Nepal Weather: When Should You Visit Nepal

Before traveling to any place, it is only wise to gather as much information. As the weather is a major determinant of how your holiday goes, it is best to know about the climatic condition of the place, because who knows, an hour ago it was all bright and sunny, now the dark clouds are looming all over. Does it happen all the time or what? – best to know everything.

Nepal is most sought-after for trekking and mountaineering and as these two sport is totally dependent on weather condition, visitors of Nepal is often curious about the general picture of Nepal weather. So, here we are today, to know about Nepal weather and when is the best time for you to pay a visit.

Different Climatic condition of Nepal

Due to the varied geographical feature of Nepal, the climatic condition of Nepal varies from place to place. So don’t be surprised if you experience different weather as you explore Nepal.

There are five different seasons in Nepal; spring, summer, monsoon, autumn, and winter. In the north of Nepal, where lies the snow-capped mountains, summers are cold, and winter is extreme. While in the south side, summers are tropical and winters are mild.

Talking about the average temperature, in the south of Terai Nepal, during summer, temperature exceeds 37-degree Celsius. Similarly, during winter, temperature ranges from 7-degree Celsius to 23 degrees in the Terai region.

Moving towards the upper region of Nepal, in the mountain region, hilly and valleys, summer is very temperate while winter temperature can slip under zero too.

Speaking of the Kathmandu Valley itself, it experiences a pleasing climate with average summer and winter temperature of 19-degree Celsius to 35-degree Celsius and 2-degree Celsius to 12-degree Celsius respectively. For every 1,000 you gain in Kathmandu, an average temperature of 6-degree Celsius drops. 

The tropical and subtropical zone in Nepal lies below 1,200 meters, the temperate zone is between 1,200 to 2,400 meters, the cold zone 2,400 to 3,600 meters, the subarctic zone 3,600 to 4,400 meters, and the Arctic zone above 4,400 meters. 

The Great Himalayan range in Nepal acts as a barrier to the cold winds blowing from Central Asia in winter and forms the northern boundary of monsoon wind patterns. Nepal receives 80% of rainfall during monsoon season. While the winter rains prevail more in western hills. The average annual rainfall is 1,600 mm. However, it differs by eco-climatic zones like in Pokhara it is 3,345 mm, and in Mustang, it is below 300 mm.

Now, you have the general scenario of how weather runs in Nepal; you can decide your destination accordingly. To travel in Nepal, there is no seasonal constraint on traveling in and through Nepal. However, to know more about Nepal weather, we have detailed every season of Nepal so that you can make your Nepal-visiting plan more authentically.

What is the best time to visit Nepal?

As mentioned above, Nepal experiences five different seasons; summer, monsoon, autumn, winter, and spring. However, as summer is instantly followed by the monsoon, these two seasons are typically counted as one. All of this season has its own pros and cons. To mark your visit to Nepal, let us know about all the seasons so you can figure out everything.

Summer (June-August)

Summer is definitely hot and humid characterized by the scorching sun and long bright days. It is more exhausting in the Terai region of Nepal where the temperature almost touches 40-degree Celsius. 

Then taking over the heat of summer, arrives the monsoon madness with heavy rainfall, thunder and storm. The time when monsoon start might vary by a few weeks every year, but it typically begins from mid-June and bids goodbye in the last weeks of September.

Due to rain, the paddy fields come into life; the scenery becomes extra green and delightful. It will be a new experience to visit Nepal this time of year when the rain has cleared the smog, the air is clean and fresh, and the whole environment is more vibrant and alive.

However, you might miss the mountain views because of rain and storm, roads and trails might be blocked by landslides, flights can get canceled, and leeches come out along the mid-elevation trekking routes.

Best Destination during Summer

The best destination to embark on during summer is the rain shadow areas like Upper Mustang, Nar Phu Valley, Upper Dolpo, and Limi Valley. 

Short treks like Ghorepani Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, and Langtang Valley might serve you the best as well.

Autumn (September-November)

One of the popular season for tourists, Autumn is obviously the best season to visit Nepal. With the weather clear and dry, pollution and dust washed by the monsoon rain, the clear and unobstructed view of snow-capped mountains, not too cold in high altitude and not too cold in the lower region, autumn can’t be more ideal for trekking in Nepal.

Also, with the two major festivals of Nepal; Dashain and Tihar and Indra Jatra, the greatest street festival in Kathmandu Valley, the fun is just unlimited during this time of year.

Best Destination during Autumn

As autumn provides the best weather condition for trekking in Nepal, any destination you embark on will be rewarding. However, you might encounter large crowds while en route as everyone wants the best of what they can get. 

You might consider walking in the least popular treks like Upper Dolpo, Manaslu Circuit, Kanchenjunga Base Camp, Nar Phu Valley, and Limi Valley.

Winter (December-February)

Winter means cold and dry weather; however, the days are mostly clear and stable. It is extra extreme in the higher region where occasional snowfall can make things more difficult. Despite the coldness, as the days are clear, during winter, you have the very crisp view of Himalayan ranges.

Talking about the Kathmandu Valley, it never snows in here, but morning and night gets chilly. 

Best Destination during Winter

In the upper region, due to snowfall, paths may get blocked making guesthouse owners shut down the shop for the time being. So, trekking in high mountain areas and the classic treks, including high pass crossing might be a risky business in the winter season.

Trekking below the elevation of 4,000 meters is an ideal option in the winter season. Visiting the Terai region will be an excellent choice as the weather is moderate. Chitwan National Parka and Bardia National Park will be the best destination to visit. You can also embark on a short trek around Kathmandu and Pokhara, Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal Trek, Helambhu Trek are some best trek in Winter.

Spring (March-May)

Spring is another popular season in Nepal when a large influx of tourist make way to Nepal. Its stable weather makes it the perfect time of the year for embarking in a classic trek in Nepal that includes high pass crossing.

The view of colorful rhododendron blooming so mesmerizingly in the hill with the backdrop of majestic range of mountains is the most exquisite view you can have. 

Best Destination during Spring

Being one of the busiest time of year, you will be quite a crowd and trekkers from around the world while en route. The options for trekking during Spring is wide; Manaslu Circuit trek, Three Pass Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Tsum Valley, Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek, Everest Base Camp trek are some of the popular trekking during Spring.

Visiting Terai region is equally popular as it is the best time for spotting wildlife, mainly Bengal Tigers. Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated in Spring, one of the much-loved festival by tourists, when they participate and enjoy the festival with locals.