Seasons of Nepal

Nepal has a five season temperate climate. Due to its location, landscape and power outages those seasons often dictate when the best time is to visit.

Autumn: The peak tourist season is in the Autumn between September to late November. This is just after the monsoon season so the air is dry and clear. This is the perfect time for visiting Nepal if you are going trekking.

Winter: December & January are cold winter months throughout Nepal. Though it doesn’t snow in any of the main non-trekking cities in Nepal it does hit freezing. This is also the time of year when electricity rationing is very high with long hours of no power.

Spring: February to April is Nepal’s second busiest tourist season. The climate starts cold but in preceding months gets increasingly warm. Flowers in the valleys begin to bloom and there’s little rain. It does however get quite hazy so mountain views will be lessened.

Summer: May to June is the start of the pre-monsoon summer. It gets hot and humid with several showers on the hottest of days. Climate change has meant a lengthening of showers.

Summer (monsoon): June to late August is when the monsoon rains hit Nepal. Climate change again mean that the monsoon may be earlier of later than this. Rains are heavier and there’s a risk of flooding in places. The sky is heavy with cloud but it also means blooming flowers and lush green valleys

Month-by-month guide to travelling in Nepal

Visiting Nepal in December – February
From late December through to February, Nepal’s weather is pleasant during the day but temperatures drop significantly at night time; especially in the mountains. January is the coldest month, but fewer visitors results in quieter sightseeing opportunities. Many hotels and lodges offer fireplaces, blankets and hot water bottles to keep you cosy.

Events & Festivals
Wildlife in Nepal (October to April): Nepal’s wildlife is worth exploring during the drier months. Chitwan and Bardia are two of the better protected national parks, offering great sightings of rhinos, monkeys, birds and even elephants.

Visiting Nepal in March – May
March marks the beginning of spring, when temperatures increase and rhododendrons bloom. Days are longer during March and April, making them perfect for trekking, although temperatures are still cool at night. It’s a popular time to travel, so plan well in advance. May is one of the warmest months of the year but will bring cloud and showers before the monsoon arrives.

Events & Festivals
Holi festival is becoming more well-known around the world, but it isn’t just an Indian festival; it’s celebrated across the cities and towns of Nepal every March too.
Rhododendron season (March and April): Nepal’s landscapes change colour in the spring as a range of rhododendron species spread across the hills and mountains, changing colour according to altitude from reds to pinks and whites.
Wildlife in Nepal (October to April): Nepal’s wildlife is worth exploring during the drier months. Chitwan and Bardia are two of the better protected national parks, offering great sightings of rhinos, monkeys, birds and even elephants.

Visiting Nepal in June – August
The monsoon season occurs from June through to August. Days are warm (up to 30°C), wet and with high humidity. Due to Nepal’s topography, rains often occur at night, resulting in beautiful morning scenery. Although we’d advise against trekking at this time of year, city sightseeing is still possible and quieter than peak periods.

Visiting Nepal in September – November
As the monsoon dissipates in September, Nepal welcomes beautiful clear skies, fresh air and incredible views. October and November are two of the best months to visit as dry days make trekking easier and offer good visibility. The verdant landscapes following the rains are ideal for photographers.