Home to some of the world’s most stunning Himalayan treks and rich in culture and history, Nepal is a paradise to outdoor enthusiasts globally.

So, when is the best time to visit Nepal to experience what it has to offer? Well, to most travelers, October to May is the best time of the year to visit Nepal. It is a perfect time frame that skips the humid and rainy monsoon season in Nepal.

However, different strokes and different folks. Certain times of the year in Nepal can be more appealing to your Nepal adventure. So, follow our expert local travel advice to decide when is the best time for your Nepal visit.

Climate and Seasons of Nepal at a Glance

As Nepal is a country with drastic altitude change within a limited strip of land, the temperature and climate of Nepal vary greatly from cold and dry alpine climates in the Himalayan region in the north to mild hilly region in central Nepal to hot and tropical climates in the south.

The climate of Nepal is divided into a dry season (October to May) and a rainy season (June to September), and the peak tourist season is concentrated in the dry season. Overall, the best time to visit Nepal is between March to May and October to December if you want to enjoy the clear skies and pleasant weather for travel.

Nepal landscape and its unique weather and climate on the map.

Spring in Nepal (March to May, Ave. Temperature 8-24 °C)

Spring of Nepal starts from March to late May, which is a popular season for trekking in Nepal. Since it is also the season for rhododendrons blooms, while trekking in Nepal in spring, you can enjoy a stunning view of mountains and hills covered by different rhododendron species.

Rhododendrons in Nepal in Spring

Summer in Nepal (June to August, Ave. Temperature 18-28 °C)

From the end of May, the climate of Nepal will be gradually influenced by the monsoon. By June, the monsoon season begins and will last until August. The climate is hot and humid in summer, with average temperatures above 30 °C and frequent rainfall.

It is the time when the mountains will be shrouded in dense clouds and mist caused by the monsoon. Due to the unpleasant weather, it is considered the worst time to visit Nepal for trekking, and is a low season for Nepal tours.

Autumn in Nepal (September to November, Ave. Temperature 17-27 °C)

Autumn in Nepal is one of the best seasons to visit Nepal for the crystal-clear weather and all outdoor activities. As the monsoon season in Nepal gradually leaves in September, October and November become the best season to visit Nepal, especially for trekking and mountaineering in Nepal. Also, read the best time to visit Tibet.

Winter in Nepal (December to February, Ave. Temperature 4-20 °C)

The winter of Nepal takes on lovely days with clear blue skies and radiant sun. However, the temperature can go down to minus 1 Celsius. In some high-altitude mountainous areas, it could be freezing cold, especially at night. To winter trekkers or mountaineers, a full preparation before departure and with the company of an experienced guide are of utmost importance.

Best Time to Visit Nepal for Trekking: March, April, May, October, November

The best time to visit Nepal for trekking in the Everest region, Annapurna region, and Mustang is from October to November and March to May.

It is a time when the visibility becomes superb and blue sky, fresh air and cozy temperature accompany your travel. And there won’t be any landslides or clouds that affect your tour from June to Sept.

If you can brave the cold, January to February is another great time for trekking in Nepal, during which you can enjoy a quieter trekking trail in lower altitude regions, while it is not a good time for high altitude hiking because of the cold weather.

The monsoon season, from June to September, is the worst time for trekking in Nepal because there may be landslides or clouds caused by heavy rainfall.

Embark on the popular EBC trek in Nepal in October across Namche Bazaar.

Recommended treks in Nepal:

● Everest Base Camp Trek: Enjoy the legendary EBC trek across Sherpa village to marvel at the south face of Mount Everest up close.

● Poon Hill Trek (Pokhara): Embark on the leisurely short trek to view rhododendrons, Annapurna peaks, Mount Nilgiri, and the Lamjung Himal, etc.

● Annapurna Base Camp Trek (Pokhara): Trek through the breathtaking Himalayan landscape of the Annapurna Ranges. Explore the best Tibet trekking tours.

Best Time to Visit Nepal Kathmandu: September to April

Compared with the cold and dry Himalayan climate to the north and the hot and humid weather in the Terai region to the south, the lush and vibrant Kathmandu Valley is neither too cold nor too hot.

The best time to visit Nepal Kathmandu is from September to April, during which you will not only enjoy the pleasant weather but also experience the local festivals, such as Indra Jatra, celebrated to mark the end of monsoon season in Nepal.

Visiting Kathmandu in Spring, temperatures gradually warm up in March and April, and this is also the time when rhododendrons are in bloom. You can enjoy the beautiful sea of rhododendrons in Kathmandu Valley.

Roam over Kathmandu Dubar Square in Spring.

Recommended activities in Kathmandu:

● Explore iconic medieval Kathmandu temples: Kathmandu Dubar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Temple, and Pashupatinath Temple.

● Soak up the vibes of bustling Kathmandu street: Thamel.

● Enjoy the sunrise from Nagarkot in a leisurely trek, close to Kathmandu.

Best Time to Visit Nepal Pokhara: October to April

The best time to visit Nepal Pokhara is from October to March with the most pleasant weather (average 33-18°C) for trekking, paragliding, rafting, kayaking, etc. there. This is also the dry season in Nepal when the visibility in mountain areas is good and the climate is ideal for all outdoor activities with an amazing view of the Himalayan peaks.

Paragliding in Pokhara in October.

Recommended activities in Pokhara:

● Enjoy the Himalyan sunrise at Sarangkot.

● Paddle boat at serene Phewa Tal with the reflection of Machhapuchhre and surrounding peaks in the lakeface.

● Go for paragliding to enjoy a bird’s eye view of amazing Pokhara and Himalayan vistas.

● Emark on Annapurna Circuit Trek, Royal Trek, or other scenic treks.

Best Time to Visit Nepal for Festivals: September, October, and March

To many foreign tourists, visiting Nepal during its traditional festivals is a great opportunity to explore the essence of Nepalese culture. For cultural explorers and photographers, don’t miss out on these months for visiting Nepal.

Dasain Festival (Late September and early October, 15 Days)

Dashain is the grandest and longest annual festival in Nepal, celebrated by all Nepalese across Nepal in late September and early October. It is a grand celebration of the goddess Durga's (i.e. Shakti) victory over evil Mahisashur.

The elder put tika on the foreheads of children for blessings during the Dasain Festival.

Tihar (between October and November, 5 Days)

Tihar is the second-largest festival only next to Dashain. The celebration is observed to worship Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth. During the festival, Nepalese would dress themselves in traditional clothes and have a red Tika on their foreheads.

Nepalese believe the Laxmi will visit those families whose houses are the cleanest. So they would do their best to make sure their houses are as clean as possible and illuminate their house by lighting candles, oil lamps, etc.

Meanwhile, as the celebration goes on, animals like dogs, cows, and even crows are worshipped for their selfless service to human beings. Tourists may find themselves enchanted by this fascinating celebration of light and color.

Nepalese light candles during the Tihar festival.

Holi Festival (Between February and March, 7 Days)

The popular Indian festival is also celebrated in Nepal on a date between February and March every year and usually lasts for seven days. The celebration is said to commemorate the moment when the female demon Holika was killed and burnt into ashes.

During the festival, people would splash colorful powers made of corn and water balloons on each other on the street. Though looking awkward, those who get splashed with colorful powers are considered to be blessed and the red color is also seen to be auspicious.

Wild Holi festival celebration in Kathmandu.

Best Time to Visit Nepal Chitwan for Safari: October to March

If you prefer to enjoy an adventurous safari in Chitwan National Park in the tropical Terai region in south Nepal, the best time to visit Nepal is October to March when the average temperature is around 25 Celsius with a clear sky.

You can have a safe ride on an elephant and watch closely the rarely-seen Indian rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, mugger crocodile, Indian rock python, etc.

If you want to easily spot the animals in the towering Phanta grass, visit Nepal Chitwan between late January to March because locals will slash tall grass to enhance your visibility. Never come to Chitwan from June to September as the pouring rain will make tracks inaccessible.

Best time to visit Chitwan National Park.

Bonus: Best Time to Visit Nepal and Tibet: April, May, October, November

Last, but not least, due to the proximity to Tibet, China, many travelers prefer to combine a Nepal visit with a journey to Lhasa to savor the full grandeur of Himalayan peaks and explore Tibetan Buddhism in Lhasa.

If you also intend to visit Tibet after touring Nepal, the best time to visit Nepal and Tibet is April, May, Oct, and Nov, which allows you to avoid the monsoon season in Nepal. So, you can enjoy the safe overland tour across the Himalayas to Lhasa. A perfect tour is an 8-day Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour.

8 Days Driving Across Himalaya Overland Adventure from Kathmandu to Lhasa

Tour Route: Kathmandu - Gyirong - Everest Base Camp - Tingri - Shigatse - Gyantse - Lhasa

Price from USD1169 p.p

As a local Tibet travel agency with offices in Lhasa and Kathmandu, we can help you get all the travel documents needed and ensure you a seamless Nepal and Tibet tour across the Himalayas.

Conclusion

Deciding the time to visit Nepal is what makes or breaks your Nepal adventure. Overall, the best time to visit Nepal is October to May for the most comfortable weather and the best Himalayan view. Yet, the best time to visit Nepal depends on what you want to see! Hopefully, you find this travel advice helpful and if you have more questions about Nepal, Tibet, or Bhutan travel, don’t hesitate to contact us. Cheers!