Nepal travel guide
October and November, and March and April, are the best months to visit Nepal, with clear skies, strong mountain views and stable trekking weather. They are also the busiest. June to September is monsoon, with heavy rain, landslide risk and flight delays. December to February is dry and clear in cities but cold at altitude.
Facts checked 2 Nov 2026
| Month | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3° to 19°C | 14 mm |
| Feb | 5° to 21°C | 18 mm |
| Mar | 8° to 25°C | 35 mm |
| Apr | 12° to 28°C | 60 mm |
| May | 16° to 29°C | 110 mm |
| Jun | 20° to 29°C | 230 mm |
| Jul | 21° to 29°C | 370 mm |
| Aug | 21° to 29°C | 350 mm |
| Sep | 20° to 28°C | 190 mm |
| Oct | 14° to 27°C | 55 mm |
| Nov | 8° to 23°C | 8 mm |
| Dec | 4° to 20°C | 14 mm |
Nepal has a distinct monsoon, so the month you travel changes the trip more than in most destinations. The same Kathmandu street can be dry and clear in November and drenched in July. Mountain views, trekking access, flight reliability and prices all follow the season. This guide explains each season, gives a month-by-month summary and helps you match a month to your travel style.
Travel in October, November, March or April for the clearest mountain views and the most comfortable sightseeing. September improves late in the month as the monsoon retreats. May is hotter and more humid, but trekking remains possible. June to August is the wet season and the hardest time to travel. Winter suits cultural sightseeing at lower altitudes.
October is one of the best months, with clear skies, stable trekking weather and peak demand. Daytime highs reach about 27°C and lows about 14°C, with around 55 mm of rain. November is drier, at about 8 mm, with excellent visibility, highs near 23°C and cooler evenings down to about 8°C. These are peak trekking months. Prices, guide availability and flight demand rise, so reserve Kathmandu and Pokhara rooms, domestic flights and trekking lodges early.
March warms up, with highs of about 25°C and lows near 8°C. Rhododendrons flower, and trekking conditions are good, though showers are possible. April is warmer still, with highs near 28°C and lows near 12°C, and it is excellent for trekking, although haze and pre-monsoon storms can occur. Spring is the second busiest period after autumn, and it suits travellers who want warmth and flowers.
May reaches highs near 29°C and lows near 16°C, with about 110 mm of rain. Afternoon storms and haze become common. Trekking remains possible, and crowds thin, so May can suit travellers who accept heat and want lower demand. Plan outdoor activity for the morning.
Monsoon begins in June, with wet lowlands, cloudier mountain views and transport delays. July is the wettest, with about 370 mm of rain, landslide risk and poor visibility on many routes. August stays very wet and humid at about 350 mm, although rain-shadow areas such as Upper Mustang remain relatively accessible. September, at about 190 mm, improves gradually, and late September often suits trekking. Flights and road transfers can be delayed or cancelled throughout this period.
December is dry and clear in cities and foothills, with highs near 20°C and lows near 4°C, but cold nights and snow can close high passes. January is cool and mostly dry, with highs near 19°C and lows near 3°C, good for cultural sightseeing but cold at altitude. February is pleasant and warms up, with highs near 21°C, suitable for Kathmandu, Pokhara and lower-altitude activities. Carry warm layers for early mornings, especially at Sarangkot or Nagarkot.
Keep at least one buffer day before an international departure, especially after any domestic mountain flight. Weather can delay flights to Pokhara, Lukla and Jomsom in any season. Schedule Sarangkot sunrise on the first clear morning instead of fixing it to one day. Allow extra time for the Kathmandu to Pokhara road, which commonly takes six to nine hours. Read places to visit in Nepal to match places to your month.
This guide is compiled from published tourism, weather and transport information and traveller reports about Nepal, and was last checked on 2 November 2026. Weather varies by altitude and by year, so treat the figures as typical conditions and confirm before you book.
Plan activities in things to do in Nepal, check costs in Nepal trip cost, and see the full Nepal travel guide. Browse our Nepal tour packages when your dates are set.
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FAQs
Short answers to what travellers ask about Nepal.
October and November are generally best, with clear skies, strong mountain views and stable trekking weather. March and April are the second window, with warmer days and flowering rhododendrons. All four months are busy, so book early.
It is the hardest time. June to September brings heavy rain, landslide risk, poor visibility and transport delays. Rain-shadow areas such as Upper Mustang stay relatively accessible in August, but most travellers do better outside the monsoon.
Cities and foothills are dry and clear, with highs near 19°C to 20°C. Nights are cold, with lows near 3°C to 4°C, and high passes can close with snow. Carry warm layers, especially for sunrise viewpoints.
Yes. March has warming days, highs near 25°C, lows near 8°C and flowering rhododendrons, and it is a good trekking month. Occasional showers are possible, and it is busier than winter but quieter than October.
October and November are the busiest, followed by March and April. Prices, guide availability and flight demand rise in these months. Reserve hotels, domestic flights and trekking lodges early, particularly for Pokhara and Kathmandu.
It can be. May is hotter and more humid, with highs near 29°C and afternoon storms, but trekking remains possible and crowds thin. Plan outdoor activity for mornings and keep some flexibility for haze.
October and November offer excellent visibility, and spring can be clear in the morning. Cloud changes quickly, so schedule Sarangkot or Nagarkot sunrise on the first clear morning instead of fixing it to a single day.
Often, yes. February, May and September shoulder periods can cost less than October, November, March and April. Trekking permits, guides and flights still add to totals, so ask for a written quote for your dates.
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