The best time to visit Nepal, a small country with diverse landscape, climate and culture, is during spring and autumn. The spring months March, April and May; and the autumn months September, October and November are ideal for adventure and fun activities. The pleasant and clear weather makes Nepal the perfect holiday destination for those who are looking for a quality time.
An ideal destination for trekkers, an apt place for sight-seeing across different geographical terrains, and a beautiful place to immerse in cultural diversity — Nepal offers just the right choice for all. All you need to know is what you want to do in Nepal, and then you get the answer of the best time to visit Nepal.
But you need not be limited to these three months — your Nepal visit depends on which part of the country you want to be and what you want to do there.
Trekking, mountaineering, hiking, rafting, sight-seeing, taking part in festivities: Choose your desire and identify the best time to visit Nepal.
These two seasons of the year as well as other seasons of the year have something for everyone in Nepal.
Here is a breakdown of the time of the year and the activities that you want to do in Nepal:
Ideal time for trekking in Nepal
The best time for trekking in Nepal is generally divided into two seasons, spring and autumn. The weather condition of Nepal becomes perfect for trekkers during the six months of these two seasons. The not-too-hot-or-cold weather, clear skies offering beautiful views during these months make it the best time to visit Nepal.
Before deciding on visiting Nepal for trekking, one should also know that Nepal is regarded as one of the world’s premier destinations for trekking. Over the years it has attracted people from different walks of life as trekkers.
Prince Charles , now King Charles III of Britain, experienced ‘Royal Trek’ in 1980 with the then Prince Dhirendra of Nepal, according to Nepali Times. The trek was specifically created for the then Prince Charles. Now, the Royal Trek has become so popular that many travel agents have put this experience in their itinerary.
Another famous figure to trek here is Oscar-winning Hollywood actor Adrian Brody. He was in Nepal in 2019 for trekking in the Everest region, according to the Nepal Tourism Board.
Along with these two places, there are multitude of other areas that offer trekking opportunities to the trek enthusiasts.
Some of the popular and notable trekking trails of Nepal comprise: Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang Valley, Upper Mustang, Manaslu Circuit, Poon Hill, and Mardi Himal among others.
The popular destinations you can explore as a trekker in spring comprise:
Now that you have been motivated to get your trekking gear ready, start choosing the right time to travel to Nepal. Read on to know which time of the year offers the best option for you.
Spring Trekking: March to May
Spring is regarded as one of the best trekking seasons in Nepal. Arrival of spring means you can experience warmer weather, blossoms, and a pleasant environment. Nepal, too offers these experiences in its spring months — March, April and May. The trekking trails are pleasant to be in during these months, enhancing your trekking experience.
It is a bit colder in early spring, offering trekkers a pleasant trekking experience, especially in areas including lower Annapurna. But the weather is not harsh like in winter, thus offering a comfortable experience to the trekkers. The average temperatures during the daytime range between 5°C to 25°C in the lower regions of the country. Meanwhile, the temperature can be somewhere between 5°C to 15°C in the higher altitudes.
As the temperature continues to warm up in April and May , the weather becomes clear, sunny and suitable for a good trekking experience. It is the best time to go to Nepal for trekking also because the days are longer. It means you can spend more time on your trekking trails. You need not rush to return to your hotel/lodge battling the early sunset like in winter.
The trekking trails of Nepal can be dangerous during monsoon due to the incessant rainfalls. The trekkers do not need to worry about this in their spring trek, especially till early May. Though one might experience pre-monsoon towards the end of May, which many point out as the impact of climate change.
Still confused about which month of spring to choose for your trekking? Here is a month-wise information for you.
March: Accessible trails, beautiful nature
March has the reputation of being an ideal month for trekkers in Nepal. The spring season begins in Nepal from the month of March. The trekking trails become more accessible to the trekkers with the rising temperature and melting snow. Gradually the days become longer in this month, which is a plus point for trekkers.
The weather is warmer as compared to the winter months (till February) in the lower regions (below 3,000 metres). But the places in higher altitudes (above 3,000 metres) can experience colder temperatures. Except for the highlands, the daytime temperature can be above 20°C. Yet you need to be careful while trekking to higher altitudes as the March nights have a reputation of being colder than December nights. You might have to consider carrying a light jacket for the same.
Other than that, it is all March wonders you can witness in the trekking trails. One of the highlights which makes March the best time to go to Nepal is the flowers. The rhododendron blooms on the trekking trails are a treat to the eyes. Plus the clear skies make it easier for you to view the majestic Himalayas of Nepal.
March is the perfect time to start the Everest Base Camp Trek due to the favourable weather of Nepal. The other trekking destinations could be Annapurna Circuit Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, and Pikey Peak Trek.
You can also allot some time to witness the festivities that March offers in Nepal amidst your trekking schedule. Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated in the month of March. The festival is observed for two days — Kathmandu and the hilly areas of the country mark this festival one day while those in Terai celebrate it on another day. People get together, and play with water and colours during the Holi. Ghode Jatra or the parade of horses is another spectacle to witness in the Capital city this month.
April: Warm weather, clear skies
April is the best time to travel to Nepal as it has favourable weather conditions — warm weather as well as clear skies. The small bit of haziness in lower regions in the month of March disappears in April.
The Terai region of Nepal gets hotter this month with temperature rising above 30°C. But the month is ideal for trekking in the sense that the higher altitude has just the perfect temperature — somewhere around 20°C. The snow-free trails make it easy for trekkers. Therefore, this month is known for high-altitude trekking.
Along with Annapurna Circuit Trek, you can opt for trekkings in Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang Valley, Manaslu Circuit, and Mardi Himal.
Like March, April also allows you to hike along the beautiful rhododendron blooms. The national flower of Nepal, rhododendron, welcomes you to the high-altitude trekking trails this month.
The colourful flowers are not the only things that welcome you in April. Riot of colours fill the streets of Bhaktapur district this month as the locals celebrate the traditional Bisket Jatra. You can also be a part of this festival observed by the Newars there. Chariots of deities are pulled through the Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Thimi in Bhaktapur district (Bhaktapur is a neighbouring district of Kathmandu). Crowds through the powder over one another while playing traditional musical instruments, dancing and pulling chariots in the streets.
May: Trekking before monsoon
The month of May has warm to very hot weather. It is the time for the beginning of the pre-monsoon season in Nepal. But that does not stop you from trekking in Nepal in May. It is the last month before most of the trekking trails get closed, except for the Mustang and Dolpo regions. What makes this month suitable for trekking is its mild and pleasant temperatures in lower regions of Nepal.
If you become lucky, you can also meet mountaineers heading to summit the peak Everest via your trekking trail — the Everest Base Camp. That’s because the spring is the season to climb Everest in Nepal.
Looking for suggestions on where to go for a trek this month? Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu Circuit, Langtang Valley and Mardi Himal could be the trekkers’ paradise.
Autumn Trekking: September to November
Autumn season (September, October, and November) in Nepal is regarded as another best time to trek here. It is also the peak trekking season of Nepal.
The weather in this season is mostly pleasant throughout the day, though at times it might be a little humid. The skies are clear and thus offer a clear view of the landscapes and mountains in autumn.
The lower regions have temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C during the daytime. In the higher altitudes temperatures can record somewhere between 5°C to 15°C.
Some of the features of the three months that make autumn the best time to go to Nepal include: clear skies following the end of monsoon rains, moderate temperatures suitable for trekking, lush green forests, and local festivities.
To explore the beautiful places with trekking trails in Nepal, all you need to do is begin as early as September, and make the most of your trekking experiences here.
September: Sunshine, greenery and more
In Nepal, the autumn trekking season begins from the month of September. Most importantly, all the trekking trails here remain open this month, known for offering clear views of the snow-clad mountains.
You need to remember that Nepal sees the fading monsoon season from this month. It means you might experience some rainfall, though. Trekking experts suggest the end of the month as the best time to visit Nepal as there is no rain, skies are clear and just the perfect weather is waiting to greet you. This time of the year is neither too hot, nor cold. The temperatures are mostly below 20°C in the trekking regions making it the perfect reason to be in Nepal.
Along with that the greenery in the trekking trails are something you would not want to miss when in Nepal.
Another reason September is the best time to go trekking in Nepal: There is less crowd in trekking trails as compared to the months of October and November.
The following are some of the best destinations for trekking in September — Everest Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Upper Mustang Trek, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, Makalu Base Camp Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, and Nar Phu Valley Trek.
One can also witness the festival of Teej in this month. Hindu women clad in red attire (mostly saris) fast on this day wishing for the longevity of their husbands’ life. It is a spectacle to see them visiting religious sites all in red, along with dancing and singing.
The month of September also sees the marking of the Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu. The chariot of the Living Goddess of Nepal, Kumari, is carried through the streets of Kathmandu as a part of the celebrations.
October: Stable weather for trekking
October, which also falls in autumn, sees a gradual betterment of weather as compared to September. The weather is pleasant this month: you can experience stable weather. The temperature is just right neither too cold, nor too hot, making it the best time of the year to visit Nepal for trekking. Trekkers consider this month as one of the best times of the year to trek in Nepal. Photography enthusiasts will love Nepal in October as it offers a clear view when you can capture the best shots of mountains and sceneries. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas en route to your trekking trail during this month.
Trekking trails start getting slightly crowded from this month, yet just the right thing for those who love like minded people around them. At the same time if you do not like the crowd, you need to be mentally prepared before you go there. The reason being: the trekking routes won’t be limited to yourself, so will the facilities offered on those routes.
Another warning: The rates of flights and accommodations tend to soar during this peak month.
To avoid the mix ups or other last minute mishaps and changes, experts suggest you book your flights, accommodations and other needed services and facilities.
Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base Camp, Manaslu Circuit are some of the popular trekking destinations. Nonetheless, other accessible destinations include Langtang Valley, Mardi Himal, Upper Mustang among others.
Do not miss to witness the Dashian festival before or after your trekking. One of the biggest celebrations amongst the Hindus residing in Nepal, it is celebrated for a week. Receiving tika and blessings from the elders in the family and relatives along with enjoying feats is the major attraction of the festival. You can witness this cultural facet of Nepal celebrated by the majority of the Nepalis here.
November: Lesser crowd
November, the final month of the autumn season, is yet another best month for trekking in Nepal. The climate is favourable during this period — it is the best time to visit Nepal for trekkers as they need not worry about unexpected changes in climatic conditions.
You get to experience the shift in the climatic pattern though — it starts transitioning to the winter season. This becomes a novel experience to witness on the lap of the snow-clad mountains. You continue to see the breathtaking views of the beautiful mountains during your Nepal visit in November.
If you do not wish to be a part of crowded trekkers, then mid-November could be just the right time for you to be trekking here. There is less crowd, offering you more time and space in solitude in the trekking trails.
Which are the popular November trekking destinations? Annapurna, Everest, Upper Mustang as well as Langtang regions are recommended for the scenic beauty they offer in addition to the unparalleled trekking experience.
Another reason November is the best time to visit Nepal as a trekker — it is less crowded as compared to October.
Get a sneak peek into the cultural life of Nepalis while trekking during this month. They celebrate the festival of Tihar in November. Urban centres like Kathmandu or Pokhara get illuminated during these five-day celebrations unlike Dashain when it is mostly quiet.
Winter trekking: December
December marks the end of the busy trekking season of Nepal. Annapurna Circuit and Everest regions can be accessible for trekking during this period. One thing trekkers need to keep in mind is that December marks the onset of winter. Though the months are not too cold, you might still be affected by the cold weather. Yet again, you can opt for trekking in certain areas while adapting to the climatic conditions. If you get lucky, you can spot snow leopards too during the winter trekking in Nepal. This month is ideal for low altitude trekking.
Very few people go trekking in January. You need to check before heading to high passes. They are usually covered with snow during this period.
Meanwhile, February in winter is known for Maha Shivaratri festival. It is a day dedicated to Lord Shiva, a Hindu deity. The devotees throng to the temples of Lord Shiva to mark the festival. Thousands of devotees gather in the Capital City Kathmandu from different parts of Nepal as well as from India. Marijuana is legal to consume on this day. Warning: Marijuana is illegal in Nepal but authorities do not take action against its devotees, especially on the premises of the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu.
Know Nepal’s weather before your visit
Spring (March-May)
| Nepal features | What to expect |
| Temperature (Daytime) | Lower region: 5°C to 25°C Higher region:5°C to 15°C |
| Weather | Moderate temperature, clear skies, |
| What to do | Trekking, sightseeing, wildlife safaris, watching blooming rhododendron forests |
| Pros (of Spring visit) | Fewer tourists, peaceful environment |
| Cons (of Spring visit) | Occasional pre-monsoon showers, pollen allergies |
Summer (June-August)
| Nepal features | What to expect |
| Temperature (Daytime) | Lower regions: 20°C to 40°CHigher regions: 3°C to 21°C |
| Weather | Hot and humid, heavy rainfall, occasional landslides |
| What to do | Good time to visit rain-shadow areas Mustang and Dolpo |
| Pros (of Summer visit) | Fewer crowds, lower prices |
| Cons (of Summer visit) | Risk of landslides, higher temperature and humidity in Terai, cloud cover and rain |
Autumn (September-November)
| Nepal features | What to expect |
| Temperature (Daytime) | Lower regions: 15°C to 25°CHigher regions: 15°C to 25°C |
| Weather | Stable, clear skies |
| What to do | Trekking, wildlife safaris, cultural visits, mountain flights, chance to observe cultural festivals like Dashain, Tihar |
| Pros (of Autumn visit) | Ideal condition for trekking due to pleasant weather |
| Cons (of Autumn visit) | Crowded trekking trails, higher prices |
Winter (December-February)
| Nepal features | What to expect |
| Temperature | Lower regions: 7°C to 23°CHigher regions: Can drop below zero |
| Weather | Snowfall, cold temperatures |
| What to do | Lower altitude treks, cultural tours, skiing and snowboarding |
| Pros (of Autumn visit) | Fewer crowds, chance to enjoy local cultures |
| Cons (of winter visit) | Trekking challenges due to cold weather, limited accessibility to trekking routes, risk of snowfall and avalanches |
Wildlife Spotting: January-February
Nepal is home just not to the Himalayas. There are plain areas featuring national parks that are a home to different wildlife. The national parks in the Terai region of Nepal — Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park — among others feature Royal Bengal Tiger and one-horned rhinoceros. You can spot this tiger species that is on the verge of extinction in these national parks. So is the case with the one-horned rhinoceros. The local villagers in the area cut tall grass in the late January and this allows for the easy spotting of these wild animals. You can go for elephant and jeep safaris to watch together, rhinos and other wildlife here — a thrilling adventure indeed.
April is also another month of the year when you can see tigers in Chitwan National Park visiting water resources.
Rafting Rendezvous
The continuously flowing rivers of Nepal offer a good rafting opportunity for the rafters keen to explore the rivers here. Based on the suitability of rafting according to the seasons, here are the reasons to find out the best time to visit Nepal.
- If you are looking for an exhilarating experience for rafting, opt for the months from September to December. The water level in the rivers increases during this time, an ideal condition for thrilling rafting adventure.
- The second best time for rafting is from the month of March to early June. The water level is comparatively low but it becomes easier to raft.
- Experts warn of cold weather difficulties if you want to raft from late December to February. The weather is cold leading to cold water in the rivers, thus making one prone to health issues like hypothermia.
- Monsoon rafting — June to August — is discouraged as the water flow is very high. It makes it dangerous to raft in the fast flowing rivers of Nepal.
Sightseeing: September-May
Nepal offers a myriad of places with beautiful features. Sightseeing, thus, can be one of the reasons to visit Nepal. Thus, September to May may be the best time to travel to Nepal if sightseeing is your option. One of the best criteria for sightseeing is clear skies and weather, and these months are perfect for that.
Where should you go for sightseeing? Cities like Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur are rich in ancient temples and palace squares with their interesting stories. Many of them have been listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites too, invaluable assets of the country. The Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square are to name a few.
Pokhara, one of the famous tourist destinations in the country, is known for its lakes, paragliding, and beautiful views of the mountains.
The other place is Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. It features places including Maya Devi Temple, Bodhi tree, Ashoka pillar, and Peace Flame to name a few.
Jungle safaris, bird watching as well as canoe rides make the Chitwan and Bardia national parks not-to-be-missed destinations in Nepal for sightseeing. Once again, these features make these months the best time to travel to Nepal.
Mountain Biking
A mix of diverse terrains in Nepal make the country a paradise for the mountain bikers. The adventurous sports can be best enjoyed from the month of October to December. The reason being there is no rain during this period, plus the visibility is good. But do not limit yourself to these months only as the country offers biking opportunities in different terrains in different months.
The months of October to December can be good for biking anywhere up to about 3000m. The Terai region of Nepal as well as Pokhara are comparatively warmer during these months, even up to January, offering ideal conditions for biking.
Meanwhile, if you are looking for mountain biking in Mustang, the best time is mid June to the end of September.
Biking experts also suggest one to determine the best time to go to Nepal based on the race calendar. Nepal is known for different races/competitions that are organised throughout the year. One can check the calendar and make the itinerary to visit Nepal if that person is a biking enthusiast.
Some of the notable events include:
- Yak Attack: Early March. Kathmandu to Thorung La Pass in the Annapurna range
- The Trans Nepal: December. Kathmandu to Pokhara.
