Nepal is a country blessed with unique landscapes. Millions of travelers from around the world visit Nepal with the hopes of seeing those majestic mountains, green hills, and wild lowlands with their own eyes.
Nepal’s geography and climate are complex, and there is no right time to explore the country. Good weather plays a big role in making the trip a grand success.
Nepal has sound weather, and each season has its beauty and offers an exciting experience to its travelers. It is said that Spring and Autumn are the best seasons to travel in Nepal due to the clear skies and stable weather; let me tell you; summer and winter also have their vantage points.
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So, depending on your Wishlist activities and where you want to travel, here is an in-depth guide to knowing the best season to travel in Nepal for you.
Winter Season: December-February
Nepal faces cold weather from late December. It lasts till February. But do not worry, the season will bless you with clear blue skies and no rainfall making it the best time for sightseeing. The days are warm and pleasant, and the temperature drops low only at nighttime.
Winter is also an excellent time for jungle walks and safari expeditions due to the high chances of spotting wildlife. If you are into travel photography, you are in it for a treat as you will get the perfect shots of flora and fauna.
Since the winter season is dry with sunny days, it is also an excellent time to trek in the hilly regions. However, trekking in the Himalayan areas can be challenging due to heavy snowfall. If you are an experienced trekker, it will not be a big deal; however, remember to carry appropriate gear.
January is the coldest month, but the good thing is there are fewer crowds, discounts on accommodation, and an adventurous journey of a lifetime.
Where to go in Winter in Nepal?
- Short hikes at Solu area- South of Everest
- Short treks near Pokhara
- Wildlife safaris at Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park
- Poon Hill trek
- Nagarkot
- Bandipur
Tips for traveling Nepal during winter
- Pack warm layers and a down jacket.
- Carry a sleeping bag if you are going trekking.
- Check out the fantastic views from two of Nepal’s best viewpoints: Poon Hill and Nagarkot.
- Go on a mountain biking tour
- Attend the Pokhara Street Festival that takes place from December 27th to January 1st.
Spring Season: March-May
With the end of the winter season comes Spring. Spring is one of the best seasons to travel in Nepal.
In winter, snow dries off and has a full bloom of flowers throughout the trails. Not to mention Spring season invites stable weather. The long days and clear skies are best for hiking, trekking, and peak climbing.
The temperature gradually increases through the months. The weather during the night is also bearably cold.
Besides exploring the Himalayan regions and hiking the hilly areas, Spring is also an excellent time to explore the wildlife at Nepal’s lowlands like Chitwan and Bardia.
April is a great time to trek the Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit. Spring overall is a splendid time to travel all over Nepal.
You will also get to celebrate Holi – a festival of colors, with the locals, which will be a fun experience for you.
Light showers start from May leading to monsoon season, so it will be best to pack a raincoat just in case.
Where to go in Spring in Nepal?
Trekking spots in the Himalayan region
- Illam
- Panch Pokhari
- Pokhara
- Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Kathmandu
- Thamel
- Bardia National Park and Chitwan National Park
Tips for traveling Nepal during Spring
- Pack layers while going on treks as temperatures vary from lower to higher elevations between day and night.
- Attend festivals like the festival of color, Holi (in March), and Nepalese New Year (in April).
- Check out the Rhododendrons in full bloom around Pokhara and above Namche.
Summer/Monsoon Season: June-August
Summer starts in June and invites the monsoon downpour by mid-June in most parts of Nepal. The months from June to August are not as exciting as traveling in other months, but it is still possible to visit most sites.
During these months, the weather is hot and humid, and the rainfall sprinkles some coolness to beat the heat. If you are traveling in Nepal during the Summer/Monsoon season, start your morning journey as rain rarely occurs.
Early June is a splendid time to see amazing landscapes at Shey Phoksundo National Park- Nepal’s biggest national park. It is an excellent spot for wildlife photography.
Exploring Kathmandu, especially in the monsoon, will be fun as you will be waiting for the rain to stop at picturesque cafes while on the verge of visiting the temple city’s historical sites.
I suggest you do not go trekking during the monsoon season as the trails will be muddy, slippery, and full of leeches. You will also be at risk of landslides, avalanches and might be off the schedule due to trail closures and flight delays or cancellations.
However, if you love a good challenge, trekking during the monsoon will shower you with not only rain but also the blooming wildflowers, vivid green forests, and rice terraces en route.
Avoid trekking the popular destinations and circuits of the Annapurna regions and Nepal’s far east side in this season.
On the good side, trekking in the rainshadow area would be a good idea. Places like Upper Mustang, Nar Phu, Upper Dolpo, and Limi Valley are unbothered by the rain and thus are the best places to visit in the monsoon season.
As much as challenging it is to travel during summer and monsoon, Nepal is magnificent during this time. You will get a crowd-free experience and get reasonable rates at normally expensive accommodations as a plus point.
Where to go in Summer/Monsoon in Nepal?
- Upper Mustang
- Nar Phu
- Upper Dolpo
- Limi Valley
- Kathmandu
- Shey Phoksundo National Park
- Chitwan
- Bardia
- Everest region
Tips for traveling Nepal during summer
- Carry an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun as well as rain.
- Be cautious about flight cancellations and roadblocks due to bad weather and landslides.
- Watch out for leeches during treks in monsoon/summer. Wear long pants and carry and insect repellent.
- Attend festivals like rice planting ceremony called “Dhan Ropai” (in June), cycling festival called Kora (in July), and dancing with the Shamans (in August).
Autumn Season (Peak Trekking Season): September-November
From September, Autumn, which lasts till November, is hands-down the best season to travel in Nepal’s regions.
With the end of monsoon rains, Nepal rewards you with clear blue skies and fresh air. Nepal’s landscapes are breathtaking during these times of the year. Not to mention, the country also has lots of the biggest festivals happening around these months, making it an excellent opportunity for you to learn about Nepal’s diverse culture.
Autumn is also the best trekking season. Due to the clear skies and warm temperature, the walks will be pleasant. You will get to see vivid landscape views throughout the trails. The popular treks tend to be a bit busy, so you might as well try out the off-beaten trek trails of the country.
This season is also best for carrying out other outdoor adventure activities like rafting, kayaking, mountaineering, cycling, and more.
Where to go in Autumn in Nepal?
All the trekking spots of Nepal
Tips for traveling Nepal in Autumn
- Carry an umbrella as there may be light showers.
- If you want solitude away from the crowds, choose an off-beaten trek.
- Visit the Chitwan and Bardia National Parks as these are the best time to see the rhinos, monkeys, elephants, and birds.
- Attend the prominent festivals of Nepal like Dashain (in October), Tihar (November), and Mani Rimdu in Tengboche (in November).
FAQs
What is the best season to trek the Everest Base Camp?
Professional trekkers and locals trek the Everest Base Camp all year round. However, the best seasons to trek are during the time of Spring and Autumn.
These seasons have clear skies from morning till evening with no rainfall, meaning the Everest trails will be dry, comfortable, and safe. The temperature will be warm throughout the day and the cold during the night is bearable.
Trekking during Spring and autumn will reward you with amazing views of the Himalayas and landscapes too.
Is it safe to visit Nepal?
Yes, it is relatively safe to travel in Nepal as the only significant risk factor is the weather conditions. But you need not worry as the trekking agency will have a good idea about the weather conditions of the region and take complete precautions for your safety.
It is also best to carry your valuable items with you and be aware of your surroundings as petty crime may occur anytime, even though the chances of you being a victim are relatively low.
When is the best time to visit Kathmandu?
Travelers can visit Kathmandu all year round. But if you want to get the best views of the temple’s city, visit Kathmandu during the autumn season (September to November).
It is a time when the monsoon rain clears off all the city’s dust and smoke, making way to the pristine views of the city and the mountains.
Autumn is also the country’s festival season, so it is a bonus point as you experience the Nepalese culture first-hand.
Is trekking in Nepal safe?
No place is safe. You will have to take precautions. Nepal, however, is safe for tourists. We still recommend you thoroughly plan for the trip if you are traveling solo.
You can trek without a guide in most of the trekking spots at your own risk. However, some areas like Upper Mustang and Nar Phu are restricted, so tour guides are mandatory to obtain permits.
Which is the coldest month in Nepal?
January is the coldest month in Nepal. This month has an average high temperature of 19.1 degrees Celsius and an average low temperature of 2.4 degrees Celsius.
The Himalayan region faces heavy snowfall, and the Terai region is usually foggy, due to which all flights will be canceled for days.
When is the best time to visit Chitwan National Park?
The best time to visit Chitwan is from October to March. It is because there are clear skies and moderate temperatures during these times.
If your sole reason for visiting Chitwan is wildlife viewing, I suggest visiting the district from late January to March. Birdwatching is best from September to November and February to April.
Avoid traveling to Chitwan from May to September as the weather is hot and the monsoon rain disrupts your visit.
When is the best time to visit Pokhara?
The lake city of Nepal is best visited during the autumn season. The weather is calm and has clear skies, making it best to check out the magnificent mountain views. However, the city gets crowded with the maximum number of local and international tourists.
Avoid traveling to Pokhara during the monsoon season as the city receives the highest rainfall rate in the country.
When is the best time to visit Lumbini?
Lumbini is located in the Terai region, and this has high temperatures during the summer season.
Therefore, I suggest you visit the holy city during the Autumn season as it has the best weather during this time.
If you want to experience the most out of the Buddhist culture, visit Lumbini during April and May as it invites thousands of pilgrims to celebrate the birth of Lord Buddha in its vicinity.
What is the best time to trek in the Annapurna region?
The Annapurna region is less affected by the monsoon season, due to which you can trek the area all year round.
However, the summer season has its downfalls: leeches and cloud-covered views. Due to the rainclouds, the magnificent mountain views get obscured.
March to May and September to November are the best times to go trekking in the Annapurna region as the skies are clear and show amazing views of the mountains.
What is Winter like in Nepal?
Winter starts from late November to February. The days are warm; however, the nights can be very cold, especially in the mountains.
January is the coldest month in Nepal.
What is Spring like in Nepal?
The spring season lasts from March to May. It is a perfect season to explore Nepal’s vicinity as the weather is warm and pleasant. You may face light showers too.
The trekking trails bloom with colorful flowers, and the wildlife is also best explored during this time.
What is Summer like in Nepal?
Summer and monsoon season co-occurs in Nepal. June to September has the highest temperatures with intermittent rainfall. As a result, the trekking trails get muddy, and the Terai regions get too hot to explore.
However, these seasons are an excellent time to explore the city areas and the lush, green countrysides.
What is Autumn like in Nepal?
Autumn is another best time to visit Nepal. September welcomes the autumn season. It lasts from October to November.
The days are dry and pleasant, making it best to explore the country and go trekking. There is excellent visibility of the mountain ranges and landscapes of the country.
Conclusion: Which season is the best to travel to Nepal?
Now that all the seasons of Nepal are well explained, the best season to travel depends on your preference for the type of adventure you want and the time that fits your schedule.
Weather-wise, Autumn then, Spring are the best to travel the country, but every season in Nepal has its distinct advantages and challenges. With the right training, gear, team, and mentality, anyone can travel to Nepal anytime.
