Weather
Weather Overview
Because of the varied topography, the weather in Nepal can vary wildly from one district to another. As a general rule, temperatures fall and rainfall decreases the higher up you go. In the high-altitude deserts of the Tibetan Plateau, temperatures hover just above freezing for most of the year and it almost never rains.
From March to April and October to November – the best times to visit Nepal – days are generally warm with little rain, decent sunshine and temperatures in the 24-28°C (75-83°F) range.
From November to March, night-time temperatures can drop close to freezing, and snow can block mountain passes, though Pokhara and Kathmandu rarely see more than a few flakes.
May and early June are unbearably hot and sticky and rain buckets down most days from May to September. Kathmandu is generally drier than Pokhara at this time of year, while the Terai positively drowns.
Best time to go / Climate
Nepal has a primarily temperate climate, with some tropical and alpine regions. From June until September the monsoon usually rages across the whole country, meaning it is generally too wet and humid for trekking.
In the post-monsoon months of September, October and November, the vegetation is lush – rice-harvesting season – and the air is clean, with excellent mountain views. The days are warm and sunny, with increasingly cool nights. This marks the beginning of the trekking season, which runs until May. During the winter months (December to February), the air is dry and clear with temperatures dropping down well below the freezing point at high altitudes, although in Kathmandu, the thermometer can sometimes reach a pleasant 25 C.
Spring (March to May) brings a warmer and slightly hazier air and is particularly beautiful with the rhododendrons and the orchids in flower.
Pokhara enjoys warmer temperatures than Kathmandu, often 5 C warmer and generally lovely sunny day times throughout November to February, excellent Himalayan views and pollution free.
Temperature Chart (Celsius)
