmandu, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
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Questions