When to go to Nepal
You can come to Nepal whenever you like of course, we’ll always be happy to see you, but it’s worth knowing a little about our seasons so that you can plan and pack accordingly. Knowing when to go trekking in Nepal is especially important, as many trails close in the off-season.
In terms of temperatures, Nepal weather follows a similar pattern to much of Europe and North America – hottest in the summer months of June-August, and coldest in the winter months December-February. We also have a rainy season though, which generally runs over the summer months June-August.
There are regional differences too, of course, caused by huge changes in altitude across the country.
Confused? Don’t worry, here’s a summary of each season, along with tips on what you can do during these months
Month-by-month guide to travelling in Nepal
September-November
December-February
March-May
June-August
September-November
Seen by some as the best time to visit Nepal. The monsoon season comes to an end in September, leaving clear skies, lush green landscapes and slightly cooler temperatures. These months are ideal for trekking.
Good for
- Trekking and mountaineering!
- Photography
- Wildlife spotting in the national parks
- Festivals (Dashain and Tihar)
December-February
Although these are Nepal’s coldest months, you’ll generally find that the days are fairly pleasant – you’ll just need to pack your warmest clothes for the night time, which can get very cold! The weather remains dry at this time of year, and fewer tourists means a quieter experience at some of the country’s main highlights and trekking routes.
Good for
- Sightseeing, and exploring Nepal’s towns and cities
- Wildlife spotting in the national parks
- Trekking (but pack warm!)
March-May
As we enter the Spring season, temperatures begin to creep back up and the days become longer, making it a great time for trekking. May sees the first small signs of the rainy season, although it is usually more cloud and showers than torrential downpours.
These months also see a number of festivals taking place, as well as the blooming of the rhododendrons, making it the most colourful time to visit Nepal.
Good for
- Trekking and mountaineering
- Festivals (including Holi festival and Nepali New Year)
- Photography (it’s Rhododendron season, after all!)
- Wildlife spotting
June-August
Nepalese summer brings rising temperatures, humidity and the start of the monsoon. Although trekking can still be pleasant in early June, we don’t generally recommend taking on major routes during the monsoon season. You can still enjoy sightseeing around Nepal, however, and will find that many tourist attractions and hotels will have lower rates and a quieter experience. A number of festivals also take place during these months.
Good for
- Sightseeing
- Festivals
