When is the Best Time to Visit Nepal?

Have you already packed your bags and are currently researching when the best time to visit Nepal is? To end your curiosity, the best time to visit Nepal is Autumn (September-November) and Spring (March-May). Now this largely depends on the motive for which you want to visit the country.

You may be planning to go to Chitwan National Park, Kathmandu sightseeing, or trekking. But largely, the autumn and spring seasons are good from a climate and weather point of view. These are also the peak times for traveling, hiking, and sightseeing. Spring (March to May) is an incredible time to see the blooming rhododendrons, the temperature remains warm, and the best part is the longer daylight hours.

Similarly, in the Autumn (from September to November) season, the air is fresh, the sky gets clear after the monsoon, and you’ll get great mountain views. So, all in all, these are some of the ideal months to see the freshness and the best out of this country. In this blog, we’ll also be clarifying the perfect time to visit this country, depending on purposes, one by one. So, without any further ado, let’s get started!

When is the Best Time to Visit Nepal?

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best seasons or times to visit Nepal. Let’s dig deeper and do the month-by-month analysis to have a clearer picture.

Month-by-Month Guide

January in Nepal

Nepal in January is very cold, or can also be called the coldest month in the entire year. It can get up to 1 °C.

• It is only good for wildlife spotting or wildlife safaris, as the tiger watching period begins from mid-January.
• Rarely do people trek during this month.
• Most often, trails are blocked due to heavy snow at higher altitudes.

February in Nepal

The weather is quite cold as well during this month, but after this month, the weather starts getting warmer as the day progresses. The nighttime is even colder. Few may trek during this month, but the visibility remains poor because of snow and clouds.

• Lower-altitude treks can be a bit easier.
• Fewer crowds can be experienced while trekking.

March in Nepal

This is the start of the spring and the trekking season. Blooming rhododendrons and other wildflowers can be seen at this time.

• Lots of trekking.
• The popular trekking destinations remain jam-packed or busy.
• Clear views; the most popular time is alongside autumn.

April in Nepal

Plenty of high-altitude trekking is also done in April. The weather gets pretty warm with sunny days in Kathmandu city. In the lowland areas like Terai, you’ll start feeling hot. Due to the hot weather, tiger watching chances are pretty high with the temperature reaching around 30 degree celsius.

• Ideal time to do a wildlife safari in Chitwan National Park, as the tiger spotting is high.
• Tons of high-altitude trekking.

May in Nepal

One of the warmest months with the temperature reaching up to 35°C to 40°C. One last good month for trekking/hiking and wildlife safari. At this time, you can visit various National parks of Nepal also.

• Hot and humid in the terai regions.
• Monsoon is about to come.

June in Nepal

June means the beginning of the monsoon season.

• It is the off-season for trekking, especially in June.
• Many of the trekking trails remain closed due to landslides and floods.
• National parks also remain closed because of the poor condition of roads.

July in Nepal

We enter the peak monsoon season, and almost no activities happen during this month.

• Peak monsoon, or in other words, the wettest month.
• Farmers role comes into play, as they work hard to grow rice paddies. It is the ideal time for harvesting.
• Monsoon is crucial for farmers as it is the official rice paddy planting season.
• Almost all trekking trails and the teahouses get closed in July.

August in Nepal

August is still monsoon time, and the weather is pretty hot and wet. It can also be said that it is the last monsoon month.

• Rains not pretty heavily but rains almost every day.
• Generally rains at afternoon and at night.
• Rice paddies are pretty lush with a sufficient amount of rain.
• Just like previous months, the teahouse and trails remain closed in August too.

September in Nepal

It is the beginning of another trekking season, in other words, the autumn trekking season. Some amount of rain can be expected in September; however, not much.

• The weather becomes totally clear after the monsoon rain takes away all the dirt, pollution, etc.
• The weather remains pretty much stable, allowing you to go for a trek.
• As the day passes, the weather gets better and better.

October in Nepal

Many people start trekking in October with the skies being crystal clear.

• Natural views (including the mountains) are a sight to admire during October.
• The weather remains pretty dry and cloud-free.
• Trekking is actively done during this month.
• Ideal time to do sightseeing tours as the weather opens up, giving the sights to behold.

November in Nepal

In November, the best possible views can be experienced, with the crystal clear sky and picturesque mountain views. One of the country’s most popular festivals, Dashain and Tihar, also fall at this time, with the colder days coming nearby in December. Hence, it is one of the prettiest times to be in this country with breathtaking natural beauty on offer, the occasion of major festivals in the country, and happiness on people’s faces.

December in Nepal

The cold season arrives in December, and we can almost say the end of the trekking season in Nepal. The cold isn’t that much during this time, as people often go trekking in higher altitudes. The trekking routes are, however, quieter in December, and you can do the Annapurna Circuit trek as well as trekking in the Everest region.

Best Time of Year to Visit Nepal

The best time of year to visit Nepal, or the peak season in terms of weather, climate, and openness are the autumn season, which runs from September to November. Similarly, another peak season can be considered as the spring season, falling from March to May.

These are the peak seasons or the best time of year to visit Nepal for sightseeing, hiking/trekking, and normal traveling.

Specialities of Nepal in the Autumn Season

• This is the time after the monsoon, clear skies, and the air is fresh because the rain takes away all the pollution.
• Mountain views are surreal at this time, making the environment photogenic.
• Major festivals like Dashain and Tihar also fall during this time. Celebrations take place all over the country, and you can see joy and happiness in people’s faces.

Specialities of Nepal in the Spring Season

• Rhododendrons and other wildflowers bloom, creating majestic views.
• Days are pretty warm but not too hot.
• Longer daylight hours.

Which is the Worst Time of the Year to Visit Nepal?

The worst time of the year to visit Nepal, or the off-peak seasons, are:

Winter Season (From December to February)

• The temperature gets freezing cold during this time.
• Higher chances of snow, ice blocking the roads, and trekking trails.
• High-altitude trekking is not recommended at all.

Summer Season (June to August)

• Monsoon falls during these months with heavy rain showers and humidity.
• Chances of landslides and floods are higher.
• Trekking and sightseeing tours are difficult because of slippery trails and road blockages.

Best Time to Visit Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. It is rich in history, culture, and full of natural beauty. Situated in the Kathmandu Valley, the capital city includes plenty of historic sites, sacred temples, and shrines. In Kathmandu, you’ll also see several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and many more.

The city also has some vibrant places, including Thamel, where the nightlife is pretty lively. The streets are amazing too, with showcases of art and culture on display in many shops. The best time to visit Kathmandu largely depends on what you want to experience and the activities that you wish to do:

Kathmandu in Spring

Spring in Kathmandu is a very good time to visit, with pleasant weather and crystal clear skies. The days are pretty warm too, with the temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degree celsius. When visiting the streets of the city, you’ll get glimpses of rhododendrons, jacarandas, and cherry blossoms, adding to the charm even more.

Multi coloured rhododendrons bloom with clear blue skies, making it ideal for sightseeing. Surrounding hills and valleys can be seen clearly. The Nepali New Year also falls in mid-April, which is widely celebrated, and other local cultural events also take place. Many people begin trekking as well because of the favourable weather and conditions.

Kathmandu in Autumn

Kathmandu in the autumn season means you can expect sunny days with temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 degree celsius. It is also a peak travel/trekking season. Breathtaking panoramas of the mountains can be experienced with proper visibility during these months. The chances of rainfall are pretty low in Kathmandu Valley.

It is the perfect time to explore renowned UNESCO Heritage Sites such as Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. Other than that, you can go hiking near the Kathmandu Valley; there are plenty of popular hiking spots, such as Suryachaur hiking, Phulchowki hike, etc.

Dashain and Tihar, the major festivals of Nepal, also fall during this period, and joy and celebrations take place in every region of the country.

Kathmandu in Winter

Winter in Kathmandu is quite cold; temperatures range from 2 to 20 degrees celsius. If you love the pleasant winter weather, then you can absolutely do cultural sightseeing tours inside the valley. Visit the Kathmandu valley’s cultural and historical sites, talk with locals, and try authentic local foods.

Several festivals also fall during the winter season, including Holi (the festival of colors), Maha Shivaratri (worshipping of the famous Hindu deity, Lord Shiva), and Losar (Tibetan New Year).

Kathmandu in Monsoon

Running from June to August, the monsoon in Kathmandu is not an ideal time to visit at all. Heavy downpours or rainfall occur during these months, making the road slippery and visibility poor. The city becomes lush green. On the brighter side, the rain washes away the dust and pollution, making the city clean.

No trekking activities are recommended, especially in this season, as the majority of the teahouses are blocked on higher-altitudes. Rice planting is done with various locals involved in rice planting, while enjoying and singing traditional songs.

The Best Time to Visit Nepal for Festivals

Nepal has plenty of different caste and ethnic groups, each with its unique culture. During your visit to Nepal, you’ll get to experience several cultures, people, lifestyles, and landscapes. There are many festivals and events happening on a regular basis in Nepal. Some of the major festivals in Nepal are:

Dashain (Bijaya Dashami)

• Dashain, or Bijaya Dashami in Nepali, is a main festival of Nepal. It falls in late September mostly, but sometimes in early October.
• In the biggest festival of the year, Dashain, all the people seek blessings from the elderly ones and put tika and jamara. (young barley or maize seedlings)
• They visit their relatives’ homes one by one.
• It is the longest and most auspicious festival of Nepal.

Tihar

• Tihar is called the festival of lights, and it is the second-biggest festival after Dashain.
• It usually falls between October and November.
• This festival is celebrated for five days, and people mainly worship Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth.

Shivaratri Festival

• Shivaratri, also called Maha Shivaratri, is a Hindu festival that honors and worships Lord Shiva (the most powerful Hindu deity)
• Thousands of people gather in Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, which is the holiest shrine of the Hindus.
• The day is also remembered as the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, and in the night, Shiva performed the Tandava.

Holi Festival

• Holi is a Hindu festival also called the ‘festival of colors’. People celebrate it by spreading colors on the faces of others and sharing joy and laughter.
• It falls on the full moon day of the Nepalese month of Phagun (February-March).
• The reason behind the celebration of this festival is the triumph of good over evil.

Haritalika Teej

• This festival is celebrated in August/September.
• During this festival, unmarried women fast in the hope of marrying good husbands. Similarly, married women pray for the progress and good health of their husbands.
• During this festival, women wear beautiful red saris and jewelry and sing and dance.

In overall, the major festivals like Dashain and Tihar falls in the autumn season in the month of. Whereas Holi and Shivaratri falls in the spring season.

The Best Time to Visit Nepal for Budget Travelers

Off-peak season is the best time to visit Nepal for budget travelers. This is because the prices go up during the peak season for accommodation, flights, guide costs, and many more. If you have low money, then it’s best you either visit Nepal during the winter time or the monsoon season.

During these off-peak seasons, you’ll experience a massive drop in rates of hotel/accommodations. Similarly, if you wish to do hiking/trekking, then the teahouses on the trekking trail also offer low rates compared to the peak season.

• Looking at all these cost-related factors, it’s best if you arrive in Nepal in the winter season (December to February).
• You can also visit during the monsoon season from June to August; however, winter is far better than coming in the monsoon.
• Considering the difficulty factors, winter is better than the monsoon.
• In the monsoon, trails can be slippery and views not so good.
• If you’re keen to visit in the monsoon season, then the Upper Mustang is the best. This is because it is also one of the rain-shadow areas of Nepal.

The Best Time to Visit Nepal for Trekking

As mentioned earlier, the best time to visit Nepal for trekking is during the following seasons:

• Autumn Season: Autumn usually means the months of early September to late November. It is undoubtedly the best time for trekking. The temperature is good, there is clear visibility, and the air is fresh.
• Spring Season: The spring season begins in March and lasts until May. This is the second-best time to do trekking after the autumn season. The weather is pretty warm. Blomming floras makes the environment even more beautiful.

The Best Time to Visit Nepal for Hiking

Similar to trekking, the best time to visit Nepal for hiking is also during the Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May). In autumn, the hiking trails get busier, as do the teahouses, compared to the spring season.

Apart from visiting Nepal for hiking in autumn and spring seasons, you can arrive here in the winter too. Winter lasts from December to February, and nearby hikes to Kathmandu valley is still manageable if you’re someone who loves cold days. Best is to avoid monsoon times.

The Best Time to Visit Nepal for Clear Skies

As a matter of fact, the best time to visit Nepal for clear skies is the Autumn season. The months of October to November are when the skies open up, and you can get surreal views of the surrounding mountains. This is also the post-monsoon time, meaning the rain took away all the buildup of dirt and pollution.

This is why the air becomes clean afterwards, the skies become blue, and the visibility remains top-notch. The clear panoramic views of the mountains can also be seen.

Winter (December to February) is another ideal time when you can see crystal-clear views despite the cold weather.

The best visibility and clear skies can often be observed in months like October, November, December, and January.

The Best Time to Visit Nepal for a Wildlife Safari

The best time to visit Nepal for a wildlife safari is:

• Months from October to February are the perfect time for a wildlife safari in Bardia or Chitwan.
• The weather is a bit chilly and dry during these months.
• Months of March to May are ideal in terms of tiger sightings since the weather is hot and humid, which makes them come outside and jump into the water sources.
• The months to avoid visiting for a wildlife safari are from June to September, which is usually the monsoon. Heavy rain makes it tough to do the wildlife safaris, especially the jungle walks and jeep safaris.

During these mentioned months you can engage in activities like jeep safaris, do jungle walks, or canoe trips for more animal sightings. The best wildlife safari locations are Chitwan and Bardiya National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best month to travel to Nepal?

Ans: The best month to travel to Nepal is during the autumn season. This means the months of October and November, we can also add late September. During these months, the sky is clear, visibility is good, and the ideal temperature (not too hot, nor too cold).

What is the off-season in Nepal?

Ans: The off-season in Nepal means the monsoon and winter season. Monsoon starts from June to August, similarly, winter runs from December to February.

Is Nepal good to visit in May?

Yes, it is. May is a good month to visit Nepal since it falls in the spring season. The weather remains ideal with clear skies, and it is also a perfect time if you’re thinking of doing high-altitude trekking.

Which month is the rainy season in Nepal?

Generally, from June to early September is considered the rainy season in Nepal. During these months, heavy rainfall occurs in every corner or regions of the country.

When not to visit Nepal?

You shouldn’t visit Nepal during the peak monsoon season. It means the month of June upto the September; heavy showers make it extremely difficult to walk or do hiking/trekking activities.

Which month is very hot in Nepal?

Some of the hottest months in Nepal are mainly May and June. During these months, temperatures can go up to 30 to 40 degree celsius, especially in the lower Terai region of Nepal.

Which part of Nepal is most beautiful?

Pokhara is one of the most beautiful cities in Nepal, and it attracts a large number of tourists every single year. The city is blessed with several pristine lakes and is the gateway to the Annapurna region. From here, breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains can also be seen.

What are the dos and don’ts in Nepal?

Some of the do’s you should follow are dress modestly, removing shoes when entering a house or temple, and treating everyone with respect. Similarly, some of the don’ts are not using the left hand when eating, not kissing in public, and not eating beef.

How long should I spend in Nepal?

You should spend at least a week in order to experience the beauty of this country fully. Two weeks is ideal for doing sightseeing tours or performing any hiking or trekking activities.