Best time to visit in

Nepal

Weather & Temperature

Spring brings mild to warm days and cool nights. Kathmandu Valley averages 10–14°C at night and 22–28°C by day; Pokhara 14–18°C nights and 26–30°C days. The Terai warms to 30–36°C with lower humidity early in the season, rising toward late May. Skies are generally clear with increasing pre-monsoon haze and occasional afternoon showers, especially in May. Above 3,000 m expect 0–15°C with chilly nights.

What to Expect

Vibrant rhododendron blooms, stable mountain weather, bustling trekking trails and good road/flight operations. Popular routes and city hotels book out early; prices are firm. Air quality can be slightly hazy in valleys late in the season.

Key Events & Festivals

• Holi (Mar)
• Ghode Jatra, Kathmandu (Mar/Apr)
• Nepali New Year & Bisket Jatra, Bhaktapur (Apr)
• Buddha Jayanti (Apr/May)
• Tiji Festival, Upper Mustang (May; dates vary)

Recommended Activities

• Trekking: Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang & Mardi Himal
• Mountain flights or heli sightseeing
• Paragliding/ultralight in Pokhara
• White-water rafting (moderate flows early spring)
• Wildlife safaris in Chitwan/Bardia (grass begins to thin)
• Cultural walks in Kathmandu Valley heritage towns

Travel Tips

• Book popular treks, guides, and teahouses in advance; carry TIMS and park permits.
• Layer up: warm days, cool nights; sun protection is essential at altitude.
• Plan 1–2 buffer days for mountain flights (e.g., Lukla) due to occasional winds.
• From India: no visa for Indian nationals—carry a passport or voter ID; Aadhaar is often not accepted for air travel.
• Exchange to NPR for local use; Indian Rupees aren’t reliably accepted everywhere.
• Hydrate and acclimatize—follow gradual ascent rules to avoid AMS.
• Spring showers can make trails slippery; pack rain shell and quick-dry gear.
• Rent/buy last-minute gear easily in Thamel (Kathmandu) and Lakeside (Pokhara).

Weather & Temperature

South Asian monsoon dominates: frequent showers and downpours, highest in Jul–Aug. Kathmandu averages 19–27°C with 70–90% humidity; Pokhara is warmer and wetter. The Terai is hot and humid at 26–35°C with occasional flooding. Trails are muddy with leeches below 2,000 m; mountain views are often clouded. Rain-shadow areas (Upper Mustang/Dolpo) remain comparatively dry.

What to Expect

Lush green hills, fewer crowds, value deals on hotels and tours. Expect flight delays, landslide-prone highways, and sporadic itinerary changes. Cultural life is lively in cities despite rain.

Key Events & Festivals

• Ropain (Rice Planting Festival, late Jun)
• Janai Purnima & Gai Jatra (Aug)
• Krishna Janmashtami (Aug/Sep)
• Teej (Aug/Sep)
• Indra Jatra, Kathmandu (Sep)

Recommended Activities

• Rain-shadow treks: Upper Mustang, Dolpo
• Cultural city tours, cooking classes, museum visits
• Yoga/ayurveda retreats and spa days
• Canyoning and rafting with experienced operators (conditions permitting)
• Photography of monsoon moods and village life
• Lumbini and heritage towns (weather-aware planning)

Travel Tips

• Build flexible plans and buffer days for weather-related delays and roadblocks.
• Use sturdy footwear, rain covers, quick-dry clothing; carry leech socks/salt in lowland forests.
• Choose early morning flights for better odds of departure.
• Stick to reputable operators for rivers/adventure—flows can be strong.
• From India: overland crossings can face landslides; check road conditions before traveling.
• Consider rain-shadow itineraries if trekking is a priority.
• Protect electronics and documents with dry bags.
• Travel insurance that covers delays and remote evacuation is wise even in off-season.

Weather & Temperature

Post-monsoon skies turn exceptionally clear. Kathmandu averages 8–24°C in Oct and 6–22°C in Nov with low humidity; Pokhara is a few degrees warmer. The Terai is pleasant at 18–32°C. Above 3,000 m, days are cool and nights can drop below freezing. Rain is minimal; visibility is outstanding.

What to Expect

The busiest and most festive time of year with excellent mountain views, reliable logistics, and high demand for guides, flights, and teahouses. Expect premium pricing and vibrant celebrations across the country.

Key Events & Festivals

• Dashain (Oct)
• Tihar/Deepawali (Oct/Nov)
• Chhath, especially in the Terai (Nov)
• Mani Rimdu, Everest region (Oct/Nov)

Recommended Activities

• Iconic treks: Everest, Annapurna Circuit/ABC, Manaslu (with permit), Langtang
• Paragliding, ultralight flights, mountain biking
• Jungle safaris as weather turns drier and visibility improves
• Cultural immersion during Dashain and Tihar
• Scenic flights to Everest and Annapurna

Travel Tips

• Reserve domestic flights (especially to Lukla) and teahouses well in advance.
• Carry warm layers for cold mornings/evenings, even in cities.
• Festival periods can affect business hours and transport—plan around major holidays.
• From India: air seats sell out fast during festivals—book early from Delhi/Kolkata/Mumbai.
• Permits (TIMS, national parks, restricted areas) are strictly checked on popular trails.
• Use water purification and avoid overexertion on early trek days for acclimatization.
• ATMs can run dry in small towns; carry sufficient cash in NPR.
• Respect local customs during festivals; ask before photographing ceremonies.

Weather & Temperature

Winter is dry and cool to cold. Kathmandu ranges roughly 2–20°C with sunny days and chilly mornings; Pokhara stays milder. The Terai can be foggy and damp with 7–25°C and occasional cold waves. Higher elevations are very cold with sub-zero nights and potential snowfall above ~3,000 m. Air is generally clear, though valley haze can appear.

What to Expect

Lower visitor numbers, good deals, and serene trails at lower elevations. High passes can close after snowfall; some remote teahouses may shut. Wildlife viewing improves as grasses thin in national parks.

Key Events & Festivals

• Yomari Punhi (Dec)
• Tamu Lhosar (Dec)
• Maghe Sankranti (Jan)
• Sonam/Gyalpo Lhosar (Jan/Feb)
• Saraswati Puja (Jan/Feb)
• Maha Shivaratri (Feb/Mar)

Recommended Activities

• Low-altitude treks and hikes: Ghorepani–Poon Hill, Helambu, Panchase, Nagarkot/Chisapani
• Chitwan/Bardia safaris and birding
• Cultural circuits in Kathmandu Valley and Lumbini
• Mountain viewpoints for sunrise (weather permitting)
• Short heli experiences if high passes are snowed in

Travel Tips

• Pack proper winter layers, a warm sleeping bag, and microspikes if trails are icy.
• Check pass conditions; consider alternative low-altitude routes if snow closes high trails.
• Fog can disrupt flights in the Terai—schedule daytime road transfers where practical.
• From India: overland travel is comfortable in cool weather; night buses can be very cold—carry a shawl/blanket.
• National parks are excellent now; book early-morning jeep safaris for the best sightings.
• Power outages can occur—carry a power bank and headlamp.
• Heaters are rare; choose accommodation with good sun exposure or heating options.
• Hot showers may be limited in rural lodges—bring wet wipes and manage water use.